Well - we made it.  Day 30.  

Today's painting features a cowboy cookout.  I attended this cookout at the Stephen Quiller workshop at the 4UR Ranch in Colorado.   This was a pretty challenging painting - and there is definitely room to improve the faces of the people.  But - letting go of perfectionism - it is good enough.  

Tomorrow I will share an image featuring all 30 paintings!! 

I want to send a bit thank you to all who followed me.  Your comments and encouragement are received with great gratitude.  For anyone who commented on this blog - unfortunately I can't seem to reply to comments.  But please know, I really appreciated the support.  

Till tomorrow,
​Kathy

Sunshine & Uma.  Oil on Canvas, 7x5 inches.  

Today's painting captures two young lads, hanging out at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village Agriculture Festival. 

I was pretty happy with how this painting turned out.  I might even say that I am starting to like painting people (although not ready for head portraits yet!). 

Still tomorrow,
​Kathy

Today's painting features a sweet moment I caught during my visit to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.  This little donkey goes by the name of Gemini - and here is her story (taken from the DSC website):

"Gemini is one of four adorable grey-brown Miniature donkeys who have lived together as a family for all of their lives. Peter (born in 1991) and Katy (born in 1991) are the parents of Marci (born in 1994) and Gemini (born in 1995). They resided on a farm on Saltspring Island, British Columbia, where they lived contentedly and received the best of care.By Autumn, 2000, however, their caretaker realized that his advancing age would soon prevent him from continuing to be able to care for the donkeys. He had long been aware of The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada and so he made the request that his little family be moved to the DSC.
In late summer, 2001, the four donkeys were transported by trailer across Canada from Saltspring to the Sanctuary Farm outside Guelph. This long journey was made over a five-day period in order that the donkeys could rest well each night. During that time, their former caretaker flew to Ontario so he could ensure they arrived safe and sound. 
Today Gemini lives with Marci in the Jennet and gentle geldings paddock at the Sanctuary Farm."
.This painting will be donated to the Donkey Sanctuary!
Till Tomorrow,
Kathy

Zeus is strutting his stuff!  

Today's painting features Zeus, another handsome fellow from the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC)- Zeus.  Here is his bio (taken from the DSC's website):

"Zeus a grey-dun miniature donkey who was born in Southern Ontario. In the summer of 2016 he was relinquished to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) because of frequent biting and other behaviours he had learned as a foal who was weaned too quickly.

A donkey mother plays a vital part in teaching her offspring how to behave. Zeus was never taught how to properly interact with other donkeys as well as humans, which led to some undesirable behaviour that made it difficult for his owner to handle him.

It is our hope that with consistent and constant training by our barn staff Zeus will learn how to get along with donkeys and people alike and will be able to lead a happy life in harmony with everyone at the DSC.

Zeus is very affectionate – on his terms – and is extremely curious."

http://thedonkeysanctuary.ca/our-donkeys/zeus 

Till Tomorrow,
​Kathy 

I love this girl!  One of my favourite paintings so far in the challenge.   I think the painting says it all.  I may consider doing a larger version of this piece in the near future. 

Till Tomorrow,
Kathy

For today's painting, I am taking a break from my oil paintings, and instead - sharing a small watercolour sketch.  This is a scene I painted in the parking lot of Trissa's Family Restaurant on Dundas Street (near the Trails End Market).

For any of my artist friends - if you are interested in watercolour/gouche sketching - I'd highly recommend Nathan Fowke's Landscape Sketching in Watercolor and Gouache.  This online course is available through Schoolism (I am doing the auditing stream).  

Till Tomorrow,
Kathy

Sweet Cora the Donkey is having a little Roll. 

Curious about why do Donkey's roll??
(credit to the Donkey Sanctuary for this information)

- Rolling helps groom/scratch hard-to-reach areas
- Dust provides great insulation, protecting donkeys from both hot and cold conditions - especially in their natural dessert environment
- 80% of donkey rolling occurs in a spot where another equine has rolled.  Depositing scent over the body may be a function of rolling.  

Here is the Donkey Sanctuary's bio on Cora:

"Born in 2008, Cora is a grey dun, small standard donkey. She was admitted to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in November, 2012 with another donkey named Jace, and a miniature pony named Honey. Cora, Jace and Honey were part of a petting zoo located in Southwestern Ontario and the owners felt the DSC would be a more appropriate home.

Despite being at capacity, the DSC made room available for Cora and Jace, and Honey was taken in by Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation. 

Cora’s keen curiosity and friendliness soon made her a favourite among staff and volunteers, and she enjoys living with our main herd with our other jennies and gentle geldings."

~ Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
​
Till Tomorrow,
​Kathy

Meet Archie!  Archie the donkey lives at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, which is located near Guelph, Ontario.  

I visited the Sanctuary a few weeks ago and was very moved by my the experience there.  According to their website: "Since 1992, The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada has been a refuge for donkeys, mules and hinnies who have been neglected or abused, or who can no longer be cared for by their owners."  

The Sanctuary is very well run and very educational.  The donkey's receive exceptional care. I would highly recommend visiting if you live in the area.  To learn more, check out their website (the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada).  

​One of the neat things the organization does, is allow people to sponsor a donkey from the farm.  The money from donations and sponsorship goes towards feed,  hay,  vet care, farrier care, stall bedding, etc.   The website has a bio for each donkey at the farm.

As today's painting features Archie, I thought I would share his bio.  

Archie is a grey dun standard donkey who was born in 1996. He came from Sault Saint Marie, Ontario with two other donkeys, Betty and Veronica. Archie had resided in the same loving home for 20 years. However, his previous owner moved farms and was finding it difficult to care for the donkeys in the new setting. Archie was well loved by the owern's grandchildren - who regularly groomed and cared for him.  Archie is settling in well and is very sweet to handle. He is very curious and loves to be patted on open days over the fence."
(Click here to link to Archie's Bio)

Till tomorrow,
Kathy

PS - stay tuned for a few more donkey paintings during this challenge!

Attempt # 3 at painting people this month.  This scenes features my dad and my bro chatting at the dairy farm. 

Perhaps this painting is better viewed from afar? Final painting aside, I did really enjoy the process of painting this one.  

What do you think matters more (either in life or art) - the process or the final product?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Till tomorrow,
Kathy

Day 15!  Half way there... only 15 paintings to go.  Today's painting features a young bull from my parent's farm.  Handsome little fellow!

Till tomorrow,
​Kathy

Today's painting is a studio work in which I used both a photograph and a plein air study for my reference. This painting illustrates why it is so important for landscape artists to work from life (at least some of the time).   As you can see below - the reference photo's colours are quite dull and boring. I used my painted study for value and colour reference - which I think really helped make this painting a success. 

This sweet little goat wants to make sure everyone finds the goat yoga class at Full Circle Ranch!
If you live in the London or St. Thomas area (in Ontario, Canada) check out Full Circle's Facebook page to find out more about attending a Goat Yoga class!  I can vouch, you will have an amazing time (as long as you like goats; if you aren't a goat lover, perhaps consider a regular yoga class).  

This painting features my 2 nephews and my niece (from left to right, Ronan, Aelwen, Lachlan).  These 3 little kids are definitely bonafide country kids.  They love tractors, wagons, and puddles!  :

Till Tomorrow, 
​Kathy

Today's painting is a plein air piece I painted during a paint-out with the London Plein Air Group depicts the Jury House at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.  As I have mentioned previously, I LOVE Fanshawe's Pioneer Village.  I have a season pass and visit on nearly a weekly basis (either to paint, or to take my dog Wylan on walks). 

Here is the history behind this old farm house (quoted directly from the Fanshawe Pioneer Village Website): 

"Original Building: Lobo Township, c. 1888

The Second Generation - The Jury Farmstead is representative of a second generation farm at the turn of the 20th century.

Boyhood home of Wilfrid Jury, the founder of Fanshawe Pioneer Village. It is an excellent 1888 example of a typical Ontario farmhouse.
​
The Jury house was built on Lot 12 Concession 2 of Lobo Township and is the childhood home of Wilfrid Jury, the founding curator of Fanshawe Pioneer Village. William Jury Jr., built this home in 1888 for his son Amos on the occasion of his marriage to Charlotte Julia “Jewel” Alder, the daughter of the weaver Thomas Alder. The house was occupied by the Jury family until Amos’ death in 1964. The farmhouse was rented to various tenants before it was sold in 1968 to Murray Manson. When Manson donated the house to Fanshawe Pioneer Village in 1973, the building had to be cut in two with a chain saw and the roof removed in order to transport it."

(credit Fanshawe Pioneer Village for History of the Jury House).  

Ontario, Canada is known for it's beautiful rural countryside.  This painting depicts the countryside from above.  I used a photo reference for this piece - a photo my dad took many years ago, on a hot air balloon ride.  

Till Tomorrow,
Kathy

Today's work is a little plein air piece I painted back in July at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
There is this field of flowers that blooms a golden yellow - it is really quite striking.  

Till Tomorrow, 
​Kathy

Today's painting, one of the larger pieces I will do during this challenge, features the same barn from day 1 (at a different angle).  

If you love old barns, comment below ... share a word, a story, or a sentiments that captures your feelings towards these old, rustic barns!  I'd love to hear from you!

In the spirit of honouring rustic old barns and their evolution over time, I have included some aerial photos of how my parent's dairy barn has changed over the years.  

This painting was completed using a smaller painting I did on location as  my reference.  The original study was a small value study - an assignment for an online course I have been auditing ("Landscape Sketching in Watercolor and Gouache" - taught by Nathan Fawkes).  I was quite pleased with the final painting.  

The subject of today's painting is a little bit, shall we say, different. At first glance it probably looks like a rustic little hut, but in actuality, it is the restrooms at a local winery, Quai du Vin.  I hope this painting serves to show that beauty can be found in unexpected places!

I was visiting the winery as part of the 'Off the Wall' Art Show were I was one of the 'plein air artists'.  I've included a couple photos from the day.   

Till tomorrow,
​Kathy

This scene was painted on location - at my parents farm. This small dirt road can be found behind their dairy barn and leads to the back fields.  I have many memories of this little road...

• Going back in the field to pick corn
• Rides on the 3-wheeler with our Australian Blue Heeler, Reg, running behind the 3-weeler
• Driving the baler
• And many more... 

Till tomorrow,
Kathy

Today's painting captures a heifer (aka a young female cow) and a cow grazing at the end of the day, as the sun is setting.  I painted this from photo reference; I snapped the photo last June (2016), on my way home from the 'fun fair' at my nephew public school.  I decided to share a few photos from our evening at the fun fair!

Welcome to my September 2017 painting challenge in which I will be posting a new painting everyday for the next 30-days (aka 30-in-30). This will be my 5th time doing a 30-in-30.  

So, here my first painting of the challenge. This little painting was completed back in July when I stumbled across this nice lookin' barn right beside a vacant public school yard (Centennial Central School - North of London, Ontario)

For the duration of this challenge, I have chosen the theme 'Rural Impressions' and hope my paintings can serve as a glimpse into country life in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.  Growing up on a dairy farm, I have a deep nostalgia for country life (despite now being a bonafide city slicker).   This is actually not my first time doing a series of farm paintings.  Back in high school, during OAC (grade 13) art class, we had to choose a theme and then create 6 art pieces (I chose 'Farm Life').  See below a college I created of my Grandma MacKay and my dad (he's the baby).  My dad has lived on the same farm, in the same house, for his entire life.  

Till tomorrow,
Kathy