Sunday, March 16, 2014

Oregon Estuary Rainforest




                                                                  oil on canvas 36x36

I could get obsessed with this area, this composition. It`s a small place where the fallen trees, boggy water, old grasses and vibrant mosses just seem perfect. That I was drawn to this same spot at the side of the road the last residency too, is somehow significant. In 2010 I hiked out onto Cascade Head when I first arrived and photographed it along the way. I had never been there before. Several days later I hiked it again with John, in the rain again with my camera, and I noticed later I had photographed many of the same areas both times without knowing it. Not obvious scenic views  but places that had a certain configuration of branches, tree trunks, clumps of moss etc. An 'architecture' of sorts captured my attention. I love trees like everyone does but some of them grab me.


available work



4 comments:

Marla said...

I like that little bit of bank showing just to the left of the big trees. This scene looks like a place with secrets and stories.

Was just at Dismal Swamp State Park a few days ago, and would like to attempt some paintings from the photos I took. The landscape is very complex with all sorts of brambles and vines and those multiple cypress knees (whatever they're called) but the dark water makes for the most GORGEOUS reflections. I'm going to refer back to your painting for ideas of how to approach it...

Gary L. Everest said...

Hi Randall,
I'd say this residency is doing wonders for you. Few artists could make the magic you do from what many would consider a swamp.
The clarity of your vision is evident in this superb painting.
Keep on, keepin' on.
Sincerely,
Gary.

Ruth Armitage said...

Beautiful! I can see why you might become obsessed :)

Unknown said...

Love your pictures. I know this place. Its a secret place along a path i used to walk my dog. I guess Oregon isn't that different from Norway