Susan Neese McKinney Ramblings

I'm just about finished with this small still life. "Keepsake Box", 8"x10", oil on canvas, painted from life. I may not get it finished until I get back from my trip to San Diego next week. Hoping for a nice visit with family and some good weather. Then when back home will be taking some paintings to the MacCreed Gallery, at Bennett Springs.

I enjoyed a painting day with De Munden and Cheryl Coen yesterday at De's studio. De had a nice little still life set up, so Cheryl and I gave it a go. It's amazing how different each of our versions were. Mine came out kind of dark for some reason. Anyway, here it is. Then today Bob and I watched our grandson, Todd play basketball. His team didn't win, but put up a heck of a fight. Todd puts a lot of heart into everything he does, and we're proud of him and all our grandchildren. We're very blessed in that department. That sounds like a Grandma, doesn't it? Till next time, Suz

Bob and I just returned from a trip to San Antonio and Fredericksburg , Texas. It was a little cool and wet, but I managed to get some good photos for reference for future paintings. I enjoyed the art galleries, and glad to hear that the art market is still alive in Texas. We also had a nice visit with Bill, Sue and family on our return trip. This photo is taken at a famous little Texas town, Luckenbach . Wish Bob and I would have had our cowboy hats.

This was a fun little still life I did last week, when my friend, De, came over to paint in the studio. It's so great to have a nice place to paint. Thanks to my "love" for converting his old garage, for me, into a great art space. It's wonderful to have a "handy-man" in the family. And has saved us many a dollar over the years. After 43 years, next month, "I think I'll keep him."

Here's my Mom standing by my painting, "Walnut Street View", hanging at the Springfield-Branson National Airport. We wanted to see the new art show, and see how my painting looked, and where it was hung. I was pretty happy with the show. It will be up until March the 11th. There were quite a few people viewing the paintings the short time we were there. It's nice to have a great place to display local art. Thanks to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, the Springfield-Branson National Airport, and Drury College, for the opportunity. If you're flying in or out, or would like to see the new airport, check out the Sky Gallery. Free parking for 30 minutes in the short term parking.

"Forget-Me-Not" (roses) I just finished touching up this fountain painting that I started at the October paint out. I'm a lot happier with the results. This is located on a nice patio, with a beautiful view of the lake and Ozark mountains. Many a wedding and reception have taken place here., as it's a favorite location. We've been having great, warm weather. Can't believe it's January. A good time to get some things done outside before Winter's wrath decides to hit us.

This was a challenge to paint before darkness fell on this beautiful, quiet evening at Big Cedar Lodge Paint Out, 2011. I finally put a few finishing touches on it. It now brings me a warm, feel good memory of that night.