Seeing through your hopes and dreams

"Delight of the Dreamer"  12x12" Pastel on sanded paper, $1,650
Available through The Mission Gallery

Enter into any room that is flooded with filtered light, and you might sense your mood shifting, and perhaps your eyes might even begin to moisten. For me, I am always in touch with my senses, especially my sight, and perception of how people relate to one another. It's almost funny to say this, but to me, I am on the observation deck of life.  A few years back, I came upon this scene inside the Swan House at the Atlanta Historical Museum after a thunderous Spring downpour. Upon entering into this one particular room at that very moment, I felt a compelling sense of elevation by the light that was wrapping around this young girl. It evoked feelings of hope fueled by anticipation, curiosity, and dreams. And now, now more than ever, this piece seems more poignant. One might question if she is isolated in an empty room along with an empty chair to sit, be still and think, or she is waiting for good news that will bring brighter days ahead?.  Whether we look at life through either a kaleidoscope lens or a magnifying glass, we still take light in.  So what do you see in this piece? I'd love to know!

Moving along...    

Fanno Creek Wetland, 16x12

"Fanno Creek Wetland" 16x12" Oil on canvas panel

This piece is available HERE

Today was just gorgeous outside.  After being covered with overcast skies and a few sun breaks here and there, we finally got a full day of sunshine and warmer temps.  I actually think I got some color on my face, and no, I'm not talking about the surprise splotch of oil paint on my face either. This piece was  plein air painted just off of a long stretch of water called Fanno Creek that runs the span of two cities;  Beaverton and Tigard, Oregon. Amazing, the amount of pedestrians walking their dogs, strolling their babies, or jogging along don't even notice a painter, while just a few will stop to chat and ask about my work. Do they have art hanging in their own homes that they take notice? Anyway, this one is available in DailyPaintWorks  by auction. Starting bid is pretty low, so if you are interested, just click here.

Reds and Reeds (study), 6x6

"Reds & Reeds" (study), 6x6" pastel on sanded paper

Feeling a little happy from the recent news, the creative juices have been flowing! Stopped by two galleries today: Broderick Gallery and Portland Classic Gallery to see what's new and to get a boost. It's so awesome to view other's work, see the brushstrokes, colors, feelings.

I picked this one image up from my favorite Reference Image Library. Once started from my demos during Portland Open Studios, I've decided to finish it up. I'm so glad I did. There are so many ideas I'd like to put to paper! I'm thinking about making changes in my work, wanting to brighten up my palette and work on brushstroke quality more and more. I'm not sure if this one painting really does what I'm desiring but just the same, I'm so drawn to water themes and soft soothing scenes. It's hard to change a way or style of an artist's work, just like trying to change the color of your wool carpet. It's dyed into me.

Estuary at Dusk, 24x24

"Estuary at Dusk" 24x24" Pastel on sanded paper

Well, I wasn't so confident on posting "Estuary at Dusk", so I put it back up onto the easel and made some adjustments. The lower band of orange is gone...well, it's lightened up a bit. I took a foam brush and brushed off the offending orange/red. Then I applied a yellow and then a peach in the exposed area. Next, I scumbled some hot pink over the yellow/peachy horizon and stepped back to take the adjustments in. So, I'm generally pleased with how it came out. There are still a few minor touch-ups I'm going to address before I call it done and then I'll pull it off the easel. But for now, here it is!

Estuary at Dusk, 24x24

"Estuary at Dusk" 24x24" Pastel on sanded paper

I've been hesitant to post this one painting for some time now. It's been sitting in my studio since my Open Studio back in October. This is a different direction from my usual waterscapes, adding a sunset and trees. And the clouds...boy are clouds difficult to paint! During Open Studio I had it near completion and on display with a "title" suggestion box so that my visitors could help with a title. Well, here it is, and I'm still not so sure on it being finished but I'm just going to jump in and post it anyway! However, I am sure of the title that was selected from an entry by K.C. Rumble. There were some very good suggestions, but this one seems to fit. As promised, the visitor [K.C. Rumble] who submitted the winning title will receive a fine 12x12" Giclee' reproduction of this piece. So, thanks K.C. for such a great title!