“Traveling” on local errands and pausing to capture some particular spots of beauty can make you look at your home in a whole new light. While running an errand in Downtown Topeka, I made time to go walking around and to paint my favorite piece of architecture there: The Capitol. In this post I’ll share … More Capturing Urban Adventures
That is the question. How about both? Right now in this part of midwest is morel season! Have you found any while out on your daily hikes or excursions? One of my students was telling me he and his family found over 30! THIRTY! My mouth waters. I should have asked him if I could … More Morels: to Paint or to Eat?
Do you have little things in your day that lift your spirits? Little visual moments of beauty, joy, or just simple satisfaction? I’ll show you how to capture those perks through three little adventures last Thursday. First, after finishing some work, I met my mom and sisters at a baker in Lawrence, KS, about an … More How to Capture Everyday Perks
This old building in a small town just off Highway 24 in Eastern Kansas was recently restored to much of its former glory. The project was desired by a Mr. Store Owner who had plans for a neat country store there. It made possible by a Mr. Uplifter of the community. I asked the Mr. … More Resurrecting Old Buildings
What do you do when life hands you a beautiful spring day in Kansas? Hike!!! And of course, along came the watercolors too. But I had a lot of school work to do later that day too, so I needed to pick a trail close by-nearly in my own back yard. To set the hike … More Beer and a Hike
Nestled in the sleepy Midwestern Flint Hills of Kansas, just off Highway 24, this historic campus can be found. Last August I was commissioned to make a storybook style map of the old Jesuit grounds. Seven months later, I was able to present it to my client. This map, begun during the death of my … More When Watercolors Make Maps
Do you carry grief and sorrow in your heart? Perhaps this picture will help console you. A sweet friend and colleague has died suddenly. She left behind a legacy of joy and an indomitable spirit. To console the family, this card was painted. Time to complete it was short so, it is full of the … More Will you grieve with me?
It’s Spring! Or nearly. Time for grilling, chilling, and soaking up the sun. And for some people, whether you’re going essentialist on your lifestyle, or staying in because of COVID, these leisurely things are all done at home. The backyard fence of a certain house encloses within it’s secure arms the enjoyment of the little … More A Blissful Backyard
Each morning the sun rises, and each morning the local pigeons bask in the golden rays. When I was sick a while back, I looked out the windows often, looking forward to feeling better. Day after day, gazing out those windows made me realize how many little treasures are all around us. And these pigeons, … More Morning, Pigeons
Shakespeare said it perfectly: “When birds sit brooding in the snow, and all aloud the wind doth blow,” in his Love’s Labors Lost. Not your typical Valentines Day quote is it?🤓 But that’s what came to mind when I looked out the window near our birdbath and birdfeeder. With below 0° temperatures and fresh snow, … More A Valentine’s Day Sight
