The Haskell Playhouse

Yesterday I joined some other plein air painters and art instructor Gene Ursprung, and spent the morning painting the historical Haskell Playhouse in Alton, Illinois.  The playhouse was built for Lucy Jane Haskell, the daughter of Dr.William Haskell by her grandfather, John Hayner, a wealthy financier and philanthropist.  The grandfather commissioned an Alton architect to design and build this beautiful playhouse which is in the style of Queen Anne Stick,  for Lucy's 5th birthday which was July 29, 1985.  Lucy Jane Haskell died at the age of nine of "black dptheria' just four years after the playhouse was built.  Following Lucy's mother's death in 1932 the family home, 6.4 acres of land and the playhouse were bequeathed to the city of Alton to be used as a playground and facility for children.

We all enjoyed painting in the lovely surroundings until it began to get too hot and broke up our painting party and enjoyed lunch and art conversation around the table.  What a great day!

Mural Reception

There was a wonderful reception at Friendship House on Tuesday for the completion of the mural, On the Banks of the Wabash.  Many residents and friends attended as well as the local TV station.  A short human interest bite about the mural including and interview with mom appeared on three evening news broadcasts.  It was a great finish to a wonderful experience.

The Absolute Final Mural Photos

It is a challenge to take a photo of a painting 17 feet long.  This afternoon my mom and sister helped hold lamps to light the corners of the mural so we could get a better photo.  Then I took some final photos of the details of the painting adding St. Mary's Church and some wildlife.  This has been such a rewarding experience.  We are looking forward to the dedication coffee this Tuesday morning at Friendship House.

Creation of the mural "On Banks of the Wabash"

It is finished!  Mom and I spent eight hours today completing our mural project on the dining room wall of Friendship House.  There will be a reception next Tuesday morning, August 14th from 10;00 - 11:00 in the dining room to present the mural to the public.  The residents have given wonderful input all along the way.  Mom and I added things we had not thought of, wild turkeys, a cardinal, turbine windmills, and a vignette of Friendship House itself.  What a memorable experience to share with my dear mom.  Enjoy the photos.

Close up views of some of the details....

Cloeme Continued!

I kept looking at what I thought was my finished painting on the mantel and it informed me it needed just a bit more value on the left side and the corners to carry the eye to the subject.  So I added water, a touch of Cheap Joe's American Journey colors cobalt and pomegranate and I do think it is finally finished!

Cabin Fever Flower - Cloeme

Here is the latest in what is turning into the "Cabin Fever Collection."  Cloeme have such stunning blossoms - like fireworks in your garden with their spiky projections on top of tall stalks.  My inspiration photos were taken at a couple of different gardens.  One was from the last time they grew in my garden here.  They usually come back every year, but when I used a pre-emergent one spring to head off the weeds, it also interrupted the plant cycle.  But I do have the photos!  When we move, I would like to include them in my next garden.

After drawing the sketch I decided to cut petals from masking tape to be able to paint the background right over the blossoms. Once the background was in, I removed the tape and tried to keep a light touch in adding the rose colored petals. I'm probably not finished with this painting yet.  Looking at it from across on the room, on my mantel, it doesn't have the pop effect I tried to get. Without overworking it, I want to add some touches of value that will be seen effectively from a distance as well as close up.  The trick will be not to overwork it.

Polly's Pancake House Rose Hips

Another cabin fever painting.  Penny's Pancake Parlor is an amazing" breakfast all day" destination  in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.  Located in the White Mountains, it is one of my favorite son in law's favorite places to take us to on a Saturday morning when we come to visit.  It's about a two hour drive and worth the effort.  You can find out all about the history of PPP: http://pollyspancakeparlor.com/.  A couple of years ago we were there for a visit in the fall and on a damp overcast rainy morning we made the trip and waited over an hour in line outdoors. While we waited we breathed in the mountain air and soaked up the beautiful mountain panorama around us.  There were rose hip laden bushes in front of the restaurant and I took plenty of photos so I could paint them someday.  Well today was the day and here they are!

Cabin Fever Moon Flowers

These moon flowers were blooming in Grafton, Illinois during a sibling reunion weekend a couple of years ago.  My brother, brother in law and I took several photos in the day and at night of these spectacular blossoms.  I've had them in mind to paint ever since, but it took these days of intense heat and cabin fever to finally get me motivated.  I should probably be packing more boxes for our eventual move, but I decided to paint instead!  Next - complete a painting of giant rose hips that I sketched and started.