Crossline, 12x12

"Crosslines" 12x12" Pastel  ©Brenda Boylan

I live in a suburb just outside of Portland, OR. called Beaverton. The city of Beaverton has never had a centralized hub, and so for the past 4+ years, community volunteers have been working hard on revitalizing it's "downtown". Actually, there really is no true downtown as it's had it's share of quick growth and misplaced strip malls. Ah, but I did find this little spot that was bathed in sun and has more or less a vibe of the buildings in the core area of the city. I stumbled upon this 60's style building last fall with my pochade box all ready to paint, but the wind was a bit brisk so I decided it would have to wait. Here is my studio piece of that location as taken from photo.

A Direct Relative, 8x10

"A Direct Relative" 8x10" Oil

Getting a lot painted in oils these past few days and again I went out to paint more fragrant lavender.  Oh, how beautiful it has been here in Oregon. Out in the country there are so many paintings everywhere in every direction.  Barns, glowing fields of canola, whispy wheat, and of course lavender.  We've had a thick yellowish haze in the sky from the warm summer sun, adding some great atmospheric opportunities for artists.  Today was an especially fun day painting with a few other artists (Don Bishop, Michael Orwick, Jackie McCartin) out at Mountainside Lavender.  I wouldn't call a fallen easel much fun, it does test one's humor and resistance to let the little things get in our way.  I just had to laugh this one off because I've had this happen so many times from a top heavy set-up.  When will I learn to weigh it down????  

Off to a great start!

After my calamity at Mountainside, I headed out towards Yamhill to paint a vineyard view in the evening light at Woodland Lavender with artists Michael Orwick, Ramona Youngquist, Jackie McCartin and Sandy (name?) The scenery was incredible but my painting was a total flop! Here's a beautiful view of a vineyard in the early evening haze. Nope, it's not Italy!  

Tonight I'm off to more painting adventures painting (with pastels) for a private party in the community of Dunthorpe.