631 The Mighty Oak

I love this oak tree, always have, and it just so happens that it is in the front yard of the home that the owls now frequent, so I can admire its structure while pretending to look for the owls.  I can photograph it and people will say, "There's that owl lady again," and they won't know that I am really admiring the tree and it's beautiful structure.  To me, it's a beautiful structure, almost a sculpture.  During the Fall, I love to collect its leaves and press them in a book.   

566. Dusk at Lake Fanny Hoe

This is another painting with photo reference generously provided by my friend, Krissy.  I am not very familiar with boats, but I am enjoying learning about them through painting.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/566-dusk-at-lake-fanny-hoe/351072

499 Hideaway

Since it is such a cold, ugly grey day here in Milwaukee, I thought I would take myself back to the warmth of summer.  August 20 was the day of my first official organized plein air experience.  It was hot and I was comfortable on a very small foot bridge overlooking a lovely scene.  I saw my first woodchuck swimming in this shallow stream, and it was all so peaceful and beautiful.  But at some point I got that uh-oh feeling.  What to do with all this GREEN?  In the nick of time, my friend and I turned in our two pieces, called it a day, and chalked it all up to experience.  I felt like I wanted to tackle the painting again today.  It's better than it was on August 20, but not something I want to tackle again.

460 Old and Stately

This painting was painted at the John Turner Trust property in Door County, WI on the first day of our plein air painting trip and finished this week in the studio.  It was a beautiful day until the skies opened up and drenched us.  We took a break for lunch, and then the skies cleared,  when I painted my favorite of all the trip's works.  This tree had the most unusual colored mosses growing on it--a rusty gold color I had never seen before, and a patina green that was a lovely contrast. 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/460-old-and-stately/258692

400 Overimprovement

My friend Ann gave me this beautiful nest, egg and feather.  It has so much going on in it--clever builders used a variety of interesting materials, including insulation (styrofoam).
I enjoyed painting it and may attempt it again in a more abstract way.

Click here to purchase or to be directed to the Daily Paintworks site:
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/400-overimprovement/241178