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Fall Afternoon
Each fall the trees beckon. “Come and paint me”, they call. “Look at how beautiful I am. Do you see how inviting it is in the cool shade of my canopy?” Inspired by a plein air painting session at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area just outside Fort Collins.
8×10, oil on panel
unframed
Bitty Bird
This little bird sits in my studio observing the day-to-day activities. He loves to pose, especially with bits of flowers.
Painted from life.
Oil on canvas panel, 3 1/4x 3 1/4
Lazy Day at the Poudre
Not far from the city, along the Cache la Poudre River, there’s a fishing hole that’s popular with anglers seeking trout. Originating in the northern range of Rocky Mountain National Park, the ice cold water quenches the thirst of the residents along its path before joining the South Platte and traveling to the Gulf of Mexico. The water gurgled past, the trees were just beginning to turn, and I wished I’d worn my bathing suit for a quick dip in the river.
pastel, 12×15
en plein air
unframed
Follow Cow Creek
It was a cool brisk morning in early spring. The snow had melted and the sun was shining down. The promise of summer was in the air. After a long hike, I returned to this scene. The light was perfect.
“Follow Cow Creek” was part of the “100 Years of the National Parks” juried art show in Estes Park, CO in 2016.
16×20, oil on canvas panel
studio
unframed
Fall Along the River
Watching fall arrive along the South Platte River in Colorado is a special treat. The water drifts past, placid and gentle. The cottonwoods shift from green to shades of orange and bright yellows. The grasses glow, almost iridescent in the sunshine. Yet, in the shade, the air is cool and refreshing. While sitting on a log, painting this scene, I watched flock of wild turkeys fly across the river, minutes later, a pair of doves drifted past. And, while I didn’t see them, I know that deer, beaver and muskrat are nearby, busily preparing for winter.
pastel, 6×8
en plein air
unframed
Heirloom Beauties
Heirloom Beauties was inspired by yet another trip to the Farmer’s Market. The good folks from Honeyacre Farm devote their loves to growing luscious heirloom tomatoes, meaty, flavorful bell peppers, and solid cucumbers the size my arm.
This still life was designed to create a bold statement. I wanted to work with bright cadmium paint and explore vibrant color. I choose a deep red backdrop to complement the tomatoes and stock for delicate texture to contrast the smooth tomato.
still life
8×16, oil on linen
unframed
Next Stop: Feed and Grain – Loveland, CO
It was hot! At 9 am, the ambient temperature was already reaching 90+ degrees. I searched for a spot in the shade, where I could focus and not fry my skin. Spying a level, shady spot next to the train tracks, I setup and began to outline the lines and angles of the old building. Not long into the painting, a train roared past, carrying shiny new windmill blades. Where once we were fed by the trains that carried grain, now the trains carry windmills to feed our hunger for energy. Although abandoned, the building will soon undergo a renovation and be transformed into a home for artists and galleries.
pastel, 12×16
plein air
unframed
Schoolhouse
Perched on top of the rise, this old schoolhouse looks out over the tranquil Yampa River valley and Sleeping Indian Mountain. As I painted this scene during the Steamboat Art Museum Plein Air Event, clouds rolled across the valley and I imagined what how it felt to walk to school during the winter months when the land was being settled.
plein air
oil on canvas panel, 8×16
Steamboat Springs, CO
unframed