Susan Neese McKinney Ramblings

I just returned home from a great three day Plein Air Paint Out at Big Cedar Lodge, just South of Branson. The weather was wonderful and the fall colors were beautiful. I was tickled to meet some great artists, and enjoyed a demo by the Judge of the competition, and instructor of the 3 day workshop, Guido Frick. Jeanie Morris and her staff did a terrific job organizing the Paint Out, Show and Sale. It was fun visiting with all the guests as I painted on site. Everyone seemed to enjoy watching as we worked. It was even better when I was able to sell two of my pieces. I hope they are enjoyed for many years. I'll upload one of the sites I painted and sold. There were so many pretty sites, it was hard to decide on which to paint.

Bob and I are working this summer as Park Attendants here at the lake, so I haven't had much time for painting. It's been so hot lately we're just looking forward to Fall and a cool down. I'll be ready for some more plein air painting by then.

I'll be participating in an up-coming show starting this week. Springfield Regional Arts Council(SRAC), will be having it's 2010 annual Members Show. The opening reception will be held for the public during First Friday Art Walk, June 4th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Member's artwork will be the featured artwork during the annual membership meeting and Ozzie Awards held at The Creamery Arts Center on Thursday, June 16th. The exhibition will run through June 28th. I entered two of my newest paintings. A pastel, "China Rose", and an oil, "Marina Morning". Stop by and see the show if you get a chance. The SRAC is located within The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway across from Hammons Field. Their number: 417-862-2787 or info@springfieldarts.org .

It's been a pretty busy Spring. I had 10 days out West, and enjoyed the Spring bloom in the desert of Arizona, and nice visits with family. My Mexican cruise was cold, but we had a nice High School reunion visit anyway, and a good time with my long time buddies, Liz and Barb. It's amazing how friends haven't really changed that much in 43 years. My May Day show at the Stockton Library came in with a big thunderstorm, but has had some encouraging comments and sales. The paintings will be up through May 29th. I was tickled to have the Church painting purchased and will be donated to the new church. I hope it is enjoyed by all. Family health issues makes me appreciate each day that we have. We shouldn't take our heath for granted and enjoy time with family and friends every chance we get.

Here's a start to the May show at the Stockton Library. This is the old Cedar County Jail, built in 1888. It had to be torn down after the damage caused by the 2003 tornado. It's located in Stockton, Missouri. The county moved the jail to the top of the Courthouse, and the Historic Society moved into the building years ago. I'll be painting more buildings from the Square of Stockton, that were lost to the tornado. We now enjoy a nice, new Square. I'm enjoying this Spring weather today, and hoping it will last all week.

Happy to say "China Plate" has sold already, so now I need to get another one done for the Waverly Gallery show. Chilly weather today, but nice sunshine for a change. It makes everyone feel better, including me. I lost a dear friend this week, but must remember life goes on, and I'll always have the sweet memories of him.

It's been a long, cold Winter, but I finally got this small still life finished. We opened a new co-op Gallery in Bolivar, and it has been doing pretty well, considering the bad weather we've had. We have our second Opening tomorrow, featuring artist Deby Gilley. Everyone is welcome between 10 am and 9pm. There will be refreshments and a drawing for art. I loved the color combination of the insulators and the antique plate, and feel it was a good grouping. I'll probably enter this in the Waverly House Spring show next month.