I am very grateful to live in an area with mountains and plains. Wintertime is a favorite season for painting, the lower angle of the sun makes for long shadows that stay put longer, and the beautiful contrasts of snow and warm earth.

There are some great old ranches and open spaces near Castle Rock CO. Parking the truck and walking a short distance to this grazing field east of the Front Range offered a wonderful view. Many times I have passed by thinking of these opportunities.
 Are there some common pitfalls in painting? I have at least several that I find repeated without even thinking about it.

My past illustration work makes it easy for me to get 'lost' in too much detail. If I am more on top of my game, I squint to see values and basic shapes more clearly by blurring most of the detail.

Another is trying to be stingy on paint. It seems obvious, but it is a common mistake.

The last one is very familiar, because it can affect me before I start. Spending so much time looking for the 'right' place to be inspired. I have roamed most of a day and ended up running out of time. Feeling rushed is not a good position to start a painting.
I have tried to counteract this by keeping a camera with me and sometimes a small acrylic set of paints for a small study that dries quickly if I don't have time to paint on the spot. This way I have ideas sometimes for days that I am excited about. When the opportunity is there, I cant wait to get started, and have a plan before I pick up a brush.

This was a bit of a change for me. Trains have not been a subject I have done much. However they've always held a fascination for me... wish there were more opportunities to stand there and experience all the huffing and power. Love the feeling of these beasts!..

"Summer"

8x10 acrylic on canvas

Its now late summer and the kids are back in school. This small painting evolved more than most. I love the late afternoon light and shadows. I wanted to express a relaxed pace and beautiful color. With fall on the way, this was a nice Segway and warm reminder of another season slipping away!

Near and Far Away. 9x9 Acrylic on linen.



"Up a Creek"

Oil on Linen

Here it is July, and snow that was only four months ago looks 'cool' now that were in the 90's. With summer I can't get enough time out in the field since its easier to paint in warm temps. However I love painting in the winter, never tiring of these highlights and brilliant colors!!

Rocky Mountain Ranch

Once a year I try to get to Grand Lake Colorado in September. From Granby lake looking west I found a wonderful ranch tucked into a gorgeous landscape.
What really caught my attention was this lone cottonwood illuminated against the dark blue mountains.

Wet and Muddy. Woodland Park.

OIL ON LINEN 12 X 12"

WET AND MUDDY!! Near Woodland Park Colorado Late Spring.