Beach View 1

Beach View 1, 3.5x5

These first 2 in oil are small because I'm trying "small pieces" with the idea I would be able to do more. But I think thats not always the case - Next time I'll do a bigger one. The key for me is to learn how to work faster.This is the first" beach" for me - and there will be more - since I'm spending more time there!

Valley Road 1

Valley Road 1, 3.5x5

My first oil in many months. Trying to change to oil for a while to try something new. The only thing I don't like is the drying time - for moving, scanning, etc.

Dream Day

Dream Day,8x8
I did this about 3 years ago. I decided to post this because I like the dream quality. The day was one of those magical days and the air was just right. The "loose kid"painted this one. I almost named this " The Three Musketeers".Soon, I will be painting more and posting new work.

Creek Reflections

Creek Reflections, 10x8
This would be my first painting since January.I chose this subject because I found a new monthly challenge blog, created by Pam Van Londen, http://paintingchallenge.wordpress.com/ .This was a challenge for me because I got stuck in the details - as usual. I guess I will be "reflecting" on that. If not for this" challenge", I would have chosen something less busy - hence, the challenge.

Columbia Gorge

Columbia Gorge,10x8
This was done sometime in January after taking a quick trip to the coast. I didn't post until now, because this is the first opportunity I had to "fix" some of the shadows.

Lucky Dog

Lucky Dog, 7x5

This is one of my Mom's dogs, he lives a pampered life in Hawaii. When he's not eating, playing or getting in trouble, he likes to audition for the RCA record label.

Leaves and Sky

Leaves and Sky, 5x4

Had to paint something like this before all the blue sky is gone.It looks like rain from now and all the leaves will be leaving with the sun.

Close Encownters

Close Encownters,8x8

At some point, if you live in Idaho, your going to paint a cow.

This one was friendly enough to let me get close (very nice cow, we would have had a conversation if she could talk).

Blue Sky Reigns

Blue Sky Reigns,16x20

The first thing I saw when I came up over the hill, was the sliver of blue that refused to give way to the clouds.

Sunny Vista

Sunny Vista,8x8

I love this view. I needed to paint something bright today.

Lace Shadows

Lace Shadows, 10x8

I've been wanting to paint this for a long time. Every time I see this garage, the most amazing shadows are cast from the trees behind.

Wild Tree

Wild Tree,14x11

I did this about a week ago but didn't have time to post until now. Normally I scan, but this one is larger and I had to photograph. I plan on doing more trees. We have some really neat " wild trees" in this valley.

Valley Clouds

Valley Clouds, 5x7

Oregon Hay, 12x9

So many things to see from the car while driving home from the coast. I couldn't help but try my hand at hay bales. I've always loved the colors and shadows.

It's My Eye!

This is pretty much what happened for about a week. I saw the world through my camera, which, if you've ever done that, you'll know it's a good thing and a bad thing. To get a really good painting you have to feel it more than you do through a lens. So I think I'll just have to go back someday when I have more time to just paint!

In the mean time, I might just have some fun trying to depict what it feels like behind the wheel 12 hours a day. You might be seeing some different stuff some time soon (or maybe not). Maybe a series " on the road" ?

The real chellenge for me is to get back into painting. I've had a number of distractions in the last month - wish me luck.

Hard Rock

Hard Rock , 5x7 

This was a quick try at painting the red rocks of the southwest. In our recent travels from Florida back to Idaho, I got a lot of material for painting. It was a quick and rushed road trip, no time for painting on the road, but I DID take a lot of pictures. What was that growing out my hand you say?

Oh yeah, For such an easy subject, this rock was hard to paint.

If It Has Wasabi

If It Has Wasabi ,7x5 

The latest entry to Karin Juricks "Different Strokes" website.Many people said they wouldn't eat sushi because they don't like fish. To that , I say, " If it has wasabi".

Healdsburg Wine II

Healdsburg Wine II , 9x12
One of the paintings I've been wanting to get to, since our trip down the coast last oct. The late afternoon sun created nice contrast between the hills and the vineyards.

Moments at Home

Moments at Home 7x5
One of my favorite places to sit and relax ( usually with coffee). The afternoon light makes this a tranquil spot.

Wigged Out

Wigged out, 10x8  I figure, since tonight the acadamy awards are on, this would be a good time to finish and post the new challenge from DSFDF. The subject matter  would fit right in, ( since it has velvet curtains and all). The original photo had about 3 times the amount of faces but I thought I'd simplify and go for just a few.