Susan Neese McKinney Ramblings

"Despair"  24"x30", Oil  This was heart wrenching to paint as this shows Bob's battle with cancer was dragging on an on.      The painting is actually darker, but for some reason is hard to capture the correct colors.    This is one in the series honoring Bob and our other Vietnam vets .

"Christmas Star", 6"x8", Oil   I painted this last night so I can use it for my Christmas cards this year.    Time is getting short so I better get them sent out in the next few days.    I'm hoping it will dry a little more so it will photograph better.    I'll print them out on my own HP printer.    It just takes a little time to get it set up correctly.    I'm also continuing to work on some large paintings for my show in January.    Nothing like working against the clock.    I'm not too worried about it.    This way I can't stew about it and spend too much time on one painting.    Makes the works more spontaneous.    We shall see.....ha.    Christmas blessings to my family and friends, and to a happy, healthy New Year ahead.   Hugs, Susan

I'm working on this for my Springfield show.   It's still a little wet for photographing.    This is for the series I'm working through as Bob's battle with lung cancer.    This started as his journey and ends into the light, and peace.........................   "Journeys End~~~To Glory"

I reworked this from the first version.    Took a chance on a sepia wash.    I kind of like the rustic look.   For those who didn't see the first one....this is a tribute to my father enjoying his teenager days. "Lazy Daze II", 24"x30", Oil on canvas

"Winter Sunset", a view from my front porch.......(c)copyright I was feeling a little down this week.....But how can I when I see such a pretty sight from my front porch, and then remember all my wonderful blessings.    My family are all well and excited to be heading to St.Louis for the State Finals this week, Football Class 2.   My grandson, Todd's team, Lamar H.S., Missouri, is hoping for it's 3rd State championship in a row.    Todd is the main kicker, and only a sophomore, so we're pretty proud of him.     I'm working on a "One person show" in January, and another show in February, but that's on hold until after Thanksgiving.    In the meantime, "Happy Thanksgiving"  and many blessings to my family and followers.    Hugs, Susan

Lasater Plein Air Group, Illinois River Watershed I just got home from a 3 day plein air (on location) workshop with John Lasater sponsored by the Illinois River Watershed Partnership located in Cave Springs, Arkansas.    John is a great teacher, but I'm exhausted, as usual.  We had a great group and a good time.   The last day was spent at the Crystal Bridges Art Museum in Bentonville.    Blessed with cool but beautiful weather the entire workshop, the last day was fun visiting with all the families hiking on the trails, and enjoying the gardens of the Museum.   I even had a cute little boy and girl help me paint.   They were smiling ear to ear......Sorry there were a few who didn't get in the group photo.    

I was pleased to win a gift certificate with my painting, "Spring Waters", 8"x 10", today at the Boathouse at Springfield Lake, Springfield, Missouri.   This was potluck day, for the season ending, Springfield Plein Air group.   We had a nice group and a good time.   Check it out on their facebook page.    After the dinner, I drove to the other side of the lake to the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery to see Bob's headstone that was just set in place this week.    It was nice, but a little bittersweet to see it carved into the stone.   I'll post a little photo of that also.   Springfield Plein Air group,  the Boathouse at Springfield Lake