watercolor

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.

Winter Path Home

Smith Rock Winter

Smith Rock, Crooked River, Golden Winter

Smith Rock, January 1st 2023

 Smith Rock, Green Season, from a photo by Tom Miller

Buttes

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!

 

Favorite Trees

Sketches

Enjoying sketching in the high desert sagebrush and juniper country near where I live. Winter to Spring not much difference, snow melts, grass grows greener, tiny wildflowers bloom. I bring pens and a sketchbook on my walks, splash on watercolor later.

Art Adventure

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!

Mt. Hood

 Mt. Hood Obscured

 Mt. Hood Revealed

Mt. Hood Winter

Three views of Mt. Hood, the first from photographer Kary Stewie, the second from a photo by Tim Young, the last one from my own view from Mt. Tabor.

Mt. Hood Obscured is part of a show at the Pittock Mansion, "Mt. Hood Perspectives", opening January 31 and running until July 5.  There is plenty of time to tour the elegant Pittock Mansion, see (and purchase) artworks by local artists, and stroll the grounds with expansive views of the city of Portland with Mt. Hood in the distance.

Coast Trip

 Alsea Bay, Waldport 9" x 12"

 On the Rocks, Yachats, 11" x 14"

Bob Creek Beach, 16" x 20"

Spent a lovely few days at the coast in September with artist friends in Waldport and Yachats.  Unexpected warm weather, no fog or wind, perfect for plein air!   Painted one morning at Alsea Bay, Waldport, then the afternoon at Smelt Sands State Recreation area near Yachats.  Later, I painted from a photo of Bob Creek Beach.    There were incredible views from Cape Perpetua, and a wonderful dinner in Newport, looking out at the boats in the sunset, all possible future paintings.