Bartos Art -Landscapes of Colorado and Beyond

Aspen Aflame

2011-11-19T08:18:00.003-07:00

a 16 x 20 oil painting just completed of aspen from Rampart Range in October. The colors are fabulous, energizing, and a challenge to paint all the variety and subtle changes with the light dancing as the leaves shimmer in the sun.

Aspen Glow and Peak

2011-11-17T14:33:00.002-07:00

Another 16 x 20 of aspen from Rampart Range with Pikes Peak in the distance. This was from the Lovell Gulch Trail. I hiked it in October and didn't bring my camera. This view was worth going back
to get a photo reference.

Aspen Energy

2011-11-15T08:52:00.005-07:00

I've been waiting for months to paint this, from Rampart Range when the aspen were turning for the last time, what a beautiful drive. There is a series I want to do of this, really looking forward to painting more. The energy of the color was fabulous. I just read in Frank Waters book "Colorado" how settlers sometimes thought the bright sunlit aspen were a forest fire. The colors are the same, brilliant reds and yellows and oranges just glow with the afternoon backlighting.

Water Lilies

2011-11-05T13:05:00.003-06:00

16 x 20 oil from a photo I took several years ago when Denver Botanical Gardens had its "Monet" Garden. It was lovely and not as far of a trip as Giverny. Had wanted to paint this scene for awhile, just before my trip to Taos, and just varnished it today. I like the composition and texture.

Aspen near Cripple Creek

2011-11-05T11:11:00.002-06:00

They were really stunning this year, and you had to be there to believe all the color variety. Backlit against the shadowy hills, they were a color riot. For sale at Seven Arrows Gallery in Woodland Park

Aspen in Fall

2011-11-05T11:08:00.001-06:00

A 6 x 8 oil done on location on Rampart Range Road after a hike there with my dog. It was getting later in the day, and skies were overcast. Made for more brilliant color without so much contrast. This one is framed and for sale at Seven Arrows Gallery in Woodland Park.

"Simply Taos"

2011-10-15T20:05:00.004-06:00

A 6 x 8 on location behind the Millicent Rogers museum at an invitational paintout from the PPANM group. It was fun painting with a group, and their show "Light and Landscape" at the museum was fabulous and well attended. In all, I completed 26 paintings in the 21 days I was there, all on location, except the few larger studio pieces I did on the days it rained all day. These were from photo references I took while on my walks. Staying in Arroyo Seco at the Waters Foundation was inspiring, and simple, as my little casita didn't require much upkeep, except for refilling water jugs. The sunsets and storms were spectacular, and there were wonderful animal sound effects from the little farms nearby. I'm still studying the on location sketches I did, and am not ready to give some of them up, as I learned a lot from the true colors of the place.

its August Already!

2011-08-11T07:14:00.000-06:00

Confession:I have been painting and not blogging. Life always seems to speed up in August, and this year is no exception. In June, we had a wonderful paint-out and art show for the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters at 7 Arrows Gallery in Woodland Park. I was thrilled to win an honorable mention award after painting for a week on location

with many talented artists from across the region. This is my submission of aspen on Rampart Range, which I've painted before on location, but never in the evening. The trunks turned really purple with the changing light, and I wanted to capture it. This year, in retrospect, I've noticed most of my paintings contain trees,and I've been drawn to them. I've just learned trees are a symbol of feminine energy. I need this gift from the trees. I'm humbled to realize we intuit more than we know, if we just pay attention.

Painting Again

2011-06-12T11:31:00.001-06:00

It's been awhile, busy with work, and teaching a new class and 2 clinicals took all my energy in April and May. Finally, the end of May, a beautiful Wednesday morning, several of us went to a place off Hwy 67 in Woodland Park. It was gorgeous, the willows were just starting to turn, and I did a little 8 x 10 oil on location. It made me want to paint again. I've learned with plein aire (painting on location) to paint fast, and can knock something out in 1-2 h

ours max, because you have to. Plein aire has made me be a more observant and prolific painter. You learn to put in what's important, and leave out what is not. I hope this translates to all of my life.

San Luis, Colorado

2011-02-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

From a recent trip returning from Taos, the light was wonderful on this colorful barn and trees. I had to stop and get photo references so I could paint it. That glow from the orange trees (even in winter they are orange) and blue shadows gets me every time I pass through this colorful town.

Winter Tree

2011-02-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

I did the original painting of this in 2002, after a trip to Taos in winter. The campground was covered in snow, and I loved the patterns and texture. I didn't quite get them right, and passing through Taos recently I got a better look. The campground was still covered in deep snow, and it was a drive-by quick look, but it helped. This is the rework, and I'm more pleased with the variety of texture.

Roses and Grapes

2011-02-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

The last silk flower arrangement, with some plastic grapes. The vase is from Siena, always a good idea to buy a souvenier you love and can use. This one is a square format, as I liked the shape better. It gets stretched from the blog format, but it is really square. The others got stretched, too. They are not as wide as the photo makes them.

Peonies and Fruit

2011-02-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Another vase of silk flowers, this time with apples and pears. I've always been in awe of Ovanes Berberian's peonies and peaches, and the buttery strokes and accurate colors of flower and light. I would love to master getting just the right color in just the right place like he does. It's a wonderful challenge to try, and to learn.

Flower Series-Hydrangeas and Pears

2011-02-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

After the silk poppies, I decided to do the other silk flowers I got 7 years ago intending to paint them. Good thing they lasted! The pears were not ripe, so I decided to put them in. By the second and third days, I had to eat one, the next painting only has one pear for this reason.

Murano Walk

2011-02-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Painting is 16 x 20 from photo reference of Murano Italy in June, 2005. Loved the huge pink flowering tree hanging over the walkway and out to the canal.

Burano Blue

2011-02-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

I loved this scene, with the laundry enhancing the view just as much as the geraniums. Really loved that the laundry was all the same color as the wall. That's what happens when you buy colors you love, everything will match!

Murano Window Garden

2011-02-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

Another painting from a photo reference of Venice, Italy 2005. I've wanted to do these for years, and as the current landscape is white, white, and more white, the color was welcome. I love paying attention to the colors in the shadows as well as in the light, and the reflected color adds realism. It's a fun process.

Winter Poppies

2011-02-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

I always miss my summer poppies (they only last about a week), and last time I was in Taos, bought these silk ones I keep in a vase to enjoy year round. Poppies don't do well as cut flowers, but I love the bright colors. I put them in front of my window and painted them.

Santa Fe Trail California

2011-01-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

This was a scene I found while driving across the desert to California in the fall of 2006. It was a long drive, and the dry desert scenery was not inspiring for most of the trip. This colorful train appeared near the highway,as visual interest when I needed it most. We had a parallel path for many miles, and towards the end of the desert I passed it. When I finally reached California and stopped for gas, it reappeared just past the Joshua tree with the misty mountains in the distance. A beautiful scene. Since, I have learned of the recently remodeled Santa Fe depot in San Bernadino,keeping alive an important part of history. The Santa Fe RR really opened the west over a long formidable desert. And kept me company and gave me a painting.

Aspen Overlook

2011-01-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

This one is large, 24 x 30. It still seemed too small to fit in the grandeur of the scene. If this was part of your commute between offices, wouldn't you do it on a Sunday so you could take all day to stop and enjoy the views. I did.

Even a day isn't long enough, you just want to be there and stay there in that visual feast of color and light. (Fall 2007 between Durango and Ouray.)

I've wanted to paint this for awhile, and the size of the canvas made me think I couldn't do it all at once because you can blend edges better if the adjoining paint is also wet. I learned that I could do the lay-in, then finish the work in sections, the trick was to have enough paint and work the edges accordingly.

Two more peaks

2011-01-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

I did these two 1-20 and 1-21. The clouds were moving fast this morning, creating abstract form with rapidly changing soft and hard edges.

Renewing the Roses

2011-01-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

I reworked the foreground in this one, the roses didn't seem quite finished. They were washed out by bright light in the reference photo, but didn't read right in the painting. Finishing them to the next degree seemed to tie the painting together.

Fresh Snow

2011-01-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Fresh snow on the peak, the little clouds above can be blowing snow with a wind, or real clouds. This morning they are real clouds, with a welcome blue sky!

Aspen and Pikes Peak

2011-01-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

This one I just completed from a smaller plein aire I had done in the summer and a photo reference I had taken on site. Amazing how the plein aire gave the more accurate colors and the shadows were really off in the photo. This is why painting on location is so hard and so good, you get the real information!

Snowing on the Peak

2011-01-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is #7 in the series, 3 more to go. Hoping for more snow on the peak, this morning its mostly granite. This was just a little dusting at 3:30 pm on 1-4-11.

Two more peaks

2011-01-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

The first one at 1:15, the second at 4:30 pm. Love those sunsets this time of the year.

Twin Peaks

2011-01-04T10:16:00.001-07:00

First one at 7:00 am, next one at 7:40 am, same subject, different light. I've always been in awe of this mountain that towers over us in Colorado Springs, and how it looks so different in different seasons and weather and times of day. There is not much snow yet this year, so the rocky crags appear and disappear into the shadows sometimes in a few seconds time. It's a good study.

Peak out My Window

2011-01-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is my view of Pikes Peak, while I'm sitting here (minus the foreground of street and houses.) It was so pink at 7 am, I decided to paint it. In the time I got out my little canvas and paint it changed dramatically, then again in another 10 minutes. It probably didn't even take that long. Painting this fast is a challenge, but a canvas of 4 inches by 6 inches helps.

Snowy Deck

2010-12-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

it was too cold to go out today, but I wanted to end the last day of the year doing a painting. I have learned a lot, and painted more, by doing this blog this year. Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to look and comment. Thank you to my artist friends, who inspire me by continuing to create. Thank you for the friendship of you who have suppported me in many ways during this past year. I appreciate you even though I haven't said it well enough. Happy painting and Happy New Year!

Portrait of a Pine

2010-12-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

I did this little guy (6 x 8) in about an hour looking out a window. Didn't know how much could be accomplished from inside, but I had fun playing with the design and light, and the small format allowed me more time to tweak the colors and brushstrokes at the end. It was fun.

A Really Small Painting

2010-12-27T07:02:00.006-07:00

On December 23, I drove to the Garden of the Gods to capture some of the white on the trees, and it was melting so fast, it was gone. Next time, I'll do a few from my window instead. The trees were still there, as were the red rocks, so I painted a few of them. I had tucked some tiny canvases in my pocket, as it was cold to start, and did a 4 x 6 inch of evergreens. Tis the season!

A White Christmas

2010-12-25T06:20:00.002-07:00

This was a wonderful gift, after driving to the Garden of the Gods to see the flocked trees, it really warmed up and I painted a little 6 x 8 of Pikes Peak and the foreground of Cottonwoods there on location in the Park. In December, there is always snow on Pikes Peak. Merry Christmas!

Dry Painting

2010-12-23T07:57:00.004-07:00

For me, this means absorbing with my eyes to add to my "visual encylopedia" of painting knowledge. There is a lot of beauty and information to soak up here with our recent "fog" which has flocked the trees with a coating of white powder. (There are changing light effects, new color and value relationships, snow is hugely transformative of everything.) I'm also reading about other painters through history and why they did what they did. Yesterday, I sat in front of the fire and re-read "Painters and the American West" from the 2000 Denver Art Museum Show. We all (painters included) are influenced by our cultural context, probably more than we realize. It's really interesting to see how it shows up in hindsight. I'm also reading Kevin Macpherson's book "Landscape Painting, Inside and Out." What a wonderful mentor through his books and year of experienced knowledge as a plein aire painter. Art offers such a continuous life-long learning opportunity. There is always more to discover.

Another Re-work

2010-12-15T15:26:00.003-07:00

This is the one that has bothered me the most of all my paintings. It was a fabulously colorful scene with the rough rock formations, fall foliage along the river. I took many photos, and was thanking God I got to drive here. The painting even won "People's Choice" in a gallery show I did in Montrose in 2008. I didn't like the colors, and wanted to rework it, but didn't know how. Today, I just printed up a little 4 x 6 print of it, and started in. I added more brushwork, soft edges, and got the colors right! Finally, I'm pleased with the results. It just took me 2 years to learn.

Pumpkin Cows- a beginning

2010-12-14T08:45:00.005-07:00

These are the first 2 steps in a large painting (24 x 36)of a farm scene. On a trip up I-25 for work, a field of orange caught my eye, then I realized it was a pumpkin field (after Halloween) and the cows were eating what was left of the harvest. I first created a composition out of the scene by covering the canvas and sculpting out the images of the cows where I wanted them. The next step was adding the background, the primary cows and the foreground pumpkins. It still has some more fleshing out to do, but have approached this one in a little different way, and its been an interesting process.

Lavender Re-Work

2010-12-13T10:28:00.005-07:00

This is another one I reworked late this summer (18 x 24 oil on canvas). I loved the scene, its from a photo I took at the lavender field at Los Poblanos near Albuquerque from 2003 where we visited and stayed for a few days. I had it hanging on my wall, and the longer I looked at it, realized I wanted to make it more interesting. It seemed flat, and I wanted more texture and depth. I include both versions, the new one is above on the left.

Rework from 2002

2010-12-12T13:02:00.006-07:00

This was a 16 x 20 oil painting I did in 2002 of a building at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, always loved the scene because I had good memories of being here. As the years went on, I knew there were some elements that I would like to change, but didn't know how. This morning, I pulled it off the wall and had at it. Sometimes it takes a while and like I've heard before, "no painting is safe until its on somebody else's wall." See new version above.

keep on painting/sketching

2010-12-10T09:21:00.004-07:00

It's almost the end of the year that I said I would paint every day for a year. Well, I haven't. But I've painted more than I have in past years because I've had a goal, and I've gotten better at painting. This isn't even a painting. It's an ink sketch, a quick sketch. I've sorted through my sketchbooks in the last few days, and its been an interesting history lesson, going back to 1993. Keeping a sketchbook is a really good idea, and I want to do sketches from life more often. It's good practice, and there is always something that you can draw from life, even if its your dog. She is good at one minute poses, so its good experience for quick sketches. This is something that I can do every day for a year. A few minutes focused on something you want to capture is almost as good as painting, and value sketches are critical to creating an interesting composition.

Big Sky

2010-12-05T06:19:00.004-07:00

this is an 18 x 24 oil painting I did in 1995, and titled it "Big Sky". It's from a reference photo of a trip my dad and I took to the Dakotas several years before. It is one of my personal artist's collection. I have always loved sky paintings that have wonderful depth and it was about this time I realized that skies have as much depth as the landscape. They really have much more, of course, but we usually don't see it. Usually, they are an afterthought in landscape paintings. (Paint all the stuff and then you have to put in a sky.) Some landscape paintings don't even have skies. It resonated with me once more reading Georgia O'Keefe's words at the museum in Santa Fe, that she painted the bones against the sky, because there is more of it than anything else here. My drive on the way back from New Mexico was long, and through an impending storm. The growing storm clouds were irresistable, and the landscape was so small in comparison. I still want to finish my cow paintings, but the sky is calling me.

Chico Basin (small)

2010-11-25T06:41:00.003-07:00

This was fun. I had an 8 x 10 painting from 2006 that I wasn't happy with. In 2008, I added more color to "zing" it up. It was too much, I thought it looked fake. So yesterday, I got out my saw and cut up a 4 x 6 chunk of it that I still liked. It's great! Picture editing with a power saw.

Aspen Overlook

2010-11-25T06:17:00.004-07:00

While driving into Aspen late in the day, there is a pull-off where cars stop and take photographs. It is a breath-taking expanse of a cathedral of trees that glow pure gold. I hope to do more of this scene, but don't know if I can ever come close to capturing it. This 18 x 24 quickly became more about balancing the painting and less about the actual scene. I got involved in the interplay of light and color and wanted to re-create a sense of light. That is what painting is about for me. Light.

Maroon Bells with Lake

2010-11-25T06:11:00.003-07:00

I took lots of photos and walked around the lake, for views that changed with every few steps. The trees were "past their peak" but what does that mean? Some of them were missing their leaves, but the scene absolutely glowed. I love Colorado. Didn't have time or energy to do a 16 x 20 on location (I probably never will) but I had my small reference color sketches, and still had the memory to re-create this one in my studio.

Maroon Bells Campground

2010-11-25T05:51:00.002-07:00

The same Sunday in early October the drive to Maroon Bells was spectacular. Everyone else in the world went up to the lake at about noon. So I pulled over at one of the campgrounds and painted the view through the trees before the Bells came into view. Then about 2 pm, hordes of cars descended down the road, and I knew it was time for me to go up. Is there any better scenery than Maroon Bells in the fall?

Sopris Revisited

2010-11-24T08:54:00.003-07:00

I did a little 6 x 8 on location of this view 3 years ago when I had an extra hour on a trip between Glenwood and Aspen. It was such a spectacular scene, I knew I wanted to return again. This year, I had work in Aspen the first week of October, and stayed in Carbondale on a Saturday night. I woke up Sunday morning, and drove past this same scene. This time, I did an 8 x 10. The river here is misty and the sunrise is fast and spectacular. Cold, but really beautiful. There is a little sign that says, "Overlook, Mt. Sopris"

and then there were three

2010-11-23T11:00:00.003-07:00

This was my cat Bingo, from about 1963-1975. He was a great cat. I do remember painting this, also in oil on that tacky old canvas paper, that gets brittle after 40 years, but survives. I was bothered by the fact that I couldn't quite fit his tail in the painting, but it doesn't bother me so much now. It is amazing now that the likeness in the painting seems so much more like him than photographs I have. I remember thinking that it was a shame we didn't have photographs before the 1800's so we couldn't really know what those people really looked like who came before then. I know now as a painter that paintings, especially portraits, reveal so much more than photos. Especially if not done in an idealized style.

Life later imitates art-age 13

2010-11-23T10:26:00.004-07:00

I don't remember painting this, but from the canvas paper and browned tape on the back, it must have been done when I was age 13 or 14. I didn't know anyone in Colorado then, so it must have been copied from a magazine photo I chose because I liked it. Pretty generic landscape, but I recognize little aspen, ponderosa pines, Douglas fir, and snowcovered peaks. The same things I love today about the landscape here in my own backyard. I also remember watching True Grit, which was released in 1969. I was in awe of the scenery, thinking "wow, I'd love to go to a place like that someday." From 2007-2008 I lived on the Western Slope, and visited all the locations where it was filmed. My favorite was aptly named, "Debbie's Meadow."

Life imitates Art-age 11

2010-11-23T10:01:00.003-07:00

Having the week of Thanksgiving off, I am cleaning my closets, garage, etc. A long neglected project. I found a watercolor painting I did at age 11, and I only have 2 paintings from my childhood. There were lots more that got tossed years ago. It's a collie dog, and its a stunning resemblance to my dog today. Never had a collie dog until 2006, and yet 40 years ago I painted one. And it's one of the two paintings I have from the 1960's. Good Carma. (I'll post the other one as well.)

Twin Lakes pochade

2010-11-23T07:21:00.005-07:00

I did this the first of October on a drive to Aspen to see a nursing client. It was a good place to stop for a walk to stretch my stiff back and legs, and the scenery was spectacular. The fall colors were bright yellow, and it was hard to decide on a scene with the mountains and lake. I chose a little historic cabin and a backlit cottonwood as it gave me the opportunity to stand in the shade and find a post to tie Carma. I had her off lead for the walk before, and she decided to cross the highway and follow another dog into his house. I got to meet a very nice dog-loving person who was remodeling her very old and interesting home in Twin Lakes. Who understood my gregarious dog who takes advantage of every chance she gets to meet new friends. Oh, and pochade means sketch. I have a little 6 x 8 pochade box that is very portable and allows me to make painting on location a very easy thing, so I actually do it. If I had to set up a big easel and box, it would be too cumbersome and I wouldn't be able to do it. Life means moving forward and figuring out what works to continue to do this.

September 27 aspen

2010-11-22T05:37:00.002-07:00

this was another 6 x 8 I did on location at Rampart Range Rainbow Trail. It was a hot and bright day, so I found a spot in the shade, which made the lighting interesting as always. Can almost remember the smell of the leaves and Carma standing on a 20 foot rock, peering down at everything below. She is good at finding her way to the best view.

Early Fall Aspen with Peak

2010-11-21T06:59:00.004-07:00

I did this one in August on location, with several members of the PPPAP group just off Rampart Range. It was a day when I brought my dog, we had lunch and took a walk after painting. 8 x 10 oil. Good memories.

Morning Aspen

2010-11-20T07:00:00.003-07:00

Another 6 x 8 on Rampart Range. The colors and values in the trunks compared to the background and the foliage was a really good challenge in seeing. And fun.

September Aspen

2010-11-19T09:22:00.002-07:00

It's been a month and a half of classes and visits, have not posted in a really long time. So here's the catch-up. Before I started my classes 9-30-10 I went to Rampart Range 4 days in September and focused on aspen on location in the fall. I will post the results in the next 4 days. Last weekend and this weekend I spent an hour or so a day working on a larger studio version of aspen. I feel I really understand them better after spending all that time with them on location. Here is the 6 x 8 inch plein aire from 09-26-10.

Fall aspen with lichen rock

2010-09-26T06:05:00.003-06:00

Colorado Aspens-have captured my attention this past few month. I get out and paint them whenever I can, and at different times, weather conditions, in different seasons, their trunks are completely different colors. A really good painter's challenge. There is so much information to receive, that a photo reference couldn't possibly afford. I keep the format small (6 x 8) so I can easily transport the lightweight materials with me and actually do it on location. It makes all the difference.Even if I'm exhausted the next day from the effort (which I was), its so much more worthwhile to capture a subject from life.

Paint-a-thon in Victor

2010-09-05T19:26:00.004-06:00

I did the Victor Celebrates the Arts event this year. Many fine artists attend this plein aire week in a small mining town every Labor Day Weekend. It's really a paint-a-thon as all painting supports are stamped the first day, and then you have a week to turn out 4 paintings to enter in the show at the end of the week. I drove up 2 days (3 days apart) and painted 2 each day. The challenge (and its a good one) is to paint fast. This one of Vindicator Valley and the Teresa Mine, I really wanted to do. I did a studio painting of it last winter and really wanted to paint one on location. The colors and shadows were much more interesting in person, especially in the morning light. And of course, changing drastically in a 2 hour time frame when I was there. The wind was really picking up and I found myself trying to hit a moving target by the time I got out my palette knife to do the detail work. Plein aire really is fun (and work.)I like my results when I paint outside, the work is usually fresh and colorful.

New Project

2010-07-29T07:18:00.006-06:00

I am honored to have been chosen as one of a group of artists who will assist Doug Rouse in his latest project, "The 12 Mural Project." It is a community effort for the community to beautify public places in Colorado Springs. I will attach the link so you can follow the progress, and also will put it on my Facebook page. I'm excited to follow the progress. The plan is to have a video of the process from start to finish. The start is this weekend with powerwashing and basecoating. (which will be done by some of the other artists.)

Another Aspen

2010-07-14T06:24:00.004-06:00

the more I look at these, the more I see. They really do come in all different colors and reflect the light that is around them. I'm looking forward to doing some on location this fall.

another re-work

2010-07-06T09:27:00.002-06:00

This one I've looked at for awhile, and thought I had it sold a few years to a couple who had lived in Manitou, but moved back east. They liked it, I liked, but had it hanging up, so looked at it often. As my style developed, I thought, maybe I should do more with the foreground, maybe I should push the background back, maybe I should straighten up the windows. And so I did.

Shepherdess

2010-07-02T18:05:00.001-06:00

this is one I reworked today and like so much better. I did the original in 2004, and have touched it up a few times, but this time was brutal. Sometimes it just takes looking at something long enough to tell how to fix it. (and painting for a few more years of problem-solving doesn't hurt, either.)

sittin' in a tree, kiss-ing

2010-07-01T10:02:00.003-06:00

this was so interesting, I had to include it. This is the tree I painted on location yesterday. I always take a photo reference for later comparison. I don't really ever use them, as my paintings are usually completed on the spot. Even when it starts raining on the canvas, its hard to re-create that plein aire feeling from a photo. So I usually wipe off the paint and start over with something new. This really amazed me at how complicated the branch and leaf structure was, and how I simplified it for the painting. Simple is better, and you can see the difference in the visual material you receive from a photo versus from life. Kiss-ing refers to "keep it simple, smarty" of course, and always a good reminder!

Sunny Day Aspen

2010-06-30T14:19:00.003-06:00

a beautiful morning, this aspen tree was very full of leaves and extra twigs. I simplified them and am pleased with the results. Aspen trunks are so colorful and detailed, I wanted to include the light-dappled and reflective effects of the light bark. The more I look, the better I see!

Rainy Day Aspen

2010-06-28T08:03:00.003-06:00

my second in the series. The palette knife was useful in scraping on some of the dark colors when I was finished with the trees. Again, painted this one in the rain. Glad to see the afternoon rains are back in Colorado. 6 x 8 framed in gold $200

Little Aspen Grove

2010-06-27T07:45:00.003-06:00

I have wanted to paint aspen on location for a long time. I did one in watercolor years ago, but never in oil. Yesterday I found this little grove just as it had finished a light rain. The observation you get is incredible. The lighting changes, the color changes, each tree is slightly a different shade. Very subtle. I want to do more, this is just a 6 x 8 in size. I want to do a series, so I really get to know the aspen trees.

Delphinium Delight

2010-06-23T16:12:00.004-06:00

A small painting done on location at the HAS demo garden this morning, 6 x 8 of a group of delphiniums. The light changed under the filtered tree often, so it was a matter of remembering the essence. I loved the variety of color.

Bowl of Cherries

2010-06-18T10:09:00.002-06:00

I took the photo references for this when the first cherries came out at the grocery store. I loved the way they looked in the purple bowl in the sink with the morning shadows and a few drops of water. I positioned the composition for the most dynamic impact, and built it up, layer by layer. Original oil 11 x 14 $400 framed.

Santa Fe revised

2010-06-15T07:24:00.002-06:00

the new version with the orange roses. There may still be a few more things I change, but I like the color the roses add, and the ladder was glazed with color a few more times to get a more accurate shade. What do you think? Feedback welcome.

adjusting elements

2010-06-14T10:44:00.003-06:00

This is the first version I did of an adobe building visited in Santa Fe. It was an early morning shot and I liked the shadows and the ladder and the blue windows. The flowers were snowballs, and the more I look at this, the more I realize it doesn't have the zing I wanted in colors. I really like to crank up the colors in Santa Fe, because it feels so colorful to me. I changed the color of the ladder, the flowers (made them into those orange/red wild roses that were not blooming yet) and have a few more changes to make. I'll post the new version tomorrow so you can see the difference. The painting has to take over where the reference leaves off. (sometimes more than others!)

Pecos Church

2010-06-13T09:54:00.003-06:00

I've been working on this for awhile. It's 12 x 16 in oil and would be $500 framed. It's been layer upon layer, adding elements that weren't there, and enhancing what was there. This is an old New Mexico church that I photographed 6 years ago on a visit to Santa Fe, and the photo was pretty basic and plain. I've seen so many paintings done of similar churches there that I guess they all were calling me to bring it to the life that I feel when I'm there. The lines and perspective were a lesson in archetecture, and the more you look the more you see in relationships of lines to one another. I'm pleased with the light and glow it achieves.

Another Poppy

2010-06-08T18:16:00.002-06:00

I found another one! The HAS garden downtown has beautiful poppies in bloom, despite the heat of yesterday. My thing was to go to Taos and paint poppies (its been in my head to do so for about a year now) and so I'm the Colorado Springs poppy scout. There may be more! I love painting them, although there are some peonies and iris waiting at HAS also. This one is 6 x 8 inches for $200 framed.

the last Poppy

2010-06-07T18:36:00.002-06:00

did not paint today as it was 97 degrees in the shade. The last poppy in my garden last evening I painted in the shade. Spring flowers seem to be here for about a week each, then move on. The daylilies are budding, as is the lavender. Must be the heat.

Poppies and Iris

2010-06-05T08:11:00.004-06:00

This is another backyard painting 9 x 12 on location. I really love this time of year. Everything is in bloom. The challenge is to want to capture all the details, vs. create a painting of it. This one had a lot of details that needed to be coordinated and simplified. I want to do another one before the poppies are gone, they last only about a week every year.

Rocks and Water

2010-06-02T18:39:00.002-06:00

another beautiful day in Colorado. 6 x 8 inch study on location with Pikes Peak Plein Aire Painters. I travel light with a small paint box and lightweight easel. 3 geese hung out with us while we were painting, and the sound of rushing water was like music. Painting outdoors is the best.

Lilacs

2010-06-01T10:04:00.003-06:00

a small sketch for the color and detail on location, the fragrance while painting was a nice bonus. I love spring flowers.

Poppies from Life

2010-05-31T06:26:00.002-06:00

Did these Saturday morning in my backyard. Love this time of year with everything blooming. Want to paint it all.

Poppy Passion

2010-05-29T07:47:00.003-06:00

every year I have to paint poppies, they grow in my garden and the ones I do from nature are better than the ones I do from photos. This one is from a photo, but I loved the composition. Have to try again from nature, they are blooming now.

Simplifying the Complicated

2010-05-26T07:15:00.002-06:00

Didn't simplify very much! This is a 6 x 8 study done on location that I loved the location. Didn't really think in advance about how much detail there was. My brush was old (have since tossed it for a better one)and yet I continued to daub on the paint because I loved being here in this place. The light changed in an hour (of course) but the scene was so engaging it was a challenge to simplify it into paint. Patterns, light, and shadows. That's the key, it always is. "Paint what you see" wasn't so helpful, because I saw a lot. So I took off my glasses. Always helps, to simplify into near-sighted vision. Squinting can have the same effect. You CAN see the forest AND the trees!

Painting from Life

2010-05-25T08:24:00.002-06:00

Painting from life is always a good thing. With several others, we had intended to go paint a location a mile or so away from my house. The wind was extreme, so headed for a fellow painter's studio. He had set up several still lifes which seemed like a let-down after the plan to paint outdoors for the first time since last summer. It was really a good experience, as it took the same concentration, color mixing, and "seeing" that is crucial to painting of any kind. Any time one can paint from life is preferable to using photos for reference. I recommend it!

In season again

2010-05-16T16:21:00.002-06:00

My apple tree is in bloom and I painted these beauties several years ago at Happy Apple Farm in Penrose. Orchards in bloom have always inspired me as I have seen other artists interpretations of them for years. I loved seeing the orchards when I drove between offices for work the year I lived on the Western Slope. I did a few touch-ups on these this winter and they kept me going until now,as the real thing has returned. I have not painted since April, as I have been teaching and not had 2 days off in a row for a month. I realize the first day off is for errands, getting caught up and then the second day I feel like I have the freedom to paint or do something creative. It takes time to be creative. The orchards and I are back in season again. Yay.

Gateway Truck and Mine

2010-04-13T18:45:00.003-06:00

a truck in context. In the fall of 2007, I found this beauty in the town of Gateway on the border of Utah and Colorado. Walked around a bit to create just the right composition with the old mine and the truck. This was in between Norwood and Grand Junction, just as you are entering Unaweep Canyon on the border (Gateway) of Colorado and Utah. Gorgeous red rock country, the Dolores River, spectacularly glowing with fall colors and light or anytime in the afternoon glow of light. The truck portrait has become a historical family portrait in this one.

Tres Trees-stage 2

2010-04-12T10:09:00.002-06:00

stage 2, I added some depth to the foreground with shadows and snow and softened the edges of the distant hills, adding a little subtle interest to the midground area. I don't want to take away from the trees, but kind of like the mist effect that covers the basic shapes. Lost and found edges are true to nature, and always add interest to a painting.

Tres Trees-in progress

2010-04-06T06:58:00.003-06:00

One winter weekend, in 2007, I was returning from a hike at Gunnison Gorge and the evening light was spectacular. I kept driving looking for something beautiful that it was transforming with its magic and found this snowy field. The 3 Cottonwoods in stark relief were the perfect darks to the glowy oranges among the purple snow shadows. Snow is magical and snow shadows are purple and blue.

Tubac Wagon

2010-04-05T07:49:00.003-06:00

another Vintage Vehicle, not really a truck, but I have always loved the way that other artists have portrayed these old Conestogas. This one lives in Tubac, AZ and it was late in the January day, 2005. The story of the wagon breaking down near Taos with the founders of the Taos art colony has become a defining story as part of their important history. It made them stop and pay closer attention, a good thing (if not the best thing) for artists. Countless pioneers giving up everything they knew for the hope of something better. Hope is our best survival instinct.

El Jebel Truck-done!

2010-04-04T06:50:00.003-06:00

loved finishing this one! Any "thing" that I haven't painted before seems "hard" but intriguing to me. Especially if people know what they are "supposed to look like" as in trucks, people, pets, flags, etc. I can paint landscapes until the cows come home (and cows)because they are so generic and you get the light right and the edges right and boom you have a tree or a mountain. I never understand the people who think landscapes are hard. Maybe because I know them so well, they are a joy. Anyway, the flags were fun!

Palisade Truck-done!

2010-04-03T06:46:00.002-06:00

Finished by adding more detail to the background (peach trees) and the truck.

El Jebel Truck (first stages)

2010-04-02T09:15:00.003-06:00

this was a 2007 find while training a new home care nurse from Glenwood. She wanted to stop for a bathroom break at the Wendy's next door and I grabbed my camera. I had friends who lived near here years ago and this truck was parked in front of the old YesterYear shop, which I was so pleased to see again. Moral learned: always carry your camera, and when you are almost finished with a painting, start another. It saves the risk of overworking the first one because you are having so much fun, you don't want to quit. It allows you to stop at a reasonable place, because you have somewhere else to go.

Palisade Truck-step 2

2010-04-01T08:52:00.004-06:00

it's always hard to tell how much more to do once I get to this stage, but I will apply some soft edges and subtle detail to the landscape as well as sharpening up the contrast and detail on the truck, the main player in the painting.

Ribbon of Light in progress

2010-03-31T06:42:00.002-06:00

I always wanted to do one of those alpenglow sunsets and had a 12 x 24 board. Looking through my photo references, I had an almost dark sunset one where 11-mile reservoir really stood out. I decided to push the colors so you could really see that alpenglow that photos (and late timing) miss. This is my attempt, still needs a few details to be finished.

Palisade Truck in progress

2010-03-30T06:57:00.002-06:00

Still having fun with the trucks, this one in Palisade. (all those wonderful peaches!)I found a great photo reference from Glenwood (its next), and one through Unaweep Canyon on the way to Grand Junction from Norwood. I'm so glad I got to travel before driving became torture.

Salida Truck

2010-03-29T08:34:00.001-06:00

Truck #2 I found in a back alley of Salida. 11 x 14 oil.

Taos Truck

2010-03-28T08:09:00.004-06:00

My first truck! I finally started my series that has been in my head for years. I have always found an exceptional antique truck in every small town I visited. They are all so unique, and deserve a second look. I am compelled by the shapes, especially the bent out of shape shapes. They have years of history of sheepherding, hauling produce, etc. The contrasting colors of the rust, faded colors, and highlights on the metal is the real appeal. My blog will be a truck a day for awhile.

Taos House

2010-03-27T07:52:00.002-06:00

I reworked this one from a painting I did after a trip to Taos in November 2001. Snow had fallen the night before, and as usual, melted the next day. The entrance to Mabel Dodge Luhan's estate, fascinating. I had read the history of these interesting pioneers and artists who established the Taos Art Colony in many places and told in many ways. I'm getting tired of working from photos, my work is fresher and less noodley when I paint on location. Still working for the day when I can put in just enough detail (the important stuff) in just the right places and leave the rest out. I was there in 2004, I painted a lot on location that year. I'm looking forward to painting plein aire again when the wind stops blowing snow. Even my dog didn't want to go out this morning. Springtime in the Rockies=snow and mud. And the occasional break when you just have to get out there and enjoy it!

Mountain Lake

2010-03-26T18:45:00.002-06:00

Another example of a rework. I've been pulling out some work that "bothered me" for one reason or another, this one had a fisherman in it who just had to go. He was competing too much for the scene. My original thought was that he led into the scene, and he really was there! I decided this mountain and lake needs to be enjoyed in all its solitary splendor.

Spring Marche

2010-03-25T08:21:00.003-06:00

Did a painting I had wanted to do for a long time. Spring Marche is from a photo reference in 2005 trip to Aix-en-Provence. Spring Market with all its colorful baskets was a good place for my mind to escape winter. Still love the snow, but am looking forward to spring. 12 x 16, $400 or $450 with 3 inch frame.

Autumn Leaves

2010-03-20T08:10:00.003-06:00

This could be titled "Autumn Leaves, and Winter is Here, but where is Spring?" It's spring break this week, so I'm going to paint in short spurts in between dr's and therapy appts. Travel is out (since I'm only able to drive or sit for 15 minutes at a time), and its cold and snowy here. Spring in the Rockies is unpredictable: its warm, then things start to grow, then it snows again. Still hoping to get some walks in this week. The painting is one I had started and looked at undone for months. Thinking, I will finish it one day. Instead of starting a new one, I'm finishing my unfinished work and those I've thought, "there's something not quite right with this one, but I don't know what it is yet." Usually, with the passing of time, I can figure it out. Hindsight is 20/20.The photo reference for this painting I took while visiting Union Printers Home at the corner of Union and Pikes Peak. The grassy lawn covered with leavs and the morning sun shining through the turning leaves with a mist (rare in Colorado) reminded me of fall back in the Midwest.

Old Work is Still Good Work!

2010-03-11T08:19:00.003-07:00

I have been inspired in the past few weeks by my patrons, including some new ones! Thank you all for your encouragement and helping me take my art to the next level. The ultimate appreciation for an artist is to have someone love your work so much they want to pay for it and take it home as part of their art collection. I have as an artist, taken some of my older works for granted. Some of them I still am amazed by, and others I think, "I could have done this or that to make them better." A jaded eye can set in. My own personal favorites are not for sale, as they are in my private collection. Usually they are views that remind me of a special memory or a breakthrough in technique or style. I have to remember that my favorites are not always those of my viewers/patrons. They see their own view of my work, with not such a critical eye. They remind me why I painted that painting in the first place. They give me a new appreciation of why I paint. Just because I have painted Pikes Peak a dozen times, it doesn't mean its not worthwhile. Cezanne is known for his numerous paintings of Mont St. Victoire, which I have seen in numerous collections and museums worldwide. Like an old friend. I have looked at the real thing every day since 1984 and am awed by my fortune. I miss it on rainy/snowy days. I can't wait until the next cloudless morning when in reappears in dazzling snowy splendor. I'm like those cloudy days now, working behind the scenes, and preparing for my next paintings, when my body is ready to sit or stand for longer periods of time. Seasons, and time. It's all good.

recovery

2010-03-02T09:41:00.002-07:00

After much pain from nerve pressure on sciatic nerve and working hard on recovery, I am posting to say I'm not forgetting about painting. Still selling work, just not actively painting for awhile. Working on the art of living and recovery. Hopeful that it will happen, soon. It takes time and energy. Still teaching part-time at the college, everything takes energy and I only have so much available. Pain takes a lot of energy. Time management and self-care, all lessons in life.

Creative Work and Self Care

2010-02-14T09:11:00.002-07:00

Living an artist's life(synonymous with a good life, a creative life)is about balance. I must care for myself in order to produce work as an expression of the joy of life and celebrating beauty. Self-care for me can be spending time with friends, creating affordable healthy meals (egg salad in pita pockets) quesadillas with corn and fresh cilantro) homemade split pea soup with Yukon Gold potatoes and carrots. It is also resting when I need to rest, walking when I need to walk. It is knowing my limits, which are different and changing after my car accident in August and being in constant pain. It is not easy, but important. Sharing my struggles with others is difficult for me, but struggles are part of everyone's life, and a common thread to our humanity. Asking for help is even harder, but I respect those most who know what they want and ask for it specifically. I need what I need and it changes (like life itself) and I want to be honest in all of life, not just my paintings. Honesty and the present is where life is. If you are reading this, I ask that you would wish me the courage to be present in the moment with whomever I'm with.

2010-02-14T07:52:00.002-07:00

"Where the Eagle Flies" is a painting I did on location as part of a weekend paintout in Victor, Colorado. People often ask me how I create my paintings, many are done on location to capture the lighting and color accurately. The ones I do from photo references are planned ahead, and I compose the photos with the painting in mind. These are ones from locations where the lighting and color hits me with inspiration, and I create a composition by eliminating unnecessary elements and simplifying the scene to include a point of interest, and move your eye around the scene. This painting won me an award and was sold the same day. An artist's best case scenario. We love to share our work and have others appreciate what we do. Most work is created in isolation, but art is about communication and sharing beauty.

Using a Scanner

2010-02-05T07:16:00.003-07:00

Using a scanner to record images of small works (9 x 12 or smaller, or however large your scanner bed is) gives a much more accurate image than using a photograph, even with a tripod. I had to wait until the oil painting was dry, of course, but compare this image of "Barns in Winter" with the one from the previous blog post. It really gets the colors and textures. This painting is sold, but there are more available (all are one-of-a-kind originals!)See previous posts or my website for paintings for sale. Or call me for a particular subject or commission.

Finishing Touch

2010-02-02T18:41:00.004-07:00

this is an example of a watercolor that looked unfinished to me. I did it on location, and the edges seemed "mooshy." When I got home, I added the definition of ink pen and liked it so much better once defined. I always did ink and watercolor sketches on travels, and this way, although "backwards" works very well. I have transformed many of my watercolors from several years ago with this "finishing touch." Turtle Rocks at 11-mile canyon, $175 framed to 11 x 14.

Old Town clock

2010-02-01T07:27:00.002-07:00

This was done in fall on location as part of the Art on the Avenue event in Old Colorado City. I sold it at my Annual Studio Sale. My favorite pieces usually sell first, and its a wonderful affirmation to have this happen. I had to move the mountain (Pikes Peak) to fit it in the scene, which meant I had to move my easel and use several on-location references to accomplish the desired effect. Plein Aire painting is the best for lighting and even though the light changes quickly, it gives you the accuracy for color notes that really make the scene shine. Colorado light is brilliant, and fall colors are spectacular!