I was participating in a quick paint contest on the Saint Louis riverfront.  Old barge structures beckoned my attention quickly.  The scene was full of interesting shapes and colors, including a crane.  It was a clear, fall morning, but quite blustery.  Under the poplar street bridge, the wind was somehow funneled, and it was howling. :

The barge decks are fascinating.  Numerous strange objects lay in a seemingly helter-skelter jumble.  The only objects for which I could identify a purpose were ropes and an old tire.  The subject of the painting is the rusty machinery and crane.  The jumble as focal point captures well the essence of a working river barge. 

As the parade arrived at the stadium, the afternoon late streaked directly down the parade route.  Leading the parade was the Budweiser Wagon with a Dalmation riding atop.  Over two-hundred thousand cheering fans lined the route.  This painting was awarded the "Artist's Choice Award" at the concurrent "Paint Saint Louis" Plein Air competition. 

Joy in Mudville.