Fall Plein Air Trio

Painting Blind

6x8

Last Sunday i woke early, without the help of my alarm, to go create some moody work and at the last minute i decided on LaCamas Lake. I wanted to make sure i got there with time enough to pick out a subject and start in before the light came. Well, i got there early enough.... the only thing moving around besides this lughead were two ducks at the boat launch. I wandered around the dark for a bit and found a spot i could see the lake through the trees. Noctural painting here we come..... One thing, because it was still dark, i couldn't see the colors i was mixing. Fortunately all was dark, except for the water and sky. Turns out, i mixed a lovely dark green and dark brown.

LaCamas Gray

8x10

Next up, mostly trees with a bit of lake, and by now the rain was a comin' down. Not much in the way of vibrant color, but this is what i was after; the dull truth of our Pacific Northwest weather. I was chilly and getting quite wet by this time, which makes the challenge of focusing all the more difficult, but its also driving me. One passer by stated, "I hope it waterproof paint."

I responded, "Absolutely, it oils"

LaCamas Blue and Gold

6x8

I soon found myself at the boat launch trying to land on my third composition of the day. Looking East was a more interesting view, but incredible warm yellow in the turning trees to the West would prevail. At this point the rain was intermittent and i knew i was on the home stretch of my painting excursion. Soon it was done and i was home by noon. Just in time for a hot bath, lunch and a welcome nap.

Steve & Jean's Backyard

Standing in my driveway peering over my neighbors fense, I painted this scene of Steve & Jean's Backyard. They have lucious views everywhere in their yard, but this one particularly lit my match and it was on.... I had the right composition, the right light and having fun was the only thing left to do. Thanks to the Beaty's for allowing me the use of their handywork as inspiration and Kevin, sorry for the delays in getting a posting up. Enjoy.

Steve & Jean's Backyard, 8x10 oil on panel.

Quiet Sunset

After my morning chores were done on Saturday, I went to 1000 Acres (east of Troutdale) and painted some Gorge scenes. This one, being the last of four I completed for the day. But, just as I was starting it, I received a random visit from my friend Mitch Baird, who happened to be coming back from his workshop at Beacon Rock. It was great to see him and we had a nice chat.

After some laughes it was back to work. I had to work fast as I was running out of daylight and I knew Vicki wanted me to eventually come home. So, little thinking and more reacting was going on. It was the best day weather wise for the year so far, as I'm sure most of you can attest to and I took full advantage of it.

I hope you enjoy it, Quiet Sunset 8x10 oil.

Patch of Iris

My wife, Victoria, has some lovely Iris' in our back yard that I just had to paint. Patch of Iris, oil on 6x8 panel.