Sometimes Quiet, 6x9

"Sometimes Quiet" 6x9" Pastel on sanded paper

Gosh, I'm finally sitting down to post this piece! I've been out and about running so many errands for my family; kids need costumes sewn, picking up family at the airport, flute lessons, soccer practice and teaching Art Lit...etc. When is there time to paint? Well, last week I did get out to Sauvie's Island again with my painting buddy Gretha. It was really quite beautiful out there, with the mist and cool colors. Finished this one quickly, a 20 min session, after working on a prior one that wasn't so successful. ouch!

I have been revisiting the idea and am getting itchy to paint more of the farm series again. I was down at the farm this past weekend and the autumn makes me feel so sad when I see the trees dropping all their leaves. It's quite barren and there is definitely a lack of color all around. There were some wild turkeys nibbling bugs in the fields... a very Thanksgiving feeling!

Rise From Water, 6x6

"Rise From Water" 6x6" Pastel on sanded paper

One of the many benefits to painting en plein air is the many different views you can choose from. This one little piece was just a quick painting made shortly after completing a larger painting of the same area. This time around I had a square format that helped me to narrow down what I was to paint. Something about the color combination or mood that makes me want to paint this scene over and over again. Maybe it's the colors, but whatever it is, I like it! There is a bright red underpainting of pastel with turp on sanded paper.

Cast Shadows: Pacific Northwest Plein Air Landscape"

"Tabor Firs" 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper Sold

"Color Stance" 12x16" Pastel on sanded paper. Sold

These two pieces were accepted into an upcoming show called "Cast Shadows: Pacific Northwest Plein Air Landscape" that will be held at the Aurora Gallery. Show dates are posted in the "Upcoming Events" section to the right.

Honestly, I have been to several art shows, but Plein Air work, by far, knocks my socks off compared to studio work! And believe me, I do plenty of studio work to be able to say this without shame. To me, Plein Air work is so much more spontaneous and colorful than my studio work and I believe this is because I'm painting against the clock, racing to get the images down before the shadows change or the light is gone. Spontaneous, yes...and fresh!

Embankment Rows, 4.5x5.5

"Embankment Rows", 4.5x5.5" Pastel on sanded paper

The last days of passage into the Wildlife Refuge on Sauvie's Island were by far the most glorious in color to paint for me. It is now by far, my favorite place to paint! Here is one that I completely forgot I had painted, from a couple of weeks ago, and had not yet shared it with you. It was placed onto my pile of art ... the pile that I silently call the "I will do with that later" pile. There is just so much space in my tiny studio...I dream of a larger space for more stuff....sigh....

Plein Air on Sauvie's Island, OR

"Down the Line" 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper

"Country Wayside" 9x6" Pastel on sanded paper

"Roadside Morning" 12 x 9" Pastel on sanded paper

The fall weather has been so incredible. The same location on Sauvie's Island continues to be a favorite for now. The color of the fields has been changing at a daily rate. The sun has been clear and warm after the early fog burns off, only to expose the migrating birds. Today I saw a flock of Canadian Geese honking above (with my mouth closed, thank you...) that must have been a mile long in formation.

Sauvie's Rest, Rentenaar Road, 9x6/12x9

"Sauvie's Rest" 9x6" Pastel on sanded paper

"Rentenaar Road" 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper

Today was a beauty! I awoke this morning to a full moon and driving out to the island early this morning reminded me of just how beautiful our Northwest really is. I saw the fog lifting off the smooth mirror-like water as I crossed Sauvie Island Bridge. There were 7 artists painting out on Rentenaar Rd. and we all buzzed with the purpose of capturing the color! Oh the fall is beautiful here, warm greens against the slightly orange edges and capped with a blue and buttery sky. Yummy

Local 14 show news

What a show! Here I am on Thursday, opening night at the Local 14 show. The evening was really festive and well attended. It was nice to see some familiar faces. Here I am with my smile on next to my "panel" of work. You may recognize some of the work behind me from previous posts. The favorite piece, as predicted by my friend, was "Cherry Bowl" that sold right away. The show closed last night, Sunday at 5 pm, and in a matter of minutes what was left was put away and taken home and the walls were emptied. I've marveled at how this works because after many shows with 2 hour set ups and near minute tear downs, the tear down wins in timeliness, hands down! Once a friend and I tore down an entire tent with walls and art loaded back into the van in 20 minutes! Wow! Anyway, I'm off to submit my work to a number of upcoming shows and I will post those as I receive info.