Thoughts of Summer

Now that the monsoons have returned this week, I am looking at photos from the summer and working to add some light and warmth to the fall. Here's my latest effort. The clusters of trees in the foreground remind me of a stage set; perhaps Midsummer Night's Dream?

Autumn Light

Although this recently finished painting was done after a summer trip to Opal Creek, the light through autumn leaves today evokes a similar feeling and quality of light.

Painting's Progress Continued

The painting has been completed this week, after 2 more sessions at the easel. The light through the trees has been heightened. Refinements have been made within areas to add more variety of texture and pattern. The intent was to create a corridor of light as a focus for the painting in contrast with the darker trees. The detail illustrates the spots of color combined to create the illuminated area peeking through the trees.

Painting's Progress

I thought I might document the process of making a painting. This week I began a painting informed by the Opal Creek Trail in Oregon. I am basing the work on photographs taken last August. The work begins in the studio with some preliminary sketches, and from there the image is loosely drawn on the stretched canvas. The first image shows work at the end of the first day. A bright yellow green was washed over the whole canvas as a ground. Then large color areas were established. The second image shows the middle of the next day. You can see that the color areas are being refined and augmented.

Summer Vacation Continued

Here is a painting informed by a hike in the Columbia Gorge this summer on the fourth of July. There are many wonderful hikes in the Gorge with countless waterfalls and streams. This is a nice reminder of sunnier days

Summer Vacation

I am beginning work on paintings that are derived from my summer vacation to Opal Creek. This painting is 36"x48", and focuses on the beautiful jade water that flows through the Opal Creek Wilderness. The area in the painting is filled with gorgeous imagery;rock formations, water paths and foliage. One could do a whole series based on this particular section of Opal Creek.

There's a New Dog in Town

Yes, it finally happened. We have a new dog. His name is Willie, as in Willie Mays, Willie Wonka,etc. He's half Lab and half Golden and a pretty sweet boy. He's fairly mellow for a 1 year old, but there is training to be done. Here we go!

Opal Creek Wilderness

My family and I recently returned from a few days near Opal Creek Wilderness. We spent a couple of days hiking in the area, and there are not enough superlatives to describe this magical place. The water is various shades of clear jade green, and the rocks and trees are exquisite. A trip to Opal Creek could probably be a day trip from Portland with an early start. The main trail is a wide gravel easy 3 mile hike to Jawbone Flats and the Opal Creek Education Center. There are cabins to rent, and various programs throughout the year.It's well worth the trip.

Tualatin Visual Chronicle

The advisory board has selected a painting for the Tualatin Visual Chronicle, and the next step will be a presentation of the work at the Tualatin City Counsel meeting in September. I will be curious to know where the painting will appear in residence. Details to follow, I suspect.

Mountain Views

My husband and I are just back from 4 days in the terrain around the Mt. Hood area. It was, in turn, invigorating, relaxing, and exhausting. Saturday we took an 8 mile round trip hike to Salmon Butte. It was a hot, dry uphill climb through the forgiving shade of the forest, with a spectacular clear view from the top of Mt Hood, Adams, St. Helens, Rainier, with additional mountains to the east. I'll have to look them up. Wild flowers too ; intense violet penstemon, indian paintbrush and lupine, to name a few.