Monday, October 27, 2008

The Mountain from the Train


Did several paintings from the sketches I drew on that trip to Seattle.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Up into the Vineyards


The Cristom vineyards, where I was encouraged to do some work. Hillside plantings make for better wine. Some struggle for the vine is good.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Summer Hillside [it`s origin]





When I was younger I thought painting landscapes from photographs was a seriously bad idea. The photo flattened reality in an obvious way. I arrogantly thought I could spot one instantly. Then a mentor showed me his process and his fresh results. Then along came digital cameras and their amazing software. Then it dawned on me, I didn`t have to sit in the sun with my sketchbook every time. I could take a picture. Now the plein air experience is truly valuable much like drawing from the figure. With a companion or a group it`s a fun opportunity to be social and working. But no doubt about it, the camera is quicker. On a trip to Ashland in 2004 I sat in the backseat sketching and taking photos from the moving car. The picture above led to the small study which begat the larger watercolor which someday may become an even bigger oil painting. Just from a casual snapshot.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Morning on the Channel


Another boggy painting. These paintings are of the many sloughs, channels and estuaries that become more numerous as the Columbia nears the Pacific. At the Hanson Howard Gallery.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Nocturne 2



All of the sudden I`m having a show of small paintings at the Migration Gallery in December. These will be watermedia on Yupo mounted on panels. So six weeks to get this together. I`ve found I like a challenge and a deadline. I just hope my patience with Yupo holds. Most of the time I love it, then eventually it`s unique properties start to drive me crazy. All I want in those moments is for the paint to hold still. Sometimes I`ll be lucky and remember what Richard Diebenkorn said to me in a workshop, 'sometimes you have to create a problem to solve one'.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Demonstration Painting-Into the Gorge


From the benefit for Basic Rights Oregon last Saturday.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Nocturne


Fancy word eh? sounds French or something :) This is new, and I`ll have it with me tonight as I do a demonstration painting to be auctioned in support of Basic Rights Oregon, our local champion for equality for the GLBT community. This is their big fundraiser extravaganza and I`m part of the entertainment.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Shallows



Another new work! Slowly, I`m getting my stride back.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Wind


New Work! it`s only 12"x12" but it`s the largest painting I`ve completed since June.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Oaks Bottom-Moonlight


Watercolorists who use a butcher`s tray for a palette will have noticed as they mix their colors, spectacular things happening on the tray. Painting on Yupo is similar. Quite often it`s best to just get out of the way.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Oaks Bottom 4



Yesterday I was able to walk out into it [Oaks Bottom] for the first time this year. The lake never did entirely disappear.