Cumulus Clouds over the Huron River

Cumulus Clouds over the Huron River - 6 x 6 Oil on panel

I took a plein air workshop with Kim Casebeer a few years ago, and while I don't feel any of the paintings I did during the workshop were worthy to post, I did get some photos while we were out at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor.  That is not to say that Kim isn't a great artist and teacher -- she is amazing!  I am just landscape and plein air-challenged.   I need lots more practice.  That said, I am pretty happy with this one that I did from one of the photos.  I tried to remember what Kim said about cool and warm temperatures, and atmosphere, etc.  I had to imagine some of that as the photo of course flattened out the shadows and highlights.

So here in Milford we have a plein air group that meets at Kensington park every Saturday at 8:00 am, rain or shine.  And I hear that some of the members are more than happy to help newbies with tips and tricks of the trade...  I think it is high time I ventured out into the elements for some plein air painting!

A Stroll in the Park

A Stroll in the Park - 6 x 6 Oil on panel

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We have a great little market near us called Colasanti's, which we visited the other day looking for plants.  They have a miniature nature park area and pond out front with ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, guinea hens, and peacocks (and probably more.)  For a quarter, you can get a handful of peanuts to feed the ducks.  So when we came across these two little guys wanting to be very sociable, we realized that they were actually just looking for peanuts :)

Tea in the Parlor

Tea in the Parlor - 6 x 6 Oil on Gesso board

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We don't really have a parlor, but I would love to have one. :)  Actually, we (my husband and I) found these silver salt and pepper shakers the other day when we decided to check out a local resale/antiques shop.  We found several great still life props for very reasonable prices - it was a good day.  My husband (who has a great eye for design) set up the cup and silver for me, and I added the plants in the background.