Smith Rock

This is another painting of Smith Rock, oil on a 12" x 12" square canvas, from the same photo I used for two acrylic paintings for the Muse Art Artist a Day series.  In this more compact version, I emphasized the warm colors of the sun gleaming on the  nearly vertical stone faces, the edge of the Crooked River Caldera formed from a huge ancient volcano.

High Desert

Smith Rock is a beautiful state park in Terrebonne. The weather was perfect, I enjoyed the paint out and took many photos for future reference.  I painted High Desert with the Crooked River in the foreground on an 11" x 14" canvas board.

Smith Rock

Practicing for the Smith Rock Paint Out this Saturday, June 22, I tried to complete a painting in about half an hour, from a photo.  I spent about 45 minutes before calling it quits for the night, then could not resist just a few dabs in the morning light.  The oil painting is on a 10" square wrapped canvas.  Smith Rock State Park is at Terrebonne, Oregon, near Redmond and Bend.  Selected paintings from the paint out will be on exhibit at Redmond Municipal Airport June 25-August 18.  I'll be there with my sister, Valerie Smith, also an artist!  For more information, see www. smithrockpaintout.com.

Good Earth

I've been working on this painting of Smith Rock in Terrebonne ("good earth") since a brief but wonderful visit last October. The river and paths lead me back to explore the fantastic fortress-like rocks. At first the high desert geography seemed too dry and brown to my eyes, but the warmth of sunlight contrasts with cool shadows and the clear air reveals strong forms.