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
This morning is cool and overcast, much like the day we went down to the river to paint. From that plein air, this painting was inspired for the Colorado Capitol exhibition that will take place this summer. The day was foggy and a light snow fell as we painted. The … Read More
This summer, I spent a little time exploring the Poudre River Canyon. Formally named Cache la Poudre by the french trappers in the 1800s (where they stashed gunpowder in a raging blizzard), the Poudre (poo-der) as locals call it, begins in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and drops over 7000 … Read More
Before it was named Cache la Poudre, our local river was called Pateros Creek. I just learned that bit of local lore the other day. Of course, if I drank beer, I would probably know that as a local brewery is named after our river’s earlier name. Either way, it’s one of … Read More
After sub-zero temperatures, it sure felt good to get back outside to do this “Snow Study”, the first painting of the year. Our plein air painting group met at the Environmental Learning Center along the Poudre River. We weren’t the only ones anxious to get out and enjoy the … Read More
I left the house just as the sky was beginning to lighten, wound my way up the Thompson Canyon, and bounced my way over the well worn highway to the Wild Basin turnoff in Rocky Mountain National Park. Moments later several other painters arrived. After morning greetings and chit chat, … Read More
Plein Air painting at a new location is exciting and filled with uncertainty. Pulling into the parking lot, looking around the scene, the first question is: where do I go? It’s easy to spend a lot of time looking, and not leave enough time to paint. The second challenge becomes … Read More
I had no idea that Belle Fourche represents that geographical center of the United States. Last weekend, I drove there for a cousin’s wedding. I packed my plein air gear in the hopes that I would find some time and inspiration to paint. I drove through the rolling hills of … Read More