Susan Neese McKinney Ramblings

We had a nice "Sneak Preview" of the new Art Sync gallery in Bolivar. There was a pretty good crowd last night, and this morning. Quite a few artists signed up to be members of the gallery, so they can display and sell their artwork. I sold a few cards, and notepads. This is a busy time, with Christmas coming so soon. Not much time for painting. Best to plan for slower times after the holidays. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas. Suz

Here's another study. Just a very rough start, but "Hey!" I kind of like it..... Might not do much to it. We'll see... I didn't get a very good photo of the scene, so may have to go from memory. Which ain't as good as it used to be...lol I wish someone would comment. Feels kind of funny talking to myself...?? Hopefully there's someone out there listening.

Bennett Springs Plein Air workshop this year was really cold and wet, but we managed to get a few paintings started. I really enjoyed seeing and meeting the owners of MacCreeds Gallery, near Bennett Springs. They have a wonderful Gallery and had a lovely reception. I have a few studies in progress from the workshop. This is one I started there. November has come in with some beautiful weather, but all the pretty fall colors have fallen to the ground, so it's hard to get in the painting mode again. All the news on the economy is so depressing. I need to just turn the TV off, and remember what a beautiful area we live in, and all our wonderful family and friends. The Moon and the sunsets have been fantastic. I try to capture it on my camera, but it never turns out, so I try to soak up the moment into my memory, for future originals....... It seems impossible to portray Nature as it really is, but I keep trying. I'll upload another painting in progress soon.

Fall is in the air, and I feel the panic to get as much done outside as I can, before the inevitable Winter shows up. I finished up the plein air painting,"Morning Solitude", and need to sign it tonight. It's of a pretty site located on Truman Lake, near Osceola, MO. The old road I painted from just disappears into the water. The views change as the water level goes up and down. Thanks to De and Cheryl for letting me in on this hard to find spot. I also received notice that I was accepted into a juried show at the Waverly House starting Nov. 6th. I entered my painting of "Walnut Street View". The show will run thru to Dec. 22nd. It is an annual fundraiser for the local Girls Shelter, so a portion of the sales and silent auction go for that purpose. More on that later...

Friday, September 4th, 2009 is the date for the Art Reception at my One Person Show , on display at the Midtown-Carnegie Library , in Springfield, Missouri. The time is: Noon to 1:30pm Location: Corner of Central and Jefferson. Jefferson is a one-way street going South, so must come from the North to get to the parking lot. This show has been hanging since July 17th, and will be on display until Sept. 14th. It is part of the "Art in Public Places" program and is being sponsored in part by the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Stop by and say "HI". Buy a painting or two, and let the Library know you appreciate seeing the local artist's artwork.

July 8th, 2009 This was a quick painting done at the Blackjack area on the Sac River just North of Stockton, Missouri. It's a nice little sight where the river splits around two small islands. Two other friends and I started early, and quit before it got too hot.

Sorry to say ArtsFest was a washout. It was cold Sat. and rained all day Sunday. A nice lady did buy two of my small paintings on Sat. A cute little girl named Abby bought a small sailboat painting I donated to the, "Art for Kids to Purchase". I don't know who got the frog painting, "Hanging On". I have another show to be in on Sat., 9:00 to 3:00 at the Bolivar, MO, Court House. My next project will be to place my art in: "Art in Public Places" in Springfield, MO. Sponsored by the Springfield Arts Council. There are many doctor, and lawyer offices wanting local art to display. More on that later. April showers bring May flowers......we should have plenty of flowers!! Susan