October Sky

As the morning passed, the sun strengthened and broke through the fog. The air was still wet and the surfaces of every blade of grass and leaf glistened in the sporadic sun breaks.

The golden trees lit the scene like torches.

(Click images to enlarge.)



10 x 12
under painting

Foggy Refuge

This morning it was cool and damp. The fog clung to the hills like wet towels. My favorite wildlife refuge was covered in gray and the sound of the train going past was muffled by the moisture.

While talking art with a dear watercolor artist friend today, I promised that I would show the under painting of this piece. Missing the gum arabic, the pigments in dispersion I use function just like watercolor without filling the tooth of my sanded paper surface. I paint vertically with a large round brush and let the drips happen as they will. I really love that part of the painting process!

Here and there in the finished painting, the under painting peeks through, getting a word in edgewise.

Soft Light

18 x 24

Started on site at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, then finished today in the studio. I felt like I had a chance to pay close attention to the effect of backlit trees and watery reflections. Not sure that I captured all of the nuances of the scene, but some of the soft feeling is there and I'm happy with that.

After I finished, I wondered if I wasn't thinking of Wolf Kahn just a bit.

Wildlife Refuge Wetlands

8 x 10

The Sandhill Cranes are at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge now!

Despite the cool wind and clouds, I drove there in a convertible so that I could hear, see, feel the sacredness of that place!

I heard the cranes before I saw them (click here to listen), but at a certain moment it seemed that it was time to fly off to a progressive dinner on Sauvie Island. Do people still do progressive dinners?

The painting turned out a little darker than I first envisioned, but the cloud cover added to the darkness (and coolness) of the day.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, any day spent painting is a good day!

Slow for turtles

I drove through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge today. I love that place! Not too many birds there yet since the wetlands are dry from the summer sun. But I was not alone at the refuge.

When I peered into the water, over the cattails and nettles, I could see the turtles sunning themselves on the exposed branches and roots. They stretched their necks out like old women hiding double chins. But you have to slow down and really look for them before you can be charmed by their vanity.

A white Suburban drove impatiently behind me and finally passed when I was able to pull off to the side of the gravel road. Inside, with the windows closed, were a father and his young daughter. They drove quickly through the refuge. I'm sure that they missed the turtles.

But, if you go there, you'll be sure to slow down and look for them, won't you? Old ladies with their chins lifted to the sun to minimize wrinkles and jowls. Turtles are great!

A Mindful Day

Much on my mind today, so a drive through the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge to clear my head. Although more and more are on the ground, the Autumn Leaves are glorious.

Workshop painting, Day 1

I never expect to paint a masterpiece at a workshop, but I like this one. The scene is the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. Oh, sure, there is plenty of room for improvement, but I like the light on the water. I can hardly wait for tomorrow!