Two acrylic paintings of snow scenes, the top one "Winter Walk" is based on a photo taken in Madras looking south toward buttes. The lower is "Smith Rock Winter" with the nearly vertical cliffs reflecting sunlight and rocks poking through the snow. This panorama was recently on exhibit at the all Jefferson County show at Art Adventure Gallery in Madras.
Re-learning watercolor techniques lately after many years has been a great challenge! Sometimes I combine paint with ink sketches or other media. I enjoy the freshness, the flow, sometimes (oops!) surprises that either work or not! These are from photos (too cold to work plein air)! The beauty of Central Oregon continues to be inspiring.
Smith Rock, Crooked River, Golden Winter
Smith Rock, January 1st 2023
Spring Buttes, oil 12" x 24"
Haystack Butte, Summer, oil 9" x 12"
Summer Storm, acrylic 8" x 10"
I don't have to go far from home to find dramatic scenery! Looking South there are a series of buttes: Gray, Haystack, Juniper. Sometimes I sketch, or take photos for studio paintings, or even set up my easel outside for plein air as in "Haystack Butte". (When weather allows). Most summer days are clear and hot, but occasionally a storm rolls through. I went for a walk during a clear break on a day with rain, thunder and lightning to get photos of the dramatic clouds, and the storm caught up with me on the way back!
Several of my paintings are on view at the Art Adventure Gallery, in Madras, Oregon. Landscapes are from all over Oregon, from the coast, to the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge, and the high desert of Central Oregon. "Madras Winter", above, won best of show at the Jefferson County Fair.
One painting has already sold! Thanks to Art Adventure Gallery!
