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.

 "Hidden Away" 8x7 Acrylic on linen.

I think there is something to be said for turning off the monitor and relying on your own 'voice.' The other day was Cold! 13 degrees cold. Here it is January and I would rather be outside painting. Instead I found some photos about eight years ago from a trip to Grand Lake Colorado and found one of a spring runoff . I used the monitor just to lay out a basic composition and some details and then turned it off. This kept me from stifling creativity by relying on the cameras recording. I found myself working different from the photo.
  The photo looks rather static. You know the comment, 'the picture doesn't do it justice' is certainly true. It does record a lot of detail without much mystery i.e. lost edges, or the way the eye sees flowing water.
I really would rather use photos for reference detail, but rely on actual presence for painting. How about You!