Villa in the Gorge

Joined a group of Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters and others for a wonderful day painting at a Villa in the Columbia Gorge. I was here two years ago and returned to exactly the same spot next to a shady pond, the end of a trickling stream, surrounded by greenery, with mossy rocks catching the afternoon sun. We shared a potluck lunch and a small black cat kept me company, almost knocked over my easel! Photos show the pond, my painting in progess and completed, 9" x 12" acrylic.

waterfall edge

Looking up to the edge of the waterfall, it seems to flow out of the sky; the mist nourishes moss and cools the air. Acrylic, 10" x 10".

waterfall

Walked the trail at Wakeena Falls in the Columbia Gorge on a hot summer day, enjoyed the sights and sounds of water splashing on mossy rocks, cool mist, different perspectives.
10" x 10" gallery wrapped acrylic.

Old House

There is something satisfying about painting an old house, for one thing you don't have to worry about straight lines, as the structure gracefully bows to the forces of time and gravity. This old house is a short walk from Latourelle Falls in the Columbia Gorge, a beautiful setting to contemplate man's place in nature. Everything eventually gets covered in moss and lichen and weeds, reverting to lush greeness. Latourelle House is painted in acrylic, plein air, 11" x 14".

Plein Air in the Park

This is one of a series I plan to do in Mt. Tabor Park, in the evening at the middle reservoir facing west. It was a long "schlep" with my easel and gear, so will try to find a closer place to park my car. Sometimes I just walk for exercise, or stop to sketch and take photos. Some scenes cannot be captured by camera and some places are not convenient to paint, so I try everything! There will be an exhibit of art in Portand's parks in November so some of these may appear there. Any day or evening I can walk in the park is a good day!

Mt. Tabor Sketches

Taking a break from painting lately: walking, taking photos, sketching, observing and just being on Mt. Tabor, enjoying warm afternoons and sunsets. Sketching is fast, easy, freeing for me. It can be done anywhere, on a narrow path, steep slope, on the spur of the moment, no heavy easel and gear, no pressure. Paintings will come.

Plein Air in the Pearl and Newberg

This First Thursday I attended "According to Northwest Light" at Albina Community Bank in the Pearl. It was a juried exhibit of plein air paintings by the Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters, and it was an honor to be selected with this group. Included are two of my paintings of the Columbia Gorge, at Rooster Rock and Benson Lake parks. It was a fun gathering of my fabulous artist friends and other friends of art! Come by through August at Albina Bank, 430 NW 10th Avenue, Portland. To see other images of the First Thursday opening, see http://celestebergin.blogspot.com.

This is another painting of lavender inspired from a photo taken at Stonegate Lavender, West Linn. Two of my plein air paintings from there and one painted at the Blue Heron Herbary in Sauvie Island are on view as part of the Lavender Festival at Cusick Picture Frame, 608 E. First Street, Newberg, open Tuesday through Saturday, through August.

Flower Girl

Farmers market flower girl, small and bright,

Making colorful bouquets to delight!

Flower Girl, 6" x 6", acrylic.