Bea's Place - Door County Plein Air Festival

Bea's Place, 12x16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Day Three of the plein air festival was a full one... I painted on the bay in the morning, in the countryside in the afternoon, and back at the lake for the evening sunset. I'll admit that I was exhausted at the end of the day, but it was SO much fun. It's nice when my only task from sun-up to sun-down is to paint, paint, and paint again. 

Rocky Shore, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Sister Islands Sunset, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

OH!! And my parents came up to Door County for part of the week, and they were there to root me on during the sunset paintout. (Did I mention that all forty of the festival artists were painting for a crowd in Sister Bay that night??) It was so much fun to have them there!

Summer Hollyhocks - Door County Plein Air Festival

Summer Hollyhocks, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

On Day 2 of the Door County Plein Air Festival, I spent the morning at the Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek. Edgewood is a most beautiful gallery that is bursting with amazing artwork and surrounded by gardens that are truly inspirational. These hollyhocks were my favorite...

In the afternoon, I hightailed it to a spot I had found before the festival started. I knew the sun would light up this little shop at the end of the day, and that some fun, dramatic shadows would be in the mix. I was not disappointed when I got there. This piece sold at the gala to a sweet family who followed the festivities and encouraged me all week. The painting will be going off to college with their oldest daughter in the fall. That makes me soooo happy! All my best to Miss T.S.!

The Blue Door, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Painting Papel - Door County Plein Air Festival

Painting Papel, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Well, I said I wouldn't have time to post, but here I am. This is my first painting of the Door County Plein Air Festival 2013! I had a great time painting this little paper shop, named "Papel", in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. It's pretty in pink exterior and bountiful flowers were impossible to pass up. I also met many wonderful art aficionados who came by to check on us artists. Thanks to all who said hello and gave me a kind word of encouragement! :)

Hidden Canyon

Hidden Canyon, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

(Painted last week in Austin)

This week, I am up in Wisconsin for the Door County Plein Air Festival! I am so excited to be invited back as one of the featured artists in this weeklong, so-much-fun, event! Tonight we all gathered for dinner and an orientation, and tomorrow we will hit the deck running. It will be a week of non-stop painting. I probably won't post any pictures until it's all over because time won't permit. But please wish me luck!!!! And if you happen to be in Door County, please find me and say hello. 

Door County Plein Air Festival Schedule:

July 22-26 - Painters on location in Door County, daily
July 24 - Sunset Paintout in Sister Bay, 6 p.m. - sunset
July 26 - Gala Auction at Peninsula Art School in Fish Creek, 5 - 9 p.m.
July 27 - Quickpaint/Live Auction at dockside in Fish Creek, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Backyard Rest Stop

Backyard Rest Stop, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

On Monday, I really wanted to paint outside, but it rained all day long. Water is much needed in these parts, so no complaints! I decided to stay home and paint in my own back yard. It was quite pleasant (and oddly relaxing) to watch the showers come and go while I stayed dry under the covered patio.

Creek Reflections

Creek Reflections, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Back in Texas, I have been working on a commission and some larger pieces in the studio. But I have gotten outside to paint a bit, and enjoyed meeting up with my buddies in Plein Air Austin to paint at a private creekside property a couple of weeks ago. (I am a bit behind in my posting.) It's good to be home...

Feasting Egrets - Georgia Coast

Feasting Egrets, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This is the last painting from my trip to the Georgia coast. I've been home for awhile now, and sharing these paintings has been a fun way to revisit my time there. I miss my morning walks by the marsh, the light on the beach, and the smell of the salt air. You won't be surprised to hear that I am already planning my next trip. Thank you for following my efforts!

Beach Breezes - Georgia Coast

Beach Breezes, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Painting on the beach can be challenging because of the blinding light, so finding a beach with a little bit of shade is always my preference. On this day, strong breezes added to that challenge. Although I found a spot that was sheltered, I still had to hold on to my easel the whole time I was painting to keep it from blowing over. It was a bit of a battle (with several wipedowns), so I was happy to walk away with this small piece. 

Cloud Billows - Georgia Coast

Cloud Billows, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

(For more info on this piece, click on the title)

After a brief July 4th hiatus, I am back with just a few remaining images from my trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia. Marsh scenes like this one with big, active skies are plentiful in that part of the country. There is something about those low country colors that just gets me every time I see them! It's a wonder I don't drive off the road sometimes. 

Woodland Hideaway - Georgia Coast

Woodland Hideaway, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L Daniel © 2013

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Old growth pine trees line the edges of many marshes in the low country. They are very tall and drop the loveliest smelling needles (commonly referred to as "pine straw"). People use pine straw to mulch their gardens; and after a good rain, the aroma is completely intoxicating! Just one of the simple pleasures...

Brilliant Morning - Georgia Coast

Brilliant Morning, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Available at the Anderson Gallery

Early morning on the marsh... low tide with just a bit of water left, long shadows, marsh daisies in bloom, blue skies with a picture perfect cloud bank... It just doesn't get much better than that! 

Twisting Turns - Georgia Coast

Twisting Turns (study), 6 x 8, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Oh, the marsh... I am already missing its lovely twists and turns... and its hourly changes. Here is just one moment in time that I was able to capture while painting in the low country. We had an uneventful (thankfully), 18 hour road trip driving home from Georgia. I have unpacked, sorted, laundered and put away... and am now trying to remember what "normal" is like in Texas. It's good to be back.

Marshland Creek - Georgia Coast

Marshland Creek (study), 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Sadly, our time in Georgia has come to an end. As always, it went by too fast, and I am grateful for every minute. I got in lots of painting time (more posts to come) and had wonderful family visits as well. This painting is one of my favorites from the trip. The ever-changing marshland on the Georgia coast always intrigues me - from its brimming high tide waters to its low tide trickling streams, I never tire of its beauty.

Arbor Welcome - Georgia Coast

Arbor Welcome, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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I am very fortunate to be visiting and painting on St. Simon's Island, GA for a month. We are staying in a beach community, with wonderful old (and new) beach houses in the surrounding neighborhood. I love to check out the cottages on my morning walks and have always loved the entrance to this one. The vine covered arbor is just so warm and welcoming!

English Garden - Georgia Coast

English Garden, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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English gardens usually have an element of surprise and a bit of whimsy. This front yard garden was a delightful combination of both. Penny, the garden's owner (who is actually from England), was out pulling weeds when I got started painting her house. She was kind of enough to move her car and came out to check on me halfway through. Unfortunately, she was gone when I finished the painting, but I think she knew I loved all the color and textures in her yard. Thank you, Penny!

Garden Entrance - Georgia Coast

Garden Entrance, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

This fancy side entrance leads to a shop in downtown Brunswick, Georgia. It is adjacent to a lovely public garden, where the agapanthus and hydrangeas are in full bloom and bursting with color. 

While I was painting there with my friend Alyson, we met some colorful local characters as well. They gave us a little bit of encouragement and LOTS of advice. My favorite tidbits included, "you need to 3-D it up a bit"... and... "you definitely, definitely need to add a flag." Some days, everyone stops to talk. 

Tidal Flow - Georgia Coast

Tidal Flow, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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These inter-coastal waterways seem to go on forever through the low country. I stood on a dock to paint this piece, but I also love boating on the marshland rivers. My father-in-law has been navigating these waters his whole life and has taught his family to appreciate (and respect) the changing tides and the twists and turns of the marsh. It's always a huge treat when he takes us out. (Thanks for all the great excursions, Charlie!)

Old Bait Dock - Georgia Coast

Old Bait Dock, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

This old dock has definitely seen some better days, and I am guessing it has also seen some interesting history. It's fun to imagine. Along the coast of Georgia rivers like this one ribbon their way through the marshes, connecting the islands and communities of the low country. They are dotted with docks, both new and old, but I have a special affinity for the ones that have a little more patina on them. 

Maggie's Dress Shop - Georgia Coast

Maggie's Dress Shop, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

One thing is for sure about the south - people like to dress up. It's not at all uncommon to see linen dresses and seersucker suits across the aisle at church; and even the casual clothes seem a bit more colorful and coordinated than in other parts of the country. Maggie's has been selling women's finery on St. Simons Island for years. The turquoise building, arched window displays, and red geraniums are a true siren song for the shopper in anyone. :)

River Boat - Georgia Coast

River Boat, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

This elegant river boat sits at the end of a quiet little marina just over the causeway to Jekyll Island (about 30 minutes from St. Simons). While I was painting, two young boys who were on a houseboat trip with their grandparents kept a close eye on my progress. They peppered me with rapid-fire questions... "Will you put in the bridge? Is that your boat? How long have you painted? Do you sell your paintings? How much will this cost? What is the biggest painting you have ever painted? How much was THAT one? Will you put in the other boats? Why didn't you paint the other end of the dock?" 

The boys must have been listening, because later they brought over their grandparents and gave them the entire spiel, complete with prices and explanations about how I had edited the scene. It was pretty funny to hear one of them point out quite logically, "she left out the bridge, grandma, because including it would take our eyes off the boat."

Back Door Shadows - Georgia Coast

Back Door Shadows, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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The shadows on this little southern house were just too delicious to pass up. And then there was the old fashioned screen door... can't you just hear it slamming now? If you are like me, you can still hear your mom's voice calling from inside, "don't slam the door!" Maybe I am giving away my age here talking about screen doors and all, but these are such good memories. 

Painted at the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Brunswick, GA. 

Cathy's Garden Gate - Georgia Coast

Cathy's Garden Gate, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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The Golden Isles are in full bloom right now, and this flowery entry gate is right down the street from where I am staying. After passing by every day for a week, I finally had to stop and paint it. When Cathy (the owner and gardener extraordinaire) saw the painting, she bought it on the spot. It makes me so happy and seems right that the painting will stay with her. 

Plantation Barn - Georgia Coast

Plantation Barn, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Just down the road from St. Simons Island is the historic site of the Hofwyl-Broadfield Rice Plantation. This plantation was owned and occupied by the same family from 1804 to 1973 and is now a state park. Many of the buildings are open for viewing, a docent explains all about rice farming, and the house still has all the original furniture in it. This beautiful old barn was nestled between the oak trees and dripping spanish moss. I loved its shape and large overhanging eaves (and its afternoon shadows.)

Marsh Breeze

Marsh Breeze, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Standing on the edge of the marsh is delightful when there is a breeze blowing across the water. It keeps the humidity and mosquitos away (two very important functions). The morning I painted this scene I had breeze AND shade, and it was absolutely heaven!

Side note: I will be painting on St. Simons Island on the Georgia coast for the next few weeks. (St. Simons has been an important family gathering place for many years.) I will be posting a little more often during this time. Please read along and join me in my daily painting adventures.

Arbor Fence - Plein Air Demo

Arbor Fence - Plein Air Demo, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Last week I taught a 3-day workshop to 12 wonderful students in St. Simons Island, GA. I began this demo on the first day, but a storm threatened our session and I never finished it. (As it turned out, the rain never came.) I promised to complete the demo after the workshop, but ended up starting over completely in order to take process photos for my students. Here are the notes... for my students and for you. :)

1) Block-in and underdrawing (ultramarine and burnt sienna.)

2) Mass in dark uprights - in the shadow family.

3) Mass in dark uprights - in the light family.

4) Mass in sky plane and ground plane.

(The pink ground came from the sand color beneath the grass.)

 5) Work grass color into ground plane. Adjust values as needed.

Remember that values come together as they recede into the distance. 

(Less contrast, less chroma in color, less detail, less texture.) 

6) Add final details and highlights. Push color relationships.

(I painted the fence wet into wet, using a liner brush.)

Bursting Pomegranate

Bursting Pomegranate, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

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This is another new piece just delivered to the Anderson Gallery in St. Simons Island, Georgia. You might remember the small study I did awhile back when a friend brought me these pomegranates from her yard. One of them had burst open on its own in the ripening process; and the translucent kernels inside were so compelling I just HAD to do a larger painting. :)

Paintings of St. Simons Island are coming soon. I finally got the first few pieces photographed today so I can begin posting. I will be painting up a storm down here in the days and weeks to come, so please stay tuned. 

Loquat Branch

Loquat Branch, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

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I just finished a crazy busy week that included a road trip to Georgia, teaching a three day workshop on St. Simons Island, and painting in the beautiful Golden Isles. I will be here for several weeks, enjoying my family and painting the gorgeous scenery I so love. "Loquat Branch" is one of a couple new paintings I brought with me (these loquats are from my backyard in Austin), and it's now available at the Anderson Gallery. 

Ruby Lamplight

Ruby Lamplight, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This is another comfy corner at the French Legation here in Austin (originally built in 1841 to establish a French presence in the new Republic of Texas.) It was a pretty lavish home for the times, and I love its simple elegance. I was especially intrigued by the warm reflections and dramatic shadows emanating from this glowing ruby lamp. 

Pink Room

Pink Room, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Interiors... I have been interested in trying to capture the angles and intimacies of private spaces for a long time but I haven't ever gotten around it. Fear? Maybe. After taking the workshop with Colley Whisson a couple of weeks ago (he does gorgeous ones), I was inspired to try a few of my own. I have always collected photos of rooms with interesting light and cool perspectives, so I had some resources to jump right in. This is one of the bedrooms at the French Legation here in Austin. More to come!

Lakside Cafe

Lakeside Cafe, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Today was plein air day for our local painting group. We met up at Ski Shores Cafe, a local burger joint on the lake. This place has been around f-o-r-e-v-e-r and is a favorite with Austinites. I  have to admit that I had a huge struggle settling in with this painting. My first attempt was a total wipe-down and this second one was a mess when I finally packed it in. However, I hate to let a canvas get the best of me so I brought it home and wrestled it to the ground. Sometimes you just have to keep at it. Even if.

Austin friends - this is on the back side of Ski Shores by the playground. ;)