plein air from the bow: Saddlebag Islands

Started out as a foggy morning, but the fog lifted and cleared as I was painting. As I worked, I could hear the sporadic tones of the nearby fog horn, the splashing and wet exhalations of a seal, and the chirping call of Bald Eagles. An irregular but beautiful symphony.

Minimum

Thinking about how little it takes to suggest something much bigger and more detailed. Maybe saying less (using fewer strokes and detail) leaves more room for the viewer. Just thinking.

Cast Shadows at Aurora Gallery

(click to enlarge)

Westmoreland Park plein air

Tree
18 x 24

under painting

It was a beautiful fall day today at Westmoreland Park in Southeast Portland. I painted en plein air with a friend and we were drawn to the trees along the waterway. The play of light and shadow and the expressive twists of the trunk and branches drew us to them like magnets to paper clips.

Not too hot. Not too cold. Not too windy. Not too many people. Beautiful light. A good friend. And a day to paint outdoors.

I think I was channeling van Gogh today. All of that rich color and texture seemed to call for that kind of response from me.

Life is good!

Sunset Plein air Lopez Island

Sunsets. Bending light and colors and the world becomes magic. I felt like the conductor of a symphony painted with wondrous yellows and pinks and orangey violets. At the end I could only go by feel and memory of how my pastels were arranged in my box and hope for the best.

This morning it was a a special treat to see the results of last night's painting.