Sunset, Columbia River, Oregon

                                   11 x 14                  Oil                   $275     

It's hard to paint an Oregon landscape without using green; we (on the western side) are surrounded by it. Even deciduous trees wear a mantle of moss through the winter. However, the Columbia Gorge has its own palette. The evening I took this photo was a case in point. It was a pink and purple world for a brief few seconds, but time enough to capture it for a painting. 

I applied oil thickly in this painting, making frequent use of a painting knife. I had read an art instructor's comment that thinly applied oil gives you a painted canvas, whereas thick oil throughout gives you a painting. It worked well on this painting, which also won an award.

Columbia Gorge in Spring

                                 8x10                       Oil                         $175 It will soon become apparent to frequent readers of this blog that I am totally enthralled with the Columbia River Gorge. From the moist western end to the dry desert climate in the east, there's enough painting material to last a lifetime. This painting was done in the transition zone, from desert to moisture - lots of it. During May this area is a profusion of wildflowers.This little oil was my first attempt at alla prima painting - all in one sitting. It was also the first time I used a painting knife. I must have done something right; the painting won third place in a Portland area competition.

Oneonta Gorge

                                                                       12x24      Oil      SOLD  
 This beautiful spot is in the Columbia River Gorge, thankfully a protected area. I'm told there is a lovely waterfall farther up the creek. I'd love to see it, but it requires wading in water waist to chest high. I was already plenty wet photographing it from this angle closer to the Columbia River.

I used a painting knife quite liberally on this oil canvas. Getting sufficient texture on the rocks was important to me.
 Some of these areas never see the sun, so the moss is verdant at all times of the year. I was especially     
attracted to this view with the eye-popping lichen (if that's what it is) on the left. I honestly don't try for realism, but they keep turning out that way. If you click on the image, you'll see that my painting is actually quite loose.

I seem to favor long, skinny formats and have a pile of photos of waterfalls, slot canyons, etc., just waiting to be painted. I've been working from my photographs for years now. The Oregon climate is not always conducive to plein air, especially at the beach. But I'm determined to find a sunny, wind-free day next year and give it a try.

Country Driveway, Willamette Valley

                                              16x20                      OIL                         NFS

I've chosen this oil painting to start my new blog because it was a breakthrough of sorts. It was awarded my first ever first place in a Portland area competition. The judge said he chose it because I'd gone out on a limb with my shadows. I didn't realize I was on a limb - I'm just glad it didn't break!