Mount Rainier Original Pacific Northwest Landscape Oil Painting

Today's 8x10 painting is representative of Mount Rainier in Washington State. It is an icon of the Pacific Northwest and a delightful place to visit. I've written about it often and enjoy visiting whenever I can. My last article concerning Mount Rainier was about bicycling on the mountain and the amazing atheletes who practice their skill pedaling up hill. You can read more about the exploits of Pedaling to Paradise here. Please contact me at smallimpressions@hotmail.com with the date of the blog entry if you are interested in purchasing this painting. Other small oil painting can be purchased from my Etsy Gallery. Please stop by for a visit.

---

Technorati tags:
8x10, American, Art, Autumn, Blue, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Fall, Field, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Gold, Golden, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Meadow, Mount Rainier, Mount Rainier National Park, Mountains, Oil, oil painting, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Washington State

Lake Cushman Washington State Landscape Oil Painting

Today's miniature 5x7 inch oil painting was inspired by a reflection on Lake Cushman in Western Washington State. Originally on the North Fork of the Skokomish River, it was expanded considerably in 1926 with the construction of Cushman Dam No. 1 which provided electrical power to the City of Tacoma. The lake is part of the Olympic National Forest which provides an abundance of recreational activities. Today's painting is available for purchase in my Etsy Gallery for $50.00 plus $6.50 for shipping to US addresses. Other miniature Washington landscape paintings are also available in the gallery.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, American, Art, Cushman Dam, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Fir Tree, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Green, Lake, Lake Cushman, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Miniature, Oil, oil painting, Olympic National Forest, Olympic Peninsula, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Reflection, Trees, Washington State

Golden Reflection--Original American Landscape Oil Painting

As the colors of fall begin to show themselves, nature gives us a delightful light show. This 5x7 inch oil painting was inspired by the color of low-hanging trees at Waughop Lake. The lake is located in Fort Steilacoom Park in Pierce County, Washington. It is one of my favorite places to ride my bike. I prefer to ride on the paved roads of the park, but it also offers trails for those who like to ride mountain bikes. There is an off-leash dog park within the larger park, soccer fields, baseball fields, a large children's playground, and plenty of area for walking and enjoying the outdoors. This painting is available for purchase in my Etsy Gallery for $50.00 plus $6.50 for shipping to US addresses. Othere miniature landscape paintings can be seen in the landscape section of the gallery.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, American, Art, Autumn, Bicycle, Bicycling, Bike Path, Daily, Daily Painting, Dog Park, Etsy, Fall, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Gold, Golden, Impasto, Lake, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Miniature, Mountain Bike Path, Off-Leash Dog Park, oil painting, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Park, Path, Reflection, Shoreline, Sports, Steilacoom, Trees, Washington State, Yellow

Montana Lakeside Meadow Original Miniature Landscape Oil Painting

Today's 5x7 inch oil painting is another of my Montana inspired paintings. A trip to Yellowstone National Park a few years ago has kept me painting and longing to return. The lakes, rivers, and mountains provide beautiful landscape and endless recreational activity. This painting, created on a 1/4 inch hardboard panel is for sale in my Etsy Gallery along with many other miniature landscape oil paintings.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, Adventure, American, Art, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Fine Art Collecting, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Grass, Grassy, Lake, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Meadow, Miniature, Montana, Mountains, oil painting, Original, Painting, Park, Recreation, Yellowstone

Forest Light--Original American Landscape Oil Painting

A photo reference of a path in the Redwood Forest of Northern California is the inspiration for this 8x10 inch oil painting. The reference is from the Wetcanvas Reference Image Library, a public domain collection of photos available for artistic reference. I have visited the Redwoods numerous times, but mostly passing through on route to more southern cities. Because of my love of hiking and exploring natural habitats, I want to visit again very soon. In retrospect, I wish I had placed a few people in the painting; it is only through a comparison to man that one can appreciate the amazing size of these ancient trees.

---

Technorati tags:
8x10, Adventure, American, Art, California, Daily, Daily Painting, Hiking, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Oil, oil painting, Original, Pacific Coast, Painting, Path, Redwood Forest, Redwood National Park, Redwoods

Nisqually River Delta Trees--Original Miniature Landscape Oil Painting

Today's miniature 5x7 inch oil painting resulted from a trip to the Nisqually River Delta in Western Washington State, home of the National Wildlife Refuge. In the 1800's and early 1900's, more than half of the natural salt marsh of the area was destroyed by the building of dikes to create farm and pasture land. The natural marshes were diminished. This little painting celebrates the return of the salt marsh and the estuary it supports. An article published today at TheNewsTribune.com explains the details of the Nisqually Delta Restoration Project. I am excited about the changes and look forward to seeing the salt marshes and the wildlife it attracts expand to their natural state once again. This painting can be purchased at Etsy for $50.00 plus $6.50 for shipping to US addresses. Other miniature oil paintings are available in my Gallery at Etsy.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, American, Art, Daily, Daily Painting, Delta, Estuary, Etsy, Gallery, Green, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Miniature, National Wildlife Refuge, Nisqually, Nisqually Delta Restoration Project, Nisqually River, Nisqually Watershed, Oil, oil painting, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Puget Sound, Recreation, river, tree, Trees, Washington State, wildlife

Multnomah Falls -- Original Waterfall Landscape Oil Painting

Multnomah Falls is located in the Columbia Gorge on the Northern border of Oregon State. The gorge is home to numerous falls, but Multnomah Falls are particularly spectacular. It is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States. The Benson Bridge, pictured in this 5x7 inch oil painting, was erected in 1914. Visiting the Columbia Gorge Scenic area is definitely worth your time with more than 80 miles of lovely Pacific Northwest beauty and numerous opportunities for recreation. Closeups of the brushwork on this painting are available in my Etsy Gallery. This painting is available for purchase for $50.00 plus $6.50 for shipping to US addresses.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, Adventure, American, Art, Blue, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Columbia Gorge, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Green, Impasto, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Miniature, Multnomah Falls, Oil, oil painting, Oregon, Oregon State, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Recreation, Travel, Ultramarine Blue, Waterfall

Cloud Gate--Challenge Painting--American Oil Painting

This little 5x7 inch oil painting was so much fun to paint. It is the result of the Different Strokes Weekly Challenge. Every Wednesday Karin Jurick posts a photo for artists to use as a reference for painting. They are then invited to send her their artistic version for posting on her Different Strokes Blog. This week the Cloud Gate Sculpture located in the Millennium Park in Chicago was our subject. Not only was it fun to paint, but it has inspired me to save up for another trip to Chicago. I haven't been there for a long time, but I recall there is so much to see in Chicago. It would be wonderful to visit again. You can read more about the Different Strokes Blog at Charley Parker's Blog, Lines and Colors.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, American, Art, Blue, Challenge, Chicago, Cityscape, Cloud Gate, Clouds, Daily, Daily Painting, Different Strokes, Gessoed Hardboard, Millinium Park, Oil, oil painting, Painting, Park, Reflection, Sky, Travel

Autumn Fields--Original Miniature Landscape Oil Painting

Autumn is definitely here. Yesterday there was a wind storm that downed trees, limbs, and leaves. This morning I was able to sneak out and take a bike ride between rain showers. Color is on the trees and in the fields. Today's painting is a 5x7 inch oil painting inspired by the colors of fall. The distant trees were painted with a couple of my favorite colors--Gamblin's Transparent Earth Red and Transparent Earth Orange. The red is especially rich. Closeups and purchase information are available in my Etsy Gallery.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, American, Art, Autumn, Country, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Fall, Field, Gallery, Gamblin, Grass, Grassy, Green, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Meadow, Miniature, Oil, oil painting, Orange, Original, Painting, Red, Transparent, Transparent Earth, Transparent Orange, Transparent Red, Trees

Recycled Reflections--Original Landscape Oil Painting

Today I spent some time working on recycled boards. My recycled boards are paintings that I don't like and toss into a basket--not wanting to share the results with anyone, but not having the ethic to just throw them away. Later, I pull out the ugly painting and create something new over the top. It is fun because I never worry about the results. My brush strokes are loose and creative. The boards provide interesting color combinations and textures that don't exist on a new board. This painting is one of several that resulted from a recycled board. It is 5x7 inches and has wonderful textures and contrast. When it is dry, I will sell it in my Etsy Gallery.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, Abstract, American, Art, Blue, Bright, Contemporary, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Gold, Golden, Impasto, Impressionist, Lake, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Miniature, Oil, oil painting, Original, Painting, Pond, Recycle, Recycled, Recycling, Reflection, Shoreline, Sunlight, Sunny, Sunshine, tree, Trees, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow

Move Your Heart--Buy Art!

This afternoon I've been thinking about what makes people want to collect art. There are numerous opinions on this question, but just about every article read or opinion heard contains the idea that collectors should choose artwork that moves them, not artwork that decorates the room. Decorating the room is fine, but if that is your impetus for buying art, it is likely you will soon tire of it and wish for something different. Instead, buy art that has an emotional connection for you. The emotional connection will likely be something very personal and may not match your room at all. It will engage your heart every time you enter the room. It will last a life time, and it will become an heirloom to pass on to those you love. Today's painting is available for purchase at Northwest Fine Woodworking in Seattle's Pioneer Square.

---

Technorati tags:
8x10, American, Art, Art Collecting, Cedar Tree, Daily, Daily Painting, Fine Art Collecting, Gallery, Giant Cedar, Green, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Northwest Fine Woodworking, Oil, oil painting, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Pioneer Square, Seattle, tree, Washington State

Alder Lake Autumn--Original American Landscape Oil Painting

This morning was the first foggy day of the fall season. When October rolls around, thick blankets of fog are certain in the Pacific Northwest. Today's painting offers an example of the damp air that accompanies the season. It was inspired by the fog on Alder Lake in Washington State. Alder Lake was created in 1945 with the building of the Alder Lake Dam. It has since become a year round recreation destination. Hearty campers can camp at any one of the four campgrounds at the lake. They are open year around with the exception of about two weeks in late December. Boating, fishing, and hiking are activities that keep visitors busy in the fall season. Closeups of the brush strokes on this painting can be seen at my Etsy Gallery. The painting can be purchased for $125.00 plus $12.00 for shipping to US addresses. Just click on this purchase link.

---

Technorati tags:
8x10, Adventure, Alder Lake, Alder Lake Dam, American, Art, Autumn, Blue, Boating, Brush Strokes, Camping, Cool, Daily, Daily Painting, Etsy, Fall, Fishing, Fog, Foggy, Gessoed Hardboard, Hiking, Lake, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Oil, oil painting, Orange, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Park, Reflection, Travel, Trees, Ultramarine Blue, Washington State

Nisqually Color--Original American Landscape Oil Painting

At the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington State there is a wonderful collection of hiking trails. Hikes of 15 minutes to four hours offer delightful exercise year around. There are opportunities for bird watching, fishing, hunting, boating, and of course, painting. Towering maple trees add color to an autumn adventure at the refuge. This 5x7 inch miniature landscape view of the Visitor's Center can be purchased from my Etsy Gallery for $50.00 plus $6.50 for shipping to US addresses. If you like to hike and stay close to nature it is worth visiting.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, Adventure, American, Art, Autumn, bird watching, boating, Country, Daily, Daily Painting, Estuary, Etsy, Fall, Gessoed Hardboard, Hiking, Landscape, Landscape Painting, Miniature, Nisqually, Nisqually River, Oil, oil painting, Orange, Original, Pacific Northwest, Painting, Recreation, Red, Trees, walk, Walking, Washington State, wildlife

White Pumpkins--Still Life Oil Painting

Yesterday I took on the Different Strokes Challenge of the week and painted this 8x10 inch still life oil painting. It was an interesting value study. My usual palette is quite warm, but the reference photo led me toward a cooler range. It was a stretch for me and I finally warmed the painting up with a little bit of cadmium yellow on the sunny side of the pumpkins. When I was finished, satisfaction with my results was absent. I wanted the warmth of my usual palette so badly that I cropped the original photo and painted again. The second painting is the result of my continued efforts. The drawing of the pumpkins is more precise, but the effect is completely different. I'm undecided about which painting I prefer. The second painting does not capture the mood of the original reference; artistic license is hard at work. Here's my second effort, a 6x10 inch result. What is your preference? If you visit the Different Strokes Blog, you can discover which one I finally enetered as the challenge painting.

---

Technorati tags:
8x10, American, Art, Challenge, Color Study, Crop, Daily, Daily Painting, Harvest, Oil, oil painting, Painting, palette, Pumpkins, Still Life, warm, Yellow

Pear in a Dish--Original Miniature Still Life Oil Painting

For quite a while now, I've been working almost exclusively on landscapes, but today I'm going to take on a still life for a change. In celebration of a change, I've listed this small 5x7 inch still life oil painting that I created last year in my Etsy Gallery. I've been attached to this little one and was reluctant to let go of it, but the time has come to part. Closeups and purchase information for this small format art are available in the Etsy listing. You can also view other small format still life paintings in my Etsy Gallery.

---

Technorati tags:
5x7, American, Art, Bright, Daily, Daily Painting, dish, Etsy, Food, Food Art, Fresh Fruit, Gallery, Gessoed Hardboard, Gold, Golden, Miniature, Oil, oil painting, Original, Painting, Pear, Purple, Summer Fruit, violet, Yellow