An Oil Painting of a VW Bus

"Baja Roadtrip"

18" x 36"

oil on wrapped canvas

This one is done. I really like the way it turned out.  I love the feel of the hot sun, although these days, in the heat, it wouldn't be one of my favorite journeys.

It actually rained here about 25 drops while I was in the studio..

come on rain, do your thang!!

P.S. The story behind this van, it was a 1960's and was purchased 'used' for $350. from Continental VW in Littleton, Co by a friend of DH.  The photo that I worked from was from a 3 month ~ 2,500 mile trip that it made in 1975.  It also made a big trip to the West Coast right before that time to pick up DH.  While in Mexico, it broke down and needed a complete engine rebuild and was rebuilt hither and yon for parts, in Mexico and then driven back to Denver.  I hear about this trip OFTEN.  I think it was almost life changing - definitely on a 20 something's 'bucket list' back in those days.

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY, DON'T IT??

Where I Stood Saturday (and Friday and Thursday)

Life is good, the studio has great AC and with this heat, there isn't much else to do but stay inside and try to stay cool.

I started an oil yesterday - 18" x 36".  It isn't done yet, but is getting close.

It is one for the show in Russell - in late August..I hope.

I always forget to get that beginning photo.  I sketched the scene out in pencil first, then, started with the darkest darks,

then moved on to the sky, the sand, with intermittent work on the van.

More of the details were painted today. 

This bus is a little worse for wear and that part isn't showing in my painting yet.  Oh well, all cars start out new at some point..this one is definitely USED.   The photo I am relying on is from a trip that my husband took with friends to La Paz, Mexico ~ back in the 70's.  It was quite a memorable trip for him, so if I don't happen to sell it, it will hang in his office for him to reminisce the days away.

Dog Dreams

"Chaco Dreams"

6" x 8"

oil on black claybord by Ampersand

If you read my blog, you might be aware that ~ for me, it's difficult to be away from the easel for more than a week.  My painting days have been so sporadic.  I lose my 'mojo' so to speak.  I did a warm-up of a young goose...photo of the artwork came out with a brilliant shine on the surface, so I think I will let it sit for a little bit, do some drying and tackle a few spots that I don't like.  The painting above came together, alla prima - without a drawing or much of a plan.  I took this great photo of my red doxie, Chaco, and immediately saw a whimsical version of it in paint with the stars all around - so out it came.  I love painting on the black claybord surface, but it sucks up the paint right away and the colors don't stay very vivid or bright.  I used a large-ish brush and decided to just go with the flow..since my earlier attempt had more or less 'bombed'.

To Southeast Missouri and Back Again

The RV is in front of the guest house at Lake Tealwood, Missouri. It was our 43+ year 'Gray Family Reunion'.  There were 61 family members plus 2 extra guests attending. We were there for only a day and a half, but got to see everyone, and visit with most.

My aunt and uncle and their family host this event each year...and have for the aforementioned years.  Hot and dry there as well as continuing here at home. Ugh!

Difficult to commit camera shots to the outdoors with everything so dry and burnt.  Should be back in the studio soon.  Lots to catch up on.

My daughter and her family came through here on their way to the reunion and on their way back to Colorado. It was the first time she had been to our place here in the Central Plains, since we moved here 6 years ago from Colorado.  Sorry she had to see it at it's worse and mostly from inside the air conditioning.  Thank goodness for AC's!!

Happy Father's Day to My Dad

This is my dad and me a couple of years ago.  Through the years, my dad has been the strength of my family.  He is always a giver. If ever I benefited from a role model, it was him - someone who I have been able to look up to, admire and emulate in honesty, truthfulness and fairness.  A farm boy who moved to the city to be something other than his roots...which weren't bad roots...he and mom just wanted a different life and he found a successful and happy life therein. Through the years, I have been so supported with his love and understanding.  I am so proud of him.   

Thanks Dad - Love you and Happy Father's Day!

Another "Where I Stood" Moment for the Week

We were RVin this past week and were privvy (really?) to a hellish hailstorm just west of Norton, Kansas at Prairie Dog State Park (yes, there are prairie dogs there).

The sky was so yellowish/blue before it opened up with this size hailstones.

Very minor damage to the RV and few little dents in my Jeep which we pull behind us.
From inside the RV, it sounded like baseballs were hitting us.  Luckily some of the trees beside us lessened the impact.  Other's weren't so lucky.  One rig had a large part of the top of a tree fall on them in the unbelievable wind that accompanied this storm.  If your trailer was aluminum, there was some damage for sure, as was neighbors the other direction.  Afterward, the sun was setting and the horizon let the sunshine through. There was a hint of a rainbow as well.  First rain for us in a very long time.  Got up this morning and there was a little more rain at home.

Upon returning home, I went for my weekly ultrasound on my knee, massage of my ankle and recumbent bike and weights workout.  Ashley (my P.T.) wrapped some areas that need help on my leg with 'Kinesiotape'.  It lifts the skin off of the surface, so blood can flow in areas it might not be flowing as good.  I like the blue color and the design on my ankle/foot area.  The hardest part is keeping it on, after sleeping or showering.  It stays put if I am careful and that's the idea, to leave it on as long as possible, usually two or three days.  During our trip, on Wednesday, I felt like I didn't even have a broken ankle...a limp...or any issues (for about 2 hours).  It was wonderful!  But didn't last long.  I will take what I can get.  First time, since it happened, that my ankle area didn't have pain of some kind.  Supposed to have more of these times..although, today is not one of them.

I would give anything to walk with sandals or barefeet,

but my footbones are not up to it yet. 

I do a few steps in a shoe, without any brace on.  It is scary, but feels liberating.

Three Little Girls Portrait - WIP

Still a long way to go...but got the faces and a little bit of the hands goin' today.

It's been one of those afternoons, where I make a brushstroke and then 5 to correct it.  Ugh...painting a 'muliple likeness' is a goal...but will it happen?

I don't like the littlest one's face - it was the last one today..so therefore, it will be first next time. I think I get blinded or tired and can't see what I need to see.

So...brushes are cleaned for tomorrow.

This is where I started the other day..