Fairholme Campground

 

This is a plein air watercolor sketch I did of a campground

where I stayed in the Olympic NP during my summer roadtrip this year.

This is a rainforest and it was misty and damp this day,

so rather than venture out,  I painted this scene

 which was visible from my campsite.

The colors, clothes strung between two trees, the campfire smoke

all intrigued me.

 

6" x 8" watercolor sketch on 140# paper

 

available on DPW auction

 

 

 

Morning Glory

This is a "story" painting that tells a tale.

 They often take days to paint, and the scene often evolves creatively.

In this "story" work

In this 'story' work, the ​morning breaks in a golden orange glow 

behind the mountains which frame the valley and river 

where an old red mill stands. 

It's wheel turning slowly in the flow of a peaceful stream as it runs by. 

The miller has a fire burning against the early chill, 

as an eagle soars overhead looking for its own breakfast. 

8" x 10" oil on canvas panel

available on DPW auction

Bees and Blooms

This is an oil over acrylic painting of a corner in a flower garden.  

I like the formal white post on which grow the blue/purple wisteria. 

The red roses offer a splash of contrast. 

As I was working on this painting, I noticed a hum and looked 

and saw several bees moving about from flower to flower. 

Originally I did not add them, but I was never happy with this painting 

until in reworking the picture I added the bees. 

Now it feels right.

10" x 8" oil on canvas board

available on DPW auction

Summer Showers

A shower falls on a lush green wetlands,

 then the clouds skip on by to reveal 

clear blue summer skies.

10" x 8" oil on textured canvas panel

for sale on DPW auction

Desert Spring

When spring rains come to the desert. 

They often come surging through canyons 

in temporary run offs.

This same rain causes the desert to bloom,

in unimaginable color.

This is the third painting of cactus flowers.

11" x 14" oil on canvas panel

for sale on DPW auction 

Cactus Flowers 2

This is the second in a series of cactus flowers.

I love the bright neon colors and 

delicate blossoms.

6" x 8" oil on Canvas panel

for sale on DPW's auction

Cactus Flower

This was painted for DPW's Pantene 

color of the year 2014 - 'Radiant Orchid' challenge. 

 I love cactus flowers with their many iridescent colors, 

which I felt fit this challenge.

6" x 8" oil on canvas panel

for sale on DPW auction

After a Spring Rain

I painted this for Virtual Paintout's Liverpool 

(and surrounding country side) challenge.

 I chose this 'street view' because I loved 

the glistening wet road and the bright bits 

of spring green which are almost iridescent 'after the rain'. 

They seemed to epitomize the English countryside.

8" x 10" oil on canvas

for sale on Daily Paint Works auction

Signs of Spring

Mushrooms climbing up and over a moss covered tree stump.

In taking a walk this morning with camera n tow,

I came across wonderful signs of the changing season.

I usually take photographs to paint from later,

but these are so lovely, I had to post them.

I hope spring is coming to all of you who live in the northern

hemisphere and have endured some of natures harshest winter weather.

Winter Sea

I love the sea in winter 

with it's silvery surface edged in white lace, 

which breaks on a rocky coastline

and shore birds trolling for the catch of the day!

8" x 10" oil on Canvas panel

available on DPW auction

She Said Yes!

Our resident owl had a long distant communication with another owl.

We could hear them at night, hooting back and forth.

Recently that ended and we saw them together.

Looks like she said "yes".

So I painted them as a couple.

I love owls and these two are truly lovebirds.

8" x 6" oil on canvas panel

available on DPW auction

Vase With a Blue Handle

I placed these dark pink roses 

in an orange Santa Fe cup

with a bright blue handle and lip. 

The luscious colors say

"be cheerful " 

warmer weather is on its way.

Days are brighter and more colorful. 

8" x 6" oil on canvas panel

for sale on DPW auction