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One of the unique (for me) aspects of this event is there were many 'purchase awards' - where folks and businesses posted an amount they'd pay for the best painting of their home or office. One house had a $1000 tag on it, and that week I saw what had to be at least 30 people painting it. Regular readers here might know that buildings are not my first love, and with so many versions already being done, I made the call to not even attempt it.

Since the company I work for's headquarters is right in Sylvania, there were a few spots I knew I wanted to capture. A riverwalk trail was the first place I went. That's where I painted Ottawa River. As I walked back to my car, I saw an even better section of the river to paint - so two days later I went back and painted Soothing River. That one sold to a good friend and coworker who knows that riverwalk too.

In between those two river pieces, I went downtown, set up on the sidewalk and tortured myself trying to paint bricks, straight lines and reflections. I wouldn't say either painting turned out a success. The photo at the top of this article, main street on easel - I would have liked it much better had I just pronounced it done at the point it was in the photo! But what the heck do I know, as it was selected for the show, and sold. Go figure.

More fun than the actual painting was interacting with the people that flowed by in a constant stream. It was really cool to chat with strangers who all seemed thrilled to meet me! Just as neat was looking up and seeing a dozen other artists painting away and stopping traffic on the sidewalks.

The last day, after stressing myself out with perfect edges and perfect perspective, I decided to return to my comfort zone and went to a different park where I painted Lake Olander. I was in the shade, I was two steps from my car, there was a nice breeze and I just about had the place all to myself. Ahhh. That one sold too.

It was a great event, lots of fun, and every artist I talked with planned to return next year. Me too!

Sure hope you've been enjoying your summer, and that you enjoyed reading about my latest adventure!

Right after that, I traded paintbrushes for my golf clubs and enjoyed my 20th (or something like that) Annual Girls Golf Trip with dear friends.

Adios for now!