A picture perfect fall day along the Poudre River. As I painted this scene, I thought of poet Mary Oliver and this phrase from her book, Winter Hours. Sometimes, I think, were I just a little rougher made, I would go altogether to the woods – to my work entirely, … Read More
It’s the end of September and that means it’s the end of another 30 Day Challenge to draw or paint from life every day for 30 days. Sponsored by Strada Easel, this is the third challenge I’ve completed. As you may recall from this post, I hemmed and hawed over … Read More
Plein Air days are the best days. September light in Rocky Mountain National Park when the leaves are turning makes everything even better. Painted with the PAAC, Northern Colorado crew at Cow Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park this morning. Blues skies, the start of golden leaves and cool morning … Read More
Yesterday, I went up to the Estes Valley Plein Air Quick Draw with friend and artist Andrea Gabel. We went to cheer on Jenifer Cline and pick up some tips and watch the artists paint, and see the art show. We wandered around, looking at easels, brushes, paint tubes, and … Read More
It’s conversations like these that keep me moving forward. Anything here sound familiar? MAE: So, are you going to do the Strada Easel Challenge this month? (MAE: my alter ego) Me: Oh, I don’t know. I thought I’d take this one off. MAE: Really, why? Me: Well, I want to … Read More
After working diligently in the studio on a very difficult perspective problem for the past few days, I stepped outside for some much-needed plein air painting. I found painting whitewater at the Poudre River to be the perfect solution. Apparently, I needed to unleash some pent-up color craze and fluidity. … Read More
Click to Bid Each painting brings back memories. This painting “Along the Yampa River” is no exception. Last fall, I participated in the Steamboat Plein Air Event, a week-long plein air event that supports the Steamboat Art Museum. At the same time, I was painting daily as part of the … Read More
Now available at auction. Click to Bid ”On the Cob” was such a fun painting to make. It reminded me of childhood summers and working in the garden with my Dad. For as long as I can remember, my father planted a large garden. And, he still does. I loved … Read More
30 Paintings in 30 Days – All From Life for the Strada Easel Challenge It’s really fun to see all of the paintings together. I look at this montage and I think of the frustration, joy, weather, adventures, hopes and goals of the past month. While they didn’t all ‘turn … Read More
The Steamboat Plein Air Event brought fog, snow, rain, sun, fun and thankfully very little wind. Thinking back, I realized I have not been to Steamboat in over 15 years! I made a trip up there when I first moved to Colorado. At the time, everything was grandiose, spectacular and … Read More