Cape Arago Forest - Oregon

                                                      watercolor on Yupo 13.5x40

 Iceland had some trees but nothing like the rainforests of the Oregon coast.
In black and white, I began on the right and worked to the left completing each section as I moved. The larger trees and the dark shapes I had photographed and could refer to. But I never paint this way. Generally the whole thing is in motion for quite some time. This felt like a narrative of just visual elements and I felt more like a scribe than an artist. Walk in the woods enough and these 'facts' become part of the painter.

                                                                   Elizabeth!


 Let me tell you, a happy bride getting down on the dance floor in her puffy dress is a beautiful sight!
Luckily they didn`t ask but if they had, I would have said keep it simple, elope, save some money! No, Liz and Eric had a vision and they saw it through! And I am grateful as it was pure joy! The ceremony was at 5:30 in full sun and 99 degrees. It didn`t matter. In fact I think it enhanced it. After the short vows we raced to the dim air conditioned ballroom for the reception. It was lovely, like a cool cave! When the dancing began the wedding party and friends went tribal moving in a pulsating circle. The event was the best three days I`ve had in a long time!


 We are looking at houses with potential studio space in Camas or Washougal WA. Not easy. This has to be my last move and I know it will nearly kill me. So the new home must feel right. It is hard to leave this;

But maybe this one if I can figure out where to paint;

Words elude me right now so here are some flowers, past and present.

                                                         John and Randall Iceland selfie


work for sale in my studio


"On Paper" [group] Marcia Burtt Studio Gallery, Santa Barbara CA Aug.26-Oct.2
"New Landscapes" Coos Art Museum July 9 - Oct. 1

Poppies!

                                                          watercolor on Yupo 26x20

On the way to Cistus Nursery last month, my sister in law said "I wish you would paint some flowers". As luck would have it, there was a magnificent stand of poppies right by the parking lot. I drew them and took pictures. Here you go Norma, it looks like summer! It was deeply satisfying to paint those flowers, this landscape painter hungers for all things not green, especially red.


work for sale in my studio

Painting from Life + Workshop

                                                     "Quince" watermedia on Yupo 12x9

I`m teaching this Friday and I`ve asked everyone to bring in something to paint from direct observation. It being April, I suspect we`ll all show up with flowers. I thought I should practice myself first, so I cut off a branch of the quince in my front yard and stared at it hard. This used to be commonplace but now that everyone has a camera in their pocket, it`s easier to work from a photo. I do it all the time. But something is missed in our hurry and efficiency. Looking closely at something and recording it with your own hand is an intimate act. It`s worthy just for the experience yet there is also the effect on memory it produces. That is what will serve a painter when painting. You will recognize it when you get it right.

I`ll be teaching in Lincoln City July 19 and 20.


updated available work

Poppies

From the turn of the century. I`m sure I was just craving red when I chose this atypical subject.
watermedia on paper 19"x13"


available work

Seed Pods

I needed to go into Michael`s Craft Store yesterday. Painters are always showing me cool stuff they bought there. This is daunting but I decided I`d explore a little bit. My timidity was justified. Every supply you`d need to make anything at all was available. It was overwhelming and busy! at 9 a.m.! I was also trying to get used to new glasses, a big mistake. I staggered out sort of nauseous with some water soluble graphite pencils and a pad of paper and did this drawing last night.
watercolor and graphite on paper 8x6

Magnolia Open to the Sky

Another closeup, 1997.
watercolor on paper 22x30