Rural Rails Crossing

Digging Out The Oil Paints

2012-01-16T09:41:00.006-06:00

Title: Missouri River at Washington, MO*
Size: 8 x 10 inches
Medium: Oil
Original/Print: Original

It has been several years since I lasted painted in oils, but that all changed on January 13, 2012!

This painting was done from a photo I had taken back in May of 2011. The scene is located along the banks of the Missouri River in the town of Washington, Missouri. This area was settled in 1818 and became the city of Washington in 1839. There are a lot of historic buildings and interesting sites, shops, and restaurants in Washington. It is one of my favorite places to visit. You can learn more about Washington, Missouri at their web site: www.washmo.org

*Prints of this painting can be purchased at Fine Art America.

Fishing With Dad

2011-12-09T20:55:00.004-06:00

Title: Fishing With Dad
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

The inspiration for this painting comes from the town of Grafton, Illinois which is located along the Mississippi River. While the colors are a bit blue for this section of the Mississippi River, the scene is very close. My goal was not to make a photographic record, but to capture the mood of the scene. Goal achieved!!

This painting was purchased by a dear friend of mine from high school. It reminded her of those times she went fishing with her dad. Knowing that makes me smile!

Tom

A Winter's Day

2011-11-01T11:49:00.006-05:00

Title: A Winter's Day
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I painted this watercolor for a "Painting Giveaway" on my Facebook page. I was trying out some new techniques from a Sterling Edwards' video I had recently purchased. I have to say that I am pleased with the results. I also purchased one of Sterling's blending brushes which is actually a bristle brush. I like the way it makes evergreen trees. I will be experimenting with this brush to see what other effects I can achieve with it.

Congratulations to Lori Beggs! She was the winner of this original painting.

Tom

Autumn Splendor

2011-08-31T15:18:00.006-05:00

Title: Autumn Splendor*
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

Autumn is my favorite time of year. The colors of fall are simply beautiful! This watercolor is an imaginary painting of an autumn scene.

*This painting is for sale at my Etsy Shop: Autumn Splendor by D. Tom Conboy

The River

2011-07-25T08:37:00.004-05:00

Title: The River*
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

This watercolor painting is of the Mississippi River at Louisiana, Missouri and was painted from a photo I had taken back in 2004. The bridge in the background is a railroad bridge used by the Kansas City Southern Railway.

This painting is for sale at my Etsy Shop: The River by D. Tom Conboy

The Road to Town

2011-07-20T21:25:00.003-05:00

Title: The Road to Town*
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

My wife and I love to go out for long drives. We have visited most of the eastern half of Missouri as well as southern Illinois. We both enjoy taking the back roads instead of the Interstate. One of the reasons we like driving the back roads is to see the old towns and structures that still remain. These old 'relics' are really fascinating and interesting. They also make great subjects for paintings!

This watercolor is not of any particular location. It is a representation of what you see on many back roads in the Midwest.

*This painting is for sale at my Etsy shop: The Road to Town by D. Tom Conboy

The Path

2011-07-09T17:43:00.009-05:00

Title: The Path*
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I love experimenting with color application. I soak watercolor paper in water for several minutes until it is good and wet. I immediately take full strength paint and apply it to the paper. I will mix colors on the paper instead of on the palette. The paint spreads out in all directions creating many interesting shapes. I then let it dry completely (overnight). The next day, I will look at the painting to see what shapes were created. I then "flesh out" the painting by glazing several layers of paint over the base wash.

The above painting was created with the aforementioned method.

*This painting was sold on 8/12/2011

ACEO: Storm Light

2011-07-09T15:55:00.005-05:00

Title: Storm Light*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I find thunderstorms to be very interesting. Storm light is formed when sunlight is shining in the foreground of a location, but clouds fill the background. This occurs quite often with an approaching thunderstorm. The effect is striking and ominous.

I witnessed this phenomenon a few years ago while driving to a training workshop in another town. I was on the sunny side of the storm (south) and the storm was north of my position. I followed alongside the storm for several miles and noticed what looked like a funnel cloud. I turned on the radio and heard no storm warnings, so I assumed it was nothing. Later that evening, I found out a tornado had destroyed a lumber yard located about six miles from my home. I had been driving alongside a tornado and didn't know it. It really was a sight to behold.

I tried to capture the look of storm light in this watercolor painting.

Tom

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). An ACEO is a great way to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price

L&N Depot at Nashville, Illinois

2011-06-03T21:03:00.007-05:00

Title: L&N Depot at Nashville, Illinois*
Size: 7 x 10 inches
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

This painting was done from a photo of the depot I had taken in 2006. The depot has changed quite a bit since I last photographed it back in 2006. Someone had started repainting the depot a red color, but had not finished it the last time I visited Nashville. It has been almost two years since I last visited the depot, so the new paint job may be finished.

The rail line no longer serves passengers, but trains still pass by the depot on there way to Addieville, Illinois.

*This painting is for sale at my Etsy shop: L&N Depot at Nashville, Illinois

ACEO: Sunset Sentinels

2011-04-14T22:55:00.003-05:00

Title: Sunset Sentinels*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

This has to be one of my all-time favorites of the ACEO paintings. I started this painting with a strong orange wash. Next, I floated in some yellow for the sunset and crimson for the sky. This was allowed to dry overnight. The mid and foreground details were added the very next day.

I gave some serious thought to keeping this painting for myself, but decided to list it on Etsy. Needless to say, I will not be disappointed if this ACEO painting does not sell!!

Tom

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). An ACEO is a great way to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price

ACEO: Peaceful Place

2011-04-05T15:40:00.003-05:00

Title: Peaceful Place*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

Spring is a wonderful season. I especially enjoy it when everything is in bloom and the temperature starts to warm. I really like this painting. Green certainly dominates this watercolor, but there are many other "springtime" colors included in this painting. Sadly, the resolution of the computer monitor does not give the viewer the full effect.

I named this piece, "Peaceful Place," because of its softness. It is a very calm and serene scene!

Tom

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). An ACEO is a great way to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price

ACEO: Day's End

2011-03-29T09:11:00.004-05:00

Title: Day's End*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I wanted to capture the low light of dusk when the sun has slipped behind the distant hills, but has not yet set. That is the reason why this is a dark painting. I also love the earthy colors and the large boulders in the foreground.

*This painting is not for sale

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). An ACEO is a great way to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price

ACEO: Spring's Arrival

2011-03-21T16:47:00.004-05:00

Title: Spring's Arrival*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

Plant life is beginning to "wake up" in my neck of the woods. I am looking forward to all the colors of spring! The inspiration for this painting is (of course) the arrival of spring!!

*This painting was sold on July 26, 2011!

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). An ACEO is a great way to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

ACEO: Lonesome Pine

2011-03-16T18:29:00.004-05:00

Title: Lonesome Pine*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I had an idea for a painting and this is the result. I wanted to paint a springtime scene with a lone pine tree standing guard over an old barbed wire fence. I guess the Irish in me was wanting a green painting, because the greens really dominate the painting.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

*This painting was sold on March 24, 2011

ACEO: Lovers' Lane

2011-02-18T14:10:00.005-06:00

Title: Lovers' Lane*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

The inspiration for this painting is the winter of 2010/2011. It has been a long, cold, and snowy winter. I am ready for spring!!

*This painting is not for sale.

ACEO: Winter Lane

2011-01-21T22:05:00.007-06:00

Title: Winter Lane
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

It has been a very snowy winter here in the state of Missouri this season. It reminds me of the winters of my youth, and it has inspired me to paint several winter scenes.

The inspiration for this painting is the country lane which leads to our home. Our country lane is very beautiful when it is covered with snow, but driving on it is an entirely different matter. Driving a vehicle on it without four-wheel/front wheel drive is quite the challenge. Our rear-wheel drive truck has gotten stuck on it more times than I care to mention! This painting will always remind me of the challenges of driving on our road when it becomes a winter lane.

*This painting was sold on 12/24/2011.

ACEO: Summer Field

2011-01-19T21:18:00.002-06:00

Title: Summer Field*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I painted this little watercolor last night. I had no real plan or inspiration for this painting other than putting color on paper and watching to see what happened. As the sky color was spreading out on the wet paper, I came up with the idea of painting a field of grass and weeds. I applied burnt sienna and gamboge to the wet paper and it immediately started spreading into the sky. The yellow/brown colors blended with the blue sky to create light green shapes that looked like trees along the horizon. I experienced one of those "happy accidents" at just the right moment. This unplanned movement of paint was the inspiration I needed to finalize the scene.

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

ACEO: Winter 4

2011-01-15T20:22:00.002-06:00

Title: Winter 4*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

A nighttime scene inspired by the Winter of 2010/2011!

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

ACEO: A New Day (Winter 3)

2011-01-04T20:10:00.005-06:00

Title: A New Day (Winter 3)*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

I opened my eyes from a long slumber to find the room still dark. I gaze out the bay window forgetting to look at the clock. I notice just a hint of color lying low on the horizon. It is a faint, pink color which grows deeper with each passing minute. The pink hues rapidly change to orange. The orange is dark and deep, but begins to lighten as the minutes pass. The upper sky has transformed itself from a dull black to a bright blue. The orange glow now contains yellow and crimson, and the sky looks as if it is on fire! The warm glow of the rising sun carries with it the hope of a new day!

The inspiration for this painting looks at me every clear morning from my bedroom window. The scene in this painting is imaginary, but the colors are not! The winter sunrise in my part of the country is a beautiful sight to behold!

D. Tom Conboy

*This painting was sold on March 4, 2011.

ACEO: Winter 2

2011-01-01T14:32:00.010-06:00

Title: Winter 2*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

The snow started falling early on Christmas Eve morning. By noon, the snow was five inches deep and it was obvious the truck would not make it out this day. I ventured out on foot and headed down the country road to fetch the mail. It was a wet snow that clung to the pine and cedar tree branches. I stopped to look around and admire the beauty and peace of God's creation.

The scene in this ACEO painting is imaginary, but was inspired by my walk through the snow on Christmas Eve 2010!

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

Rural Rails Crossing is Now on Etsy

2010-11-26T14:29:00.000-06:00

ACEO: Country Road 1

2010-11-10T10:49:00.010-06:00

Title: Country Road 1*
Type: ACEO** Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

The inspiration for this watercolor is found right on my property. It is what I look at each time I drive to town. The fall colors were very nice this year, but brief. It won't be long before this country road is covered with snow!

*This painting is not available for sale.

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

Belle MFA

2010-09-17T21:56:00.007-05:00

The summer of 2010 has been very hot and humid here in Missouri. A refreshing break in the weather occurred on August 26 with clear skies, cooler temps, and low humidity---a perfect day to paint en plein air!

I went out for a drive, not sure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to paint. It is usually wise to know where and what you want to paint before leaving the house. Otherwise you may spend the entire day trying to find that perfect spot and never find it. I was nearing the end of my search, ready to head home empty-handed, when I spotted an old feed mill. The rusting, unused rails of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad still run through the town. The remains of the spur tracks that once "fed" this feed mill were poking out from under several layers of asphalt. These tracks, severed from the main line, have not been used in 30+ years and will probably never be used again. It was a scene just begging to be painted. At last, I found my inspiration!

This watercolor was painted on location in the town of Belle, Missouri. There was no evidence of activity at the feed mill. I am not sure if it is still in business, although it may be. I set up my easel next to a storage building that may have once received rail service too. I chose this spot for the cool shade provided by a cast shadow from the storage building. Several cars and a few kids on bicycles passed by, but no one stopped to talk. It was a beautiful and peaceful painting experience--one I will never forget.

D. Tom Conboy

Vandalia RR

2010-08-06T09:00:00.004-05:00

This watercolor was painted from a photo I had taken in Vandalia, Illinois back in March of 2008.

This line is currently operated by the Vandalia Railroad Company which is owned by Pioneer RailCorp. The tower on the left once guarded the crossing of the Illinois Central RR (Vandalia RR) and the Pennsylvania RR (CSX). This section of the old ICRR was called the “Gruber Line” and it was abandoned many years ago. The Gruber Line was once the mainline of the ICRR, but the branch to Chicago eventually became the mainline, and the Gruber Line’s importance dwindled. I believe it was abandoned back in the 1980’s. Some segments of the old Gruber Line still exist and are still in operation today, like this section in Vandalia.

The railroads of Vandalia have always fascinated me. I really wanted to do a painting of this scene, and I am pleased with the results. I hope to one day go back to Vandalia and do another painting on location.

Marler Chapel

2010-07-13T21:16:00.004-05:00

Marler Chapel is located on Highway C near the old town of Palmer in Washington County, Missouri. My research on this church turned up little information on its history. I am not sure if it is still used today, although it looks to be in good shape. A cemetery is located nearby (Marler-Sitton Cemetery), and it has tombstones that date back to the mid-1800’s.

The above watercolor was painted on location (July 1, 2010). Missouri summers can be very hot and humid, but this day was mild with very low humidity—a beautiful day to paint!

What I will remember most was the number of sweat bees that congregated around my face and palette. There were only two or three at the beginning, but the number of sweat bees grew to about a dozen and a half by the time I wrapped up the painting session. I used an insect repellant, but it was ineffective against the bees. I even got stung by one of them, but it still was a relaxing and enjoyable day!

ACEO: Shattuc Tower

2010-06-03T10:20:00.006-05:00

Title: Shattuc Tower*
Type: ACEO Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Acrylic
Original/Print: Original

Shattuc Tower is located next to the CSX and BNSF Railroad tracks in Shattuc, Illinois. The tower has been abandoned since 1988 and is slated for removal in 2010. The tower mechanism will be salvaged and restored, but the structure will not. For more information on the tower, please visit RR Signal Pix.com's web site.

This painting was done from a photograph I had taken of the tower sometime between 1999 and 2001. I have several other photos of railroad towers in Illinois, and I plan on painting an ACEO for each one.

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks
**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

ACEO: Freeburg Depot Signal

2010-05-22T23:47:00.005-05:00

Title: Freeburg Depot Signal*
Type: ACEO Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Acrylic
Original/Print: Original

This painting is inspired by a photo† of the train order signal that was located at the Rock Island depot in Freeburg, Missouri. This depot was abandoned in 1975 and eventually torn down sometime during the 1980’s. The train order signal was used to let train crews know if they needed to pick up new train orders.

This part of the old Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad-St. Louis Line is no longer in use today. A railroad tunnel is located just west of the depot. The tunnel still exists, but access to it is difficult due to nearly 30 years of unchecked vegetation growth.

†Inspiration for this painting is based on a photo by Mark Nelson which appeared in Volume 1 Issue 1 (2004) of “Remember The Rock” magazine [p. 16].

*This painting is not available for sale at this time.
**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

Dickey Farm Supply

2010-03-27T21:45:00.000-05:00

This watercolor was painted in the studio from a photo taken back in 2008. Dickey Farm Supply is a feed supply house located in Belgrade, Missouri. The feed mill is very old, and it once milled its own flour. The mill is still in use today, although the milling of flour ceased there many years ago.

I discovered this quaint feed mill back in 2000. My wife and I had joined Liberty Baptist Church which is located across the street from the mill. From the first moment I spotted this mill, I wanted to do a painting of it. I did not get the chance back in the early 2000's, and we eventually moved to a different church outside of the Belgrade area. I did return several years later when I became the pastor of Liberty Baptist Church. I decided this time I would do a watercolor painting of the mill.

The reference photo was taken on a very cold day (single digit temperatures), so I did not paint it on location. This painting is one of my personal favorites, so I decided to enter it in the 2008 Washington County Fair. It ended up winning 2nd prize (I also won 1st prize with another painting at that fair---see Slow Saturday).

Treloar Elevator

2010-02-05T11:00:00.003-06:00

The town of Treloar, Missouri is located along the Katy Trail. The Katy Trail was once the rail corridor for the Missouri Kansas & Texas Railroad. The Missouri Kansas & Texas Railroad was also known as the 'MKT' or simply the 'Katy.'

Treloar features several old structures that really have a lot of character. I took a photo of a group of old grain elevators while I was biking through the area back in 2004. I also discovered a 1962 photo of the railroad depot in Treloar. You could also see a boxcar sitting next to one of the elevators in that 1962 photo.

The depot and the tracks are long gone, but as of 2004 the elevators remained. I have not visited Treloar in a few years, but recent photos of the elevator complex show several of the support structures that were present in 2004 are now missing today. I am glad I was able to photograph the area before these structures were removed.

The painting above was completed from the photo I had taken back in 2004. I originally was going to include the entire complex in the painting, but I did not find a suitable composition. I decided to focus the painting on the main elevator which displayed the sign, "Marthasville Feed & Supply Co." Overall, I like the painting, but I am still not fully satisfied with its composition. I will probably go back to Treloar and paint the elevators on location, although it will not include those original structures that gave the elevator complex its character.

D. Tom Conboy

Slow Saturday

2010-01-01T12:10:00.006-06:00

This painting features a scene from the small town of Bland, Missouri. Bland is located along the old Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad-St. Louis Line. The railroad has not had any rail traffic on it for almost 30 years, but it is not officially abandoned. The town was organized in 1902 and is supposedly named after Richard Parks Bland, a U.S. Congressman from Missouri.

This watercolor painting was completed from a photo taken back in 2006. The day was quite warm, and the large shaded area under the tree was very inviting. The streets were empty and it looked like the townsfolk decided to stay inside on this warm, July day. It sure was a slow Saturday in Bland!

I am especially proud of this painting because it won the Watercolor Painting Blue Ribbon at the 2008 Washington County [Missouri] Fair.

D. Tom Conboy

Bonne Terre Station

2009-12-15T22:07:00.005-06:00

This watercolor was painted in the studio from a photograph I had taken on location. The depot was built in 1909 by the Mississippi River & Bonne Terre Railroad (MR&BT) which was owned by the St. Joe Lead Company. In the late 20’s, the MR&BT became part of the Missouri & Illinois Railroad which was a subsidiary of the Missouri Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific). The MR&BT hauled lead ore up to Herculaneum, Missouri to a smelter which processed the ore into refined lead. Bonne Terre, which in French means, “Good Earth” is located in an area of Missouri known as ‘The Leadbelt.’ The Leadbelt was once the largest lead mining district in the world.

The original colors of the depot were yellow and brown. The color today is a light red, which has faded to an almost pink color. The depot is now a bed & breakfast/bar and grill, but I do not believe it has been used as such for several years. The tracks that run alongside the depot were abandoned back in 2001.

I liked the way the light and shadows contrasted in the photo I had taken back in 2007. The interesting light, shadows, and composition of this scene led me to paint it.

D. Tom Conboy

ACEO: 316 Silo Road

2009-12-05T22:40:00.004-06:00

Title: 316 Silo Road*
Type: ACEO Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

*This painting was sold on 1/4/2011.

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

MKT Depot at Marthasville, Missouri

2009-11-25T22:12:00.002-06:00

This watercolor was painted on location back in November of 2006. The Marthasville Depot is located on the Katy Trail State Park. It was once part of the Missouri Kansas & Texas Railroad until the line was abandoned in 1986. The web site for the community of Marthasville states that this depot is slated for renovation, but so far nothing has visibly taken place.

I remember painting this watercolor as if I painted it yesterday. It was the day before Thanksgiving in 2006 and it was a pleasant and sunny day. I set up my chair and paints right along the trail (off the side a bit to avoid getting in the way of any hikers/bikers on the trail). I had two gentlemen stop and talk to me about what I was doing. They gave me a word of encouragement and went on their way. These two were the only people to pass by that day. I painted the majority of the painting on location and added some final details at home in my studio.

I really enjoyed this painting adventure and encourage anyone who might be interested in painting "en plein air" to take the plunge and give it a try.

D. Tom Conboy

Resting at Rocheport

2009-11-18T16:22:00.004-06:00

This watercolor was painted from a photograph I had taken back in November of 2004. The location of this painting is along the Katy Trail in Rocheport, Missouri. Rocheport is an old railroad town that is a great place to stop along the Katy Trail. Just west of this location is a railroad tunnel, and it is the only tunnel on the Missouri Kansas & Texas Railroad. This section of the Katy Trail is very beautiful and the old town is very quaint and has several neat little shops. If you ever plan on biking or hiking the Katy Trail in Missouri, make sure you stop at Rocheport.

The painting’s subject is an old structure located right along the trail. I loved the way the vines were growing over it as well as the condition of the old brickwork structure. I do not believe this building was occupied, but I could be wrong. I spent the day hiking this section of the trail and taking photos of the railroad tunnel and the fall foliage. It had been a very mild fall season and many of the colorful leaves were still clinging to the branches on this warm November day.

D. Tom Conboy

ACEO: Switchstand

2009-11-10T08:52:00.012-06:00

Title: Switchstand*
Type: ACEO Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

The inspiration for this painting is found in the town of Owensville, Missouri along the old Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad-St. Louis Line. The rail line in Owensville is technically not abandoned, but has not seen a train in about 14 years. It is owned by Ameren Utilities Corporation and operated by Progressive Rail. There has been talk for several years of restoring service along this line from the current terminus of Union, Missouri to Kansas City, but it has not happened yet.

I find these old reminders of days gone by are interesting subjects to paint. Seeing this relic sitting idly in the weeds makes me wonder about the stories of the people who operated it in the past.

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

Meta Feed Mill

2009-10-31T12:55:00.002-05:00

The watercolor was painted from a photograph I had taken on a May afternoon in Meta, Missouri back in 2006. The structures on the right are part of the Diamond Pet Food plant. The grain elevator on the left is Meta Feed. The town of Meta used to be a railroad town. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (CRI&P) once ran through town. The line through Meta was never officially abandoned, but it has not seen a train in almost 30 years. The CRI&P went out of business on March 31 of 1980. Many communities along the line have tried to get rail service back to their towns. There are rumors of rail service resuming out to Meta, but it has not happened yet. The line is owned by AmerenUE and is currently operated by Progressive Rail which is headquartered in Minnesota.

I chose to paint this scene because I liked the composition. I found the structures, vehicles, and the highway sign made an interesting scene. When I look back at this painting I remember the day very well. It was very warm (almost 95 degrees) and my jeep’s air-conditioner was not working. I am not a hot-weather person, so I was really missing the air-conditioner. My wife was riding along with me and we sought relief from the heat in a local convenience store. The store’s air-conditioner was having trouble keeping up with the heat, so it was only a little bit cooler inside the store. We ordered some delicious fried chicken and a couple of large sodas for the road. Overall, the day was very enjoyable---even without the air-conditioner!

D. Tom Conboy

ACEO: Winter 1

2009-10-24T10:32:00.007-05:00

Title: Winter 1*
Type: ACEO Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

Winter 1 is the second ACEO** art card in my Four Seasons Series collection.

D. Tom Conboy

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks.

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

Maple Leaves 1

2009-10-19T18:29:00.006-05:00

Title: Maple Leaves 1*
Type: ACEO Art Card (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Medium: Watercolor
Original/Print: Original

The work you see above is called an ACEO**, which stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. The inspiration for this painting is right outside my front door. I have several small hard maple trees growing in the woods along the edge of my front yard. The trees' leaves turn a reddish orange color each fall and they really are beautiful---the highlight of the season!

I want to personally thank Rita Squier for inspiring me to try ACEO's. She has many wonderful ACEO's and other pieces of artwork for sale at her web site. You can visit her site by clicking on the following link:

Squier Original Watercolors, Fine Art & Design

DTC

*This painting is currently available for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJCreativeWorks

**ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original paintings, but they are small (only 2.5 by 3.5 inches). ACEOs are very popular. Why are they popular? Because they allow a person to purchase an original piece of artwork at a great price!

Farber Depot

2009-10-13T16:13:00.002-05:00

This watercolor was painted on location at a trackside park in Farber, Missouri. This old depot was used by the Chicago & Alton Railroad and moved several feet from the railroad track to this spot. An old wood caboose is also parked near the depot (not including in this painting). In the past, an F3 diesel unit was located on site, but acts of vandalism led to the scrapping of this locomotive.

I painted this watercolor while I was house-sitting for my sister in-law in nearby Vandalia, Missouri. It was a cool, sunny day and I had a relaxing time while on location. Railroad depots and structures are some of my favorite subjects to paint, and I do hope to go back in the future and do another painting of the depot and the old caboose.

D. Tom Conboy

"Spur" of the Moment

2009-10-05T17:28:00.001-05:00

This watercolor was painted on location at Louisiana, Missouri on a cool and sunny October Day (10/18/08). A little history and background information is needed first before I explain the title. Two railroads run through the town of Louisiana. At one time, these lines were owned by the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy (today BNSF), and the Chicago & Alton (today KCS). These line cross each other just south of this location and the track shown in this painting was a junction track that connected the CB&Q with the C&A. In the past, these two railroads would interchange cars with one another using this track. Today, the track is used as a spur track to store cars for the BNSF.

The title for the this painting is a play on words pertaining to this location and how I arrived at this spot. I had been driving up MO highway 79 looking for a place to paint. I had a location in mind in the town of Old Monroe, Missouri, but when I got there, nothing really grabbed my attention. I continued driving north to Clarksville, Missouri and took some reference photos for a future painting(s). Again, nothing really grabbed my attention. I decided to keep driving north to Louisiana, Missouri. As a I came into town, I noticed an old depot located on the KCS line. I thought about doing a painting of the depot, but I didn’t see any good spots to set up my easel out of the direct sunlight. I noticed a road a little north of the depot and turned onto it to get a reference photo of the old, weathered structure. As I looked around, I noticed a metal building and a hopper car located on the spur track that ran toward the depot. I also noticed an old, unused sidewalk under the shade of a couple of huge trees---a perfect place to set up my easel out of the direct sunlight. As I studied the scene, I noticed a water line mark on the old, metal building that was placed there by the recent flooding of the Mississippi River over the past summer. The hopper car’s wheels and coupler had a fresh coating of rust on them, and I wondered if it had been sitting there when the flood waters covered this location. I suddenly realized this scene was it, the one I needed to paint! The location, setting, and timing all came together at the “spur of the moment!”

D. Tom Conboy

Bernheimer Bridge

2009-10-02T15:58:00.003-05:00

The Katy Trail is a former rail line that has been converted into a biking/hiking trail. It once was used by the Missouri Kansas and Texas Railroad (MKT). The MKT abandoned the line in 1986 and donated the land to the state of Missouri.

Bernheimer Bridge is located along the Katy Trail in Missouri, and it is the subject of one of my paintings. I completed this watercolor in my studio from a photo I had taken while riding along the trail. This section of the trail hugs the Missouri river and is very beautiful and peaceful. When I look at this painting, it takes me back to those times I have ridden this section of the Katy Trail. It is like I am back on my bike taking in the fresh air and the wonderful scenery of this tranquil section of the trail.

I highly recommend biking or hiking the Katy Trail. If you are interested, please visit www.bikekatytrail.com for more information.

D. Tom Conboy