Beside Still Waters, 12 x 12, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This weekend, my son will marry his true love. It is such a happy occasion for both families and we are celebrating with all our hearts! Such joy! Right before I left Austin for the wedding, I was able to squeeze in a morning to paint at the lake. It was a good way for me to avoid the obsessive nature of all things "wedding"... to just get outside and take a breath and reflect on this most glorious event. I am one happy mom. :)

Shallow Creek Bed

Shallow Creek Bed, 12 x 9, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

The creeks are flowing here in Texas, due to September rains... and let me just say, we love rain, no matter when it falls. This creek is a popular spot for teenagers, particularly when spring fever hits. But this week? Quiet and peaceful. Only the occasional dog and master passed me by, so I had it all to myself. The river grasses are warming up with that warm fall glow... just delicious. 

Sunny Side

Sunny Side, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

I was very taken with the shadow and light patterns on this cottage. Painting them was a great study of temperature (warms and cools), linear perspective and simplification. Architecture always offers a different kind of challenge. It's so important to just see shapes and how they relate to each other, but that can be very hard! I did have lots of encouragement from the peacocks that live here (Mayfield Park). They kept constant watch over me as I worked! 

Tumbling Falls

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

Summer is officially over and we are actually experiencing some cooler temperatures here in Austin! Mornings have been especially delightful and I've celebrated with paintbrush in hand! This waterfall is in a quiet corner of Zilker Botanical Garden and it's a pretty peaceful place to paint.

Secret Fern Grotto

Secret Fern Grotto, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L.Daniel © 2012

Last week, Plein Air Austin met up at a wonderful spot. Getting there took effort and determination, but after 125 rickety, steep rock steps down into a canyon, we discovered a magical, secret fern grotto. This is one of those places that you just have to experience from the full 360 degrees of sight and sound. It's simply breathtaking. The quiet dripping of the waterfall... the eerie birdsong... the brilliantly colored moss and fern...  I can only say this, the climb in and out (on a really hot day) was totally worth it. 

River Rapids

River Rapids, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Today Plein Air Austin met up at a park on the San Marcos River, about 30 miles south of town. It was great to be back painting outside (after a little hiatus on my part), and the river didn't disappoint. The water was smooth as glass above the rapids and thundered mightily through the rocks as it traveled downward. Every now and then, a kayaker would entertain by running this little shoot. It was a lovely morning to say the least. :)

Pier Breezes and Workshop Announcement

Pier Breezes, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at Anderson Gallery

This pier in the village of St. Simons Island, GA is a favorite hang out spot for locals and tourists alike. At least once in every visit to the island, my family can be found walking out to the end with ice cream cones to watch the fishermen (and women) and to feel the cool ocean breeze. It's a family tradition! :) 

Workshop Announcement:

I am thrilled to be teaching another plein air workshop on the island next spring!

Come join me! Here is the information:

En Plein Air - Composing a Strong Landscape

May 20 - 22, 2013 

Monday-Wednesday, 9am-4pm 

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

St. Simons Island, GA

$400

Workshop Description: 

Focus on good composition and the strategic placement of natural subjects found in the landscape. Learn to design pleasing, dynamic entrances and exits into your paintings, and practice composing "on the fly" in the plein air tradition. We will meet at different sites on the island, and each session will include a demo and a critique. 

To sign up:

Please contact Mary Anderson

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

912-634-8414

Garden Color - Door County Plein Air

Garden Color (Quick Draw), 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, SOLD

The Door County Plein Air Festival ends with a "Quick Draw" event. This is where all the artists paint for two hours in one public, advertised location (about a 6 block radius). It starts and ends with a blow horn (imagine brushes poised in hands at the beginning and a mad dash to frame wet paintings in the back of cars at the end). A live auction of all the work immediately follows, right there, on the spot. Nerve-racking? Yes! But quite a finale it is! And most importantly, this auction and the whole festival raises funding for the Peninsula School of Art which offers fabulous art classes all year round. It's a very worthy cause. 

My week in Door County was wonderful... I was so, so honored to meet and paint with each of the incredible artists who participated. It was truly inspiring. Many thanks to everyone at the school who made it all come together!

Here I am, concentrating during the quick paint...

Bidders and Auctioneer getting ready for the live auction.

My amazingly supportive husband, Bill, came for the final weekend festivities

and our high school friends, Terri and Steve, joined us on Saturday.

Thanks for your support, guys! :)

Weathered Bluff and Stormy Lake - Door County Plein Air

Weathered Bluff, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Peninsula School of Art, Guenzel Gallery

These two paintings from the Door County Plein Air Festival are completely connected, story-wise, so I am posting them together...

I got up very early one morning to paint the rocky cove above. I was sure that the morning light would be just gorgeous, but about 20 minutes after I started, it began to rain. Clearly a big storm was coming so I had to quit. Packing up my car, I noticed the "Stormy Lake" view below and determined that I could paint that scene under the tailgate of my rental car. The storm got louder and wilder. Eventually, I was completely inside the car, cross-legged, and finished the painting with my easel practically in my lap. 

I did go back the next day for the "Weathered Bluff" painting - I was committed! It was overcast again, but still beautiful. I do want to go back again sometime when it's sunny! Hopefully next year?? :) 

(Again, please forgive the blurry photos, I did not have the right equipment with me to get good images. Still kicking myself.)

Stormy Lake, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, NFS

Broken Barns - Door County Plein Air

Broken Barns, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Peninsula School of Art, Guenzel Gallery

Another piece from the Door County Plein Air Festival...
These dilapidated old barns were in a hidden field on the north end of the Door County peninsula. I didn't see any "No Trespassing" signs and no one lived nearby, so I helped myself to a delightfully quiet morning. I even got ambitious and decided to take some process pictures as I painted, but promptly forgot after shooting the block-in and location pictures below. I guess I was having too much fun. You know what they say about good intentions! Below is the beginning and above is the finished painting.

Broken Barns Block-in, 8 x 16

Line and mass underdrawing

Using French ultramarine and burnt sienna

Broken Barns - location shot 

Block-in complete, ready for color

Sorry, I forgot to take pictures during the process...

Day's End - Door County Plein Air

Day's End, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Peninsula School of Art, Guenzel Gallery

On Wednesday night of the Door County Plein Air Festival, all of the 40 featured artists gathered at the waterfront in Sister Bay to paint the sunset. This was one of the highly publicized events of the week, and crowds of people came out to watch us in action. All were very respectful and encouraging but it was intimidating nonetheless! :) After a full day of rain and drizzle, the sun came out on cue and gave us a beautiful display. 


At the VERY end of this day, a few of us went bowling at the local bowling alley. It was great to pull away mid-week and do something completely different... to just hang out a bit together and socialize. :)

Front l-r: Me, Scott Lloyd Anderson, Aaron Schuerr, Mark Horton, Shelby Keefe, Richard Lindenberg

Back l-r: Tom Maakestad, Chuck Marshall, Frank Gardner, Stuart Fullerton (Golden Pin winner), Marc Hanson

Summer Meadow - Door County Plein Air

Summer Meadow, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, SOLD

When I stumbled upon this golden meadow, I couldn't pass up the glorious color with the young birch-ling standing in the middle of it. I have always loved trees and birch trees were my childhood favorite when my family went camping in Northern Wisconsin. My sisters and I would peel off sheets of the papery bark, and write letters on them (don't worry, I didn't peel this one). Occasionally, we'd hit the jackpot and find large chunks of hollowed out birch bark from a fallen tree. These made great receptacles for all of our "stuff" (which consisted of rock, feather and driftwood treasures we were also collecting.)

Painted at the Door County Plein Air Festival 2012. 

One of the highlights of being in Wisconsin was reconnecting with dear family friends from my hometown of Racine. I didn't manage to get pictures with everyone, but here are some of the friends who surprised me mid-week...

Thank you Carl and Carolyn for the much needed break,

the sweet visit and the refreshing root beer float! :)

I heard Marilyn and Bernie talking behind me at a paintout 

and actually still recognized their voices after 30 years!

Farmstead - Door County Plein Air

Farmstead, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, SOLD

I am just now catching my breath after a most fabulous week in Wisconsin at the Door County Plein Air Festival! My heart overflows, truly. I would love to give you the blow by blow, but suffice it to say, it was an intense time of painting from sun up to sun down every day. Some of my painting happened in very public, advertised settings with many spectators; and some happened on quiet back roads, completely private and off the beaten track. This piece is in the latter category.


"Farmstead" came about on my last afternoon. I was tired and not sure I had one more painting in me as I drove down a deserted country road. This farm, all aglow with the afternoon light, completely reinvigorated me. It turned out to be my favorite piece of the week, and was the first to sell at the Friday night gala. Sometimes pushing through the exhaustion is a really good thing. :)


Side note: I left my good camera at home because it was too much to carry with all my other equipment. Consequently, the photos of my work are not the best. I had to shoot them with a tiny, hand-held camera in my hotel room. Lesson learned. 

River Bend

River Bend, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

This tranquil spot along the Guadalupe River is another painting spot from my day in Gruene, Texas earlier this week. My friend (and fabulous painter), Johnnie Sielbeck, invited me to paint in the afternoon in her mother's backyard right on the river! Johnnie couldn't even be there, but her sweet mom led me out to the riverside and let me paint to my heart's content! Thanks, Ladies!

Side note... As you read this I am already in Wisconsin for the Door County Plein Air Festival week. I am SO EXCITED!!!! Wish me luck and inspired painting, please! I'm not sure if I will be able to post while there, but I'll catch up with you all when I get home!

Rocky Creek Light

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

Back down at one of our local creeks, I found this partially submerged rock with a beam of light on it. I was drawn to the contrast between the rock above water and the rock below water. It was a fabulous - and tricky - little study. I think I'd like to do a few more of this kind of subject. Hmmm... maybe when I get back from Wisconsin (leaving tomorrow!)

In other news, this was an extra fun day because I got to paint with my good friend Julie Davis and a blog friend David Boyd from Georgia. He was driving through town on a cross country painting trip. It was such a pleasure to meet him in person - and painting together was an added bonus!

Me, David, and Julie

Leaning Carriage House

Leaning Carriage House, 8 x 16, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Monday I painted in Gruene, Texas. It's a really cool, very old town on the Guadalupe River with rustic shops and restaurants, and a dance hall headlined by some of the best musicians around. It's definitely worth the trek. This old carriage house (now storage shed) has seen better days. The groundskeeper came by and told me that every time it leans a little farther, they have to shorten the legs on the stools and tables inside.  I love it's sagging posture and hope it keeps standing a good while longer. 

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!

Tasting Room

Tasting Room, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Believe it or not, the Texas Hill Country has quite a few wineries. Certain grapes actually like our climate and seem to be quite happy here. I was quite happy when Plein Air Austin was invited to paint at the Flat Creek Winery a couple of weeks ago. So much paintable material to choose from!!! I settled into a shady spot off the beaten track with a view of their gorgeous tasting room. I love the way it's nestled perfectly into the sloping hillside. After painting, we all had a lunch in their little bistro and sampled some of the wares. Delizioso!!

Glowing Pavilion

Glowing Pavilion, 12 x 9, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This pavilion is in the Japanese section of our botanical gardens at Zilker Park here in Austin. When I happened upon this scene and saw that wall of light, I stopped dead in my tracks. Then I saw the glowing interior and that was all she wrote. A delightful morning it was!

Lily Pool

Lily Pool, 9 x 12, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

I guess the quintessential garden element might be lily pads in a pool. They clump and spread, and the lotus blooms float on top of it all like royalty. One interesting thing about the blossoms is that they follow the light as it travels across the sky. Painting them is always a lesson in memory because by the time I am finished, they are leaning the in the completely opposite direction! I loved the combination of variety and color in this little pool (and the mobility challenge of course!) 

Summer Morning

Summer Morning, 9x12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This is one of my favorite places to paint here in Austin. It's near my home; it's deliciously quiet; and it offers up new delights with each changing season. So, here's to summer mornings on the lake... to the colors and sights and sounds!!! 

Creosote Vista

Creosote Vista, 6 x 12 (12 x 18 matted and framed), L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Davis Gallery 

"Works on Paper" Show

This is the last of my Big Bend series on carton board. The challenge to try something new always brings about creative growth. Experimenting of any kind keeps things fresh and interesting. The show opens this weekend and I personally can't wait to see what everyone has produced. It will be a real celebration of diverse works, for sure. The show will be up for a month, so if you are in or around Austin, please drop by. Or, see all four pieces on my website.


"Works on Paper" Summer Group Show
Davis Gallery, 837 W. 12th Street, Austin, Texas
June 30 - July 31, Reception Saturday, June 30, 7-9 pm

Soaptree Sentinel

Soaptree Sentinel, 12 x 6 (18 x 12 matted and framed)

Oil on paper, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at Davis Gallery

"Works on Paper" Show

This is another piece completed for the "Works on Paper" show that opens this weekend. The Soaptree is fascinating plant that livens up the barren, desert landscape (I especially loved its quirky seed pods up top.) See other works in show on my website. 

A word about framing these works on paper... 

A lot of people have written to ask me if using this paper required framing with a mat and glass. Would they be okay without glass? In theory, the carton board paper is treated so it should hold up over time. However, I chose to frame it under glass for a few reasons: 1) to protect them from dust (not sure how one would clean them otherwise), 2) because they had to be mounted onto something sturdy for presentation anyway, and 3) it's standard framing procedure for works on paper. 

Framing with glass just seemed like the right thing to do to make sure the pieces hold up over time. It also sets them apart from my works on canvas and was a different way to "finish off" this special project. Oh, and one final thing... when I matted them I did allow a 1/4 inch margin around the loosely painted edges - so the image areas are just like the photo above. 

"Works on Paper" Summer Group Show

Davis Gallery, 837 W. 12th Street, Austin, Texas

June 30 - July 31, Reception June 30, 7-9 pm

Blooming Agave

Blooming Agave, 12 x 6 (18 x 12 matted and framed)

Oil on paper, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Davis Gallery

"Works on Paper" Show

Blooming cactus is a common and often dramatic sight in the desert. The sheer height of this bloom was astounding. This piece is included in the upcoming "Works on Paper" group show at the Davis Gallery. My pieces in the exhibit are all painted with oil pigments on a card stock called "carton board". I chose this paper for its warm color and absorbant surface. It was actually quite perfect for depicting the soft dusty tones of the desert. (See all show pieces on my website.)

A word about working on this carton board paper... 

The carton board is "resin-sized" which is a process that preps the paper surface to receive paint. It is still very absorbent and has a bit of a scratchy quality. I could have used clear gesso to seal it more thoroughly, but I actually liked the way the paint absorbed into the paper. More paint was required for each stroke and it was very satisfying to apply. My good friend, Robin Cheers, turned me on to it and I like it a lot. Thanks Robin!! Carton board is available at Guerrilla Painter.

"Works on Paper" Summer Group Show

Davis Gallery - 837 W. 12th Street, Austin, TX

June 30 - July 31, Reception June 30, 7-9 pm

Desert Dwelling - Works on Paper Show

Desert Dwelling, 12 x 16 (18 x 22 matted), Oil on paper, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Davis Gallery

"Works on Paper" 

Summer Group Show

Davis Gallery

837 W. 12th Street, Austin, TX

June 30 - July 31

Reception June 30, 7-9 pm

Please excuse this interruption of my Coastal Georgia Series... 
In my next few posts, you'll see new paintings from the exhibit above that opens this weekend. The prospectus for this show required that all the work be completed on some kind of paper support. I had a great time experimenting with new surfaces while choosing an alternative to traditional canvas. (More about the paper and process later.) 


The images I chose were inspired by my spring painting trip to Big Bend, Texas. Stay tuned for the companion pieces to this one. Each piece is matted and framed under glass. See all pieces included on my website. If you are in town, please stop by the gallery! 

Ocean Sky

Ocean Sky, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 

Did I mention that we had some rain on St. Simons while we were there? Yep, tropical storm Beryl rolled through and left some water and debris in its tracks. We were lucky that it didn't get worse and that we didn't have days of endless rain. This particular cloudy sky happened before just before Beryl. I was painting on Jekyll Island with a gaggle of painting friends (that shore in the distance is actually St. Simons.) Rain threatened all day but we were not deterred. We got a painting in and had some lunch before it really came down. 


Now they are getting tropical storm Debby in those parts. "Tis the season...

Boatyard Line-up

Boatyard Line-up, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

These catamarans were quite a sight - all lined up and ready to go. Local ocean goers store their boats in a gated pen right next to the main beach on St. Simons, and they have secret codes for getting in and out. We found them to a be a gregarious and friendly bunch. Each one was nicer than the last... "sure, you can paint in here!"... "stand wherever you want!"... "would you mind just pulling in the gate when you leave?" So we did all those things. I guess we didn't look suspicious.


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And look for July/August issue that is coming out next week. 

River Dock

River Dock, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

It might make sense to reiterate that I just returned from a long painting trip to St. Simons Island on the coast of Georgia. (A few people have asked, "now where are you again?") I was unable to keep photographing and posting while there, but I am now home and finally able to share it all with you. Though I hated falling behind, it's fun for me to revisit these painting moments as I write. 

This is old dock sits on the river that separates the barrier island of St. Simons from the mainland. I loved the slanted shadows from the morning light, and the simple silhouetted shapes that cast them. I was painting and just contemplating the sheer poetry of it all... when suddenly a bird in the branches above me deposited a little gift onto my palette. Hmmmm... it's always something. :)

Rusted and Forgotten

Rusted and Forgotten, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

These two old gas tanks were once well used by boats on the inter coastal waterways between St. Simons Island, GA and the mainland. Like so many things, they have served their purpose and remain only as a reminder to another day and time. Over the years, I have watched them rust more and more, and always wonder if they will be there when I get back. On this visit, I spent a morning there painting, just in case.