Susan Neese McKinney Ramblings

It was great to have a couple art friends, De Munden, and Cheryl Coen, at my Studio this week. We decided to do a still life for a change of pace. We had done quite a few plein air paintings all summer, and because of the weather it's time to move inside. It's fun to see the same subject through other artist's eyes. Here is my version. Now that my studio is a little more organized, I'll have to do more still lifes. I have many keepsakes, just crying out to be preserved in a painting. I'm looking forward to painting at De's studio next month. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

I had a great time again this year. Everyone was so friendly, and the event was well organized. These are a couple plein air paintings I did at the Paint Out. "Quiet Retreat", 8x10", and "Infinity and Beyond", 8 x 10". I'll upload a few more real soon.

Pretty day at Big Cedar Lodge, before we left Sunday.

What beautiful weather we're having. This is a small plein air I did last week. The lake is really down, so there are rock ledges revealed that don't usually show. The water had washed large ridges into the stone. I'm busy getting ready for a workshop next week with well known artist, Matt Smith. He's from my home state, Arizona, so I'm curious to see how he does with these Missouri landscapes. Quite different than the desert. I've been caring for my mother, who I'm glad to say is doing much better. Enjoy these great Fall days. Till next time. Suz

My beautiful grandkids helping me count out the Birthday years......LOL. Kaytlin to my right, then Abby, Taylor, Ashley, Kayla Levi, and Todd.

Summer is starting to come to a close. Most area schools are in session, so campers are getting far and few between. August was another hot one, so it's nice to now have a few nights in the 60's. Our little campsite is quiet and calm on these slow evenings. Only noise is the locust, occasional bird and rustling of the armadillo rooting in the front lawn. (darn rascal!) As I take Tilly, our dog, for a walk, I'm thinking to myself that we're pretty darn lucky to live here, and I should appreciate it more. We could still be living in the rat race of the big city. I don't EVEN want to think about that. I have a small plein air painting I need to post, but I'll have to do it later. It's on my website now, and facebook . I'm hoping to paint again on Thursday with De and Cheryl. The big questions is always, "where". We have one big weekend next week, and then our Summer job is about over. It's been a pretty good season with nice folks and hap...