Precious Day

Precious Day, 8 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021

NFS

There are some days we wish could last forever. This past Saturday would be one of those. Two dear artist friends invited our painting group to paint at their lakeside home, and to help them close up their art studio before they move away. It was a wonderful time... a celebration of who they are and their creativity in that magical place, a reunion of new and old friends, a passing of the torch as supplies were entrusted into new hands, and a last painting hurrah! 

What an honor to be included in this bittersweet farewell! Precious day, and precious heart memories. Thank you, Charles and Carole - Love you both!

Happy, happy!

Casita Studio in the woods. 

(Many thanks to Laura Barrow for photos!)

One of many gorgeous views of Lake Travis and "Sometimes Island".

(Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. Depends on the rain.)

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Join me at my last workshop of the year! 

Register with Mary Anderson 912-634-8414, Or click below for info:

Autumn En Plein Air, Nov 4-6, 2021, 9am - 4pm, $495

St. Simons Island, GA, Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Sundown on the Lake

Sundown on the Lake, L. Daniel, 9 x 12

November skies in Austin are so incredible... last night Plein Air Austin met to paint the sunset over Lake Travis. This has become an annual event for us and last night was no disappointment. The sky was extra dramatic because of a large cloud coverage. In the last 20 minutes before the sun disappeared the sky changed about 5 times, and each new color was more stunning than the last. It was like watching fireworks, audible "oohs" and "ahs" rang out as we painted fast and furiously!

Limestone Ledges

Limestone Ledges, 9 x 12

Today I met up with my buddy, Randi Knight, to take a little painting break from the "holidays". I think that word is supposed to be synonymous with rest and vacation, but at this time of year it feels more like the opposite! It was so nice to slow down, listen to the lake lapping, and take a deep breath!

We painted at Hippie Hollow on Lake Travis, which is a beach park known for nude sunbathing. Being that the temperature was in the 50's, we figured no one would be out, at least not in THAT respect. Hmmm, not the case, as it turns out... there were several brave, bare souls. I know I have said this before but... it's always an adventure!

Lake Road

Lake Road, 9 x 12

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Another beautiful fall day here in Texas!!! Some dear friends and fabulous painters, Carole and Charles Sikes were so kind to invite Plein Air Austin to come out and paint their gorgeous view of Lake Travis with them today. This property has been in their family for four generations... it's a very special place. (Thanks guys, for sharing it with us!)

Lake Travis at Sunset

Lake Travis at Sunset, 8 x 6, SOLD

Last Thursday night Plein Air Austin gathered at the home of Lynn Cohagan to paint the sunset over Lake Travis. We all had to paint fast and furiously as the sun slipped down on the horizon; and believe me, it moves really fast. It was a beautiful evening and when the light was gone we ordered up some pizza. How great is that???

See more Small Works

Sunset Countdown

November Sunset 1, 6 x 8

November Sunset 2, 6 x 8
November Sunset 3, 6 x 8

Wednesday night, our plein air group met to paint the sun setting over Lake Travis. It all happened fast and I wanted to paint the sun at different stages, so I was painting like a fiend! When it was too dark to paint, the sky turned completely orange and the water was deep blue - perfect complements. That would have been number 4 if I could have managed one more.

Back in the studio

In the Stillness, 30 x 48 diptych

Although the summer travel and painting on the road has been quite fun, I am enjoying being in my home studio and working on bigger canvasses! This larger piece is based on a plein air study I painted this summer on Lake Travis. It was a quiet morning on the lake and the reflections of the distant shore just sparkled.

This painting will go to the Davis Gallery here in Austin.

Thursday at the Easel

Still and Quiet Morning, 8 x 16

Today I painted with my buddy Tess (www.tesstraylorwalls.com). We were at the Austin Yacht Club, but we left out the yachts and focused on the gorgeous reflections. You just have to paint what grabs you. Don't get me wrong, the boats were great, but that peninsula in the distance with the light beaming through - that is what it was all about for me.

Across from Windy Point

In the Coolness, 12 x 12

Last week's paint out included a bit of a hike out to the water... I think we all wondered if it would be worth it. But standing in the shade at the edge of Lake Travis we were graced with a constant breeze and a beautiful view through this crooked little tree. And then we jumped in the lake.