Winter Chill

The tv stations are calling it the "Arctic Blast." It's pretty darn cold and although it was beautiful and clear today, tonight and tomorrow warns of frigid temperatures and the possibility of more snow. It's a great time for reading, playing games, and sipping a lovely port to warm the insides. In the event of another snow day, I look forward to the opportunity to be in the studio.

Sad News

Unfortunately, sad news also travels quickly. I am sad to learn of the death of Terry Toedtemeier in Hood River last night. He was a fine and warm man, a valuable part of the community, and a wonderful artist. My thoughts go out to friends and family.

Good News Travels Fast

I am happy to hear from Larry Elder from the Elder Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina, that 2 of my large paintings have been purchased by a local corporation. What a nice Christmas present! Nothing like sales to spur me on to getting to work in the studio. The work has been going well recently, so no external push was really needed, but I am nevertheless gratified when my work strikes a chord.

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!