Ribbon of Light in progress

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

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

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

Taos Truck

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.