Creek Walking

Creek Walking, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

on display in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Gallery

Bull Creek runs through the middle of Austin and is a popular greenbelt for hikers, dog walkers and young families. Since the water is pretty shallow and runs over a limestone floor, folks tend to walk right down the middle of it. For this painting, I was able to find a dry spot to paint from, as creek walkers came and went on their hikes. 

"Creek Walking" is currently on display at the Austin Airport gallery (through March 24) in a Plein Air Austin show entitled "Figures in the Austin Landscape".

Upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Winter Grasses

Winter Grasses, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Today started out chilly but ended up warm and sunny; and perfect for painting outside. A few of us met up to paint together at a favorite spot along Bull Creek here in Austin. These golden winter grasses growing in the limestone creek bed had a glow that was simply irresistible.

Creek Falls

Creek Falls, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This is where the lazy creek from yesterday's painting flows down to a lower level. There is a swirling swimming hole here in the suds and kids (of all ages) love to play in it. Yes, I did paint here two days in a row. Like I said, when there is water in the creeks I get myself down there. :)

Lazy Creek

Lazy Creek, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

We have finally had some good rainfall in Austin and all the seasonal creeks are flowing again. YAY! They literally disappear during droughts... this one was bone dry in March. After the rains, I came right down to this spot and was thrilled to see water on the low-water crossing... where the creek runs right over the road. I just loved driving through the water again (and painting it)!

EXCITING NEWS: I am getting ready to go to Wisconsin next week for the Door County Plein Air Festival, where I will be one of 40 participating featured artists!! I am so excited and honored to be part of this great group of painters. We will paint all over the peninsula then exhibit the wet paintings the following weekend. I grew up in Wisconsin, so it's a big thrill to be returning to my childhood stomping grounds. :) Wish me luck!

Dry Creek Bed

Dry Creek Bed, L. Daniel, 12 x 9
SOLD

Normally, Bull Creek is full of water that flows back to some limestone ledges and a small waterfall. After a summer of no rain, it's temporarily dry. Walking up the creek on dry land is an odd feeling but the limestone bed is beautiful and smooth from the water flow. This is always one of my favorite places to paint in the fall, and I really hope the water is back next year.

Grand Oak

Grand Oak, 6 x 6, SOLD

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...and this has been a grand week. I just finished teaching a 2-day workshop where I met some fabulous painters who are now like old friends. It's always a joy to watch artists at work and participate in the creative process with them. It's a privilege I never take for granted; and I'm sure I'm the one who learns the most. Many thanks to my students - new and old!

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Ledges at Bull Creek

Ledges at Bull Creek, 9 x 12

Today was my first chance since the new year to paint en plein air. After several paintout cancellations due to cold and rain in the last six weeks, it was a joy to be out in the sunshine. Not only that, but this creek was full and flowing - something we haven't seen since before the draught. A glorious sight!

Morning At Bull Creek

Morning At Bull Creek, 24 x 24

This is a studio piece I painted a few weeks ago. I loved the golden color of the reflections that morning.

Golden Creek

Golden Creek, 8 x 6

Yesterday was another great day to be outside painting... however, I had to start over 5 times! Some days it's just hard to get in the groove. I hate leaving on a bad note though, so I kept at it. I finally got it together when I decided to pull out a small panel and just do a "study". That small mental shift made a huge difference!

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And thank you, Julie Davis, for the Kreativ Blogger Award! It's a great honor and affirmation!

Cool Air, Crisp Light

Winter Light at the Creek, 12 x 16

On Thursday, I painted outside with a new painting friend from Idaho, Bob Bissett. Since Austin was in one of its every-other-day temperature swings, I had on my fingerless gloves and was all bundled up. He thought it was comfortable... hot even. But that cold air seems to clarify the light somehow - it was glorious to be out.