In a Ditch

In a Ditch, 18 x 24, pastel

Edward Hopper at Seattle Art Museum

"Hopper's Women" at the Seattle Art Museum is great! Next time I'll go on a weekday to avoid the crowds blocking my view of the artwork.

Hopper creates a sad and lonely view of humanity and it was a thrill to look at the many paintings in the exhibit.

Also at the SAM were landscapes by Bierstadt and Church, portraits by Sargent and Chase and Henri, and a Rothko and de Kooning. It's worth a second trip. I'll make one soon.

Chop Suey, Edward Hopper, oil, 1929

Thanksgiving Travels

Today was a day of fixing and baking and packing and traveling. We'll be in the Seattle area with our kids this long weekend with lots to celebrate. Thanksgiving, an engagement, a birthday, and the joy of just being together.

Of course, a big, three layer chocolate cake helps make it a delicious time. Maybe some time for sketching, but mostly a restorative time with family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oysterville Trees

For me, no trip to the beach is complete without a run out to Oysterville, WA. This quiet town sits overlooking Willapa Bay and boasts of many historic homes and buildings and giant Monterey Cypress trees along the old streets.

I caught this stand of birch in a patch of sunlight, looking across undeveloped land toward the bay. Undeveloped land makes me happy. Trees make me happy. The beach makes me happy.

Oysterville Trees, 6 x 10, watercolor

Aaron at Hipbone 2

Aaron Standing, 24 x 18, pastel on Belgian Mist Wallis sanded paper.

Aaron at Hipbone

Aaron Reclining, 12 x 18, pastel on Belgian Mist Wallis paper.

Nothing better

No matter the weather, I love to be at the beach! The storms rolled in with gusty winds, stretches of brilliant sunshine, and fierce clouds that dumped buckets of rain.

It made no sense to set up an easel in that, so I sat at the window and watched. And painted with a small watercolor set up.

Life is good, especially at the beach!

Out the Window, 6 x 10, watercolor

Clearwater River, Idaho

Back to watercolor for today. My hope is that if I put more miles on my brush, I will improve.

The Clearwater River runs along the Idaho-Montana border and is well known for good fly fishing.

September 26, 1805, Lewis and Clark were in this same place. They had other things on their minds than a watercolor painting.


Clearwater River, Idaho, 22 x 29, watercolor

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.

Closing Reception