Portrait of a City Dweller

Everyone who lives in a large city is familiar with these squatters.  City pigeons strut all over the streets and hang precariously on wires, keeping an eye out for the crumb droppings of those careless humans.  This fellow was created on a 6x6 inch canvas panel.  He was fun to paint and I am pleased to share that he has joined some of my other paintings of birds and animals that are for sale at my Etsy Shop.  Click here to purchase or view him in the shop.

River Color

The paint is still wet on this 16x20 inch oil painting.  It was inspired by the hiking trails available in the Pacific Northwest.  Washington and Oregon have amazing trails that parallel some of the beautiful rivers in these states.  There is always an adventure when an afternoon of trail hiking offers the opportunity.  Both the original painting and prints are available for purchase by visiting my web site. Please stop by and take a look.

Nisqually Reflection

This abstract landscape painting was created on an 16x20 inch canvas using oil paints. It was inspired by a visit to the Nisqually Wildlife Preserve in Thurston County of Washington State. It is a delightful preserve on the Delta of the Nisqually River, a river that flows from the Nisqually Glacier on Mount Rainier. It was an early morning in the still of fall when the image first crossed my path. The water was very still, hardly a ripple and the beautiful gold of the autumn trees sparkled in the morning light. The chirping of birds filled the air and the air was crisp. It is a lovely memory and it was a great experience recreating the experience in my studio.  The original painting and art prints are available purchase at this link.  You can see more gold landscape paintings at Fine Art America.

Hiking in April

For the past three years, I have visited Central Oregon in April. I'm anxious for my upcoming trip in a few weeks.  While we are there, we hike, ride bicycles, and enjoy a change of scenery.  It doesn't rain as much in Central Oregon as it does on the West Coast of Washington State, so it is always a relief to find a little sunshine.  This painting was inspired by a hike on the River Trail in the Dechutes National Forest.  I've painted it many times and always enjoy revisiting the image.  This time I experimented by using a monochromatic underpainting to get the values and then adding color after the values were in place.  The merging of my underpainting with the additional colors captured perfectly the coolness of an April hike.  The painting was created in oil paint and is 9x12 inches on a gallery-wrapped canvas.  It is for sale and can be purchased from my Etsy shop by visiting this link.  Some of my other landscape paintings that are for sale can be viewed here, here, and here.  Hope you will stop by for a visit.

Meadow Pines

A Central Oregon meadow and a cluster of pine trees was the inspiration for this 8x10 inch oil painting. The original painting is for sale at my Etsy Shop.  Visiting this link will allow you to view it in the shop or make a purchase.  Some of my other original tree paintings are also still available; just click here.

Nisqually Delta

If you've ever been to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge in Thurston County, Washington State, then you will recognize one of the remaining barns from the Brown Family Farm.  It is a classic barn in a beautiful rural landscape.  It is a blessing that this area is shared with public and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Nisqually Delta.  I am inspired to paint every time I visit.  This oil painting is 8x10 inches and was based on a photo taken last spring.  I loved the contrast of the sunlit barn and the tree shadow.  The painting is for sale at my Etsy Shop.  Click this link to view it in the shop or make a purchase. 

Sky Birch

This is a painting I created quite a while ago.  Recently I added it to my collection of images available in print form from Fine Art America.  Visit here to see sizes and surfaces available for purchase. I've been adding some of paintings that have already sold so folks can still own a copy of the image.

Feathered

This sweet little fellow seems to be trying to make a decision.  Tail up, bright eyed, I hope it will be the right one!  He was created on a 5x7 inch canvas panel with oil paint. Although he has SOLD, you can view some of my other paintings of birds and animals  in my Etsy Shop. 

Spring Tree Line

Just added this one to my Etsy Shop.  I painted it while dreaming of spring. The cold and damp has lead me to slip into my imagination and create something a little warmer.  This original 6x8 inch painting can be viewed or purchased here along with some of my other paintings of trees. 

Rabbit Fluff

This little fluffy bunny was originally created on 6x6 inch canvas panel with professional oil paints.  Reproductions are now available at my new website.  Just click on his icon and choose the size and surface.  Or, you can order him on a note card! 

Flash

The freedom of working with acrylic in an abstract way has been occupying my painting time lately.  I like the way my instinct can take over and attention to detail, shape, and form doesn't bog me down.  Instead, my ideas are organic and evolve as the canvas is covered. This 16x20 inch painting emerged yesterday and was a delightful way to spend an afternoon.  Although the painting is not for sale, I have uploaded photos of it so it can be purchased in print form at this link.   Click here to view it in my print gallery or make a purchase.

Blue Jay Painting

After painting landscapes for a while, I had a yearning to change things up.  This little blue jay is the result.  He is painted in oils on a 4x6 inch canvas panel.  I love painting the texture of feathers and this little fellow was no exception.  He is looking for a new home, so if you are inclined to adopt him, click on this link where you can view him in my Etsy shop or make a purchase.  He is very sweet and doesn't even need a cage. 

Landscape In Acrylic

Today's painting is unusual for me in that it is not painted in oils, my usual media.  This painting was done using acrylic paints.  They  have never been my favorite because of the quick drying time.  It always seemed that the paint was dry before I could take it from the palette to the canvas, but recently I tried a Masterson Sta-Wet Palette.  It was ideal!  There is a sponge the size of the palette that is topped with some kind of special disposable palette paper that is dipped in water before using it.  With the damp sponge and paper,  the paint stayed wet and manageable like never before.  It was wonderful to paint an entire 16x20 inch painting in a few hours.  I didn't have to wait for an under painting to dry and if something didn't please me, I could paint over it in just a few minutes.  Love it!  I may start painting with acrylics a little more frequently now that I have my wonderful new palette.  Click on the Fine Art America link to purchase prints of this painting or visit here.

Looking Toward Spring

Outside the temperature is hovering in the thirties.  I can't complain too much, at least it isn't raining, but it is the delight of spring that is capturing my dreams.  This 6x8 inch painting was inspired by the thought of days of spring and fresh country air.  Can't wait for a little sunshine.  The painting is available for sale in my Etsy Shop.  You can view it or make a purchase here.

Red Still Life

It has been a while since I painted flowers.  The season might have something to do with it.  Finding fresh flowers in December and January can only be done by a trip to the florist or the hot house.  Since I didn't make either trip, this little vase of red flowers came right out of my head.  I much prefer the real thing, but it did help brighten my winter mood and give me hope for some upcoming warmer weather.  The painting is 6x6 inches on a gallery-wrapped canvas and can be viewed or purchased here.