Day 30 Almost 31– The end that is the beginning.

Day 30 Loj Road Barn 6x8 $100 unframed

How is that for enigmatic headlines?

Actually worked in the garden today as the snow finally melted overnight in the yard. But was thinking about this one - this barn that has been taunting me for years.  I do not know much about it but I am sure posting the painting will flush some stories. Went to the studio late afternoon fought the angles battle and came up with a fair set of lines to describe its shape. I need to try again plein air when it is fair weather, spring sometime.

Yes it is day 30. I am not in the mood to stop painting, I'll be working on a variety of subject matter. Not feeling like it is the end but a beginning.

Stay Tuned.

Artliveslong, D

Day 29 Shivers and Rain

Day 29 Grey at Colby 5x7 $100 unframed

Another one of those drive-by views that does not get the attention it deserves. Actually, mentally it is better for me to make the image in the studio since this location is constant traffic. Doesn't look like that though. I may have mentioned it before but I am a Stop-the-car-fall-out-and-paint plein air-ista. I don't see anything wrong with that but good weather days should be spent away from the traffic, which I do seek out.

Thinking about working on the list Eric gives out every year during the Paul Smiths paint week. To see those locations in less than prime weather would be inspiring. Though the sun could come out and I would be FINE with that.

Two more to go!

The whole collection will be matted and up for Artist at Work Studio Tour Nov. 11&12.

Stay tuned.

Artliveslong, D

Day 14 and what an Adirondack day it was.

Day 14 Blazing 11x14 Plein Air $350 unframed

The window to go paint plein air is narrowing. Between temperature and shortened hours, the witching hour for interesting light is compressed to about 3 hours in the afternoon. That means dropping everything else and GO. As it was the sun ducked out early in the spot I was standing, shadows dropping with a thud and temperature dip of 10 degrees almost immediately.

I make no bones about it, I am a fair weather painter. The medium - pastel - dictates that but I appreciate the warm sunny days regardless.

Stay Tuned.

 Artliveslong, D

Day 6 - 31 paintings in 31 days

Waxing Hunter Day 6 - 6x4 pastel on Pastel Premier board. $100 unframed

Too beautiful a day and it almost escaped without a painting for the 31 in 31. Moon was cooperative. Going to aim for an early bird painting tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Artliveslong, D

31 in 31- Day 5

Day 5 - Along the Saranac 8x9.5

The light was great when I found this spot then the sun proceeded to duck behind a particular string of clouds. Just when I had packed everything up, late in the afternoon the clouds moved off.  5:30 on is really the witching hour at this time of year. The color and shadows are great everywhere. I will go back to this spot again. The reflections are worth getting control of.

Stay tuned.

Artliveslong, D

Keep Moving - or 31 paintings in 31 days

The last two months have gone by in high gear.  I found myself addicted to the movement. When Gail Sibley tossed out a challenge to paint 31 paintings in 31 days I thought, Why not? Best to stay engaged and moving. In fact, that is my cure for just about everything right now, "Keep Moving."

The challenge began October, hence the name 31 in 31 and it is now day four. The challenge is to do a piece - not big or tiny but what ever is working for the time frame available for that day.

"Escape" in the making

The Saturday, October 1 work came from the quick draw for the Seneca Lake Plein Air Festival on the last day of painting in the 5 day event. In two hours, "Escape" came together and was framed for the jurying at 12:30 pm the same day. Whew!

The Great Willow, Seneca Lake

Next day, still in Geneva, the set up was on the lake- The Great Willow. The sun had come out and had to be enjoyed after the mostly iffy and rainy weather for the previous 3 days. This one is not finished as there are wavelets in sunlight and other issues that should be worked out. Stay tuned.

Seneca Lake Park

Rainy Day Apple

October 3rd dawned another rainy day but at home in the studio, I was able to set up a quick study of the apple tree outside the window. Learned a couple of things about damp weather and my pastel ground and decided Great American Pastels just are not for me.


Today Day Four has been easy. It is rolling into peak color in the Adirondacks and there cannot be an easier time to find a glorious color composition. Saranac Lake along the river. was the go-to for today Sun ducked out for most of the time but the leaves radiated regardless.

Color on the Saranac River

So there ya have it. An effort to post every day for the month will be made, with successes and failures.

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