Plein air today in Old Orchard in Webster

It was a relative windy day, but enjoyable too.  I was planning on doing a painting of the outdoor market next door to this building, but couldn't get the right angle for it.   I really like this building, which ia one of the older ones in Webster Groves.  It's been a furniture store and a record store, and an outdoor clothing store, too, in the time I've been alive.   It's now a pretty cool upscale interesting restaurant, with outdoor seating and very different dishes on the menu. 
     As I was finishing, this nice older woman walked toward me, glanced back to look at my viewpoint, and then said, with somewhat surprise.  "I thought that view wasn't very interesting until I saw your painting  You made the painting look better than the real thing."  I thought that was very sweet, and told her thanks.  She said ,"Where are you going to display this?" so I told her about the plein air show I'm participating in next month.  She said, "I'll have one of my children bring me."  It's so fun to talk to people who are interested in art !

Plein air Kirkwood farmer's market

Great day at the Kirkwood farmer's market.  They are open almost year 'round, with a Christmas store and a Halloween store, too.  They have a huge selection of pumpkins of every size and description.  They, of course, offer a wonderful selection of fruits and vegetables, and recently added an organic meat refrigerated section, plus home-baked pies and goodies, too !  Located on Argonne by the train station in Kirkwood, Mo. 

Plein air in Lafayette Square

     The Lafayette Square districts is one of the greatest older neighborhoods of our fair city.  It surrounds the wonderful Lafayette Park, and contains a quaint shopping area and great restaurants, as well as fabulous old houses which are so unique !   It's possible to find a great scene to paint by turning in almost any direction.

Plein air Forest Park, St. Louis, Mo.

     We had so much fun enjoying our painting session on Sunday.  We staked out our locations by this lagoon, with a bridge in the distance, and the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel way in the background.   It was a delightful day, weather-wise, and the company was superb !

Backyard rainy plein air

     I started I out this morning in a bit of a 'misty' atmosphere to paint downtown with my weekly painting buddies.  After stopping for gas and a quick trip to Walgreens for a notebook to gather contact info. on the group of painters, and it really began to rain in earnest.  I decided to set up under the umbrella on my deck and find a suitable subject, so I painted the corner of my bedroom bay window and the trees that give us a bit of privacy there.  When life gives you lemons.... you know the rest.     ha !

Lemp Avenue plein air

     After 2 days of non-stop partying for my high school reunion, I managed to drag myself out of bed on Sunday morning to go painting with my plein air buddies.   I was situated in front of this lovely home across from Lemp Mansion (next to their dumpster) and directly above highway 55 overpass.  I never realized how many loud motorcycle gangs traveled up and down the highway all day long... Boy, are they loud.  
     I'm happy with the way this painting turned out, even though I had to leave right after lunch for an appointment, and I had to get the information down pretty fast.   Mark in the shadows and establish your lightest lights, and your darkest darks ! voila !

Here's the Webster Groves High School entrance.... hasn't changed in over 50 years !

St. Louis City Garden

     I wanted to try this, knowing it would be hard, but I'm happy with the final painting.  Architectural subjects are so challenging.  They must be perfectly drawn, yet have soft edges.... a difficult task.