drive through the Flint Hills

Last Sunday, we drove to Matfield Green, where friends are rehabbing an old house. Arriving early, I took time to draw this tiny house that provides their temporary living space. A springtime drive through this western edge of the Kansas Flint Hills is normally beautiful, but this seemingly endless winter has made it less so. None of the trees show any new buds yet, and cattle are out in pastures of dead grass. Who know what they find to eat out there.

This building used to be located at the couple's old house, used as an interior designer workshop by the wife. I once helped her with some sewing here, with it's huge work table, 2 sewing machines, and lots of bolts of fabric stored overhead. Now it has been transformed into a charming little home.

The tiny palette sketch is of my newest toy:

Recently, I found this cute little palette and just had to get one --- Yes, I am a palette junkie! With the addition of a waterbrush, it makes a great minimal kit to carry in a purse or pocket. It's sold by artist Maria Coryell-Martin, who travels to frigid polar areas, painting amazing works of art. The bottom of the case is lined with a thin magnet, which holds the metal pans in place.

Maria's web site is here, and this palette is found here. She has also put together a convenient Art Tool Kit, containing this palette, waterbrush, pen, and other tools in a ring-binder of watercolor paper and art tips.