Alders in Summer / Norma`s Garden

A mixed watermedia on prepared paper.
In 1986, I helped my brother Mike and his wife Norma move into their new home out in the country. The site had been carved out of pastureland and literally nothing was there, just bare dirt and the house. These photos are a testament to one woman`s vision and the phenomenal fertility of the Northwest. Norma`s garden is a work of art I`ve seen evolve all these years. It`s truly breathtaking.
In mid June after cutting my hair, Mike asked if I had time to come by the house and see the garden. Because of our long wet spring, everything was at it`s peak a month late. I left the shop, went and got some Burgerville, and we sat under the 'big top' eating as it gently rained. Such a perfect moment is rare.
My awesome, glamorous sister in law not only creates magical environments, she`s an inventive photographer as well.

New Shasta Bally

I`ve moved to the other side of my studio and I`m using watermedia. The extraordinary painter, David Page Coffin, suggested I apply a thin coat of acrylic medium to the watercolor paper before beginning. The paint sits on the surface, similarly to Yupo. Though I haven`t done anything worthy yet, I sense great possibility. This reminded me of painting on gessoed yupo. There`s more control and a quicker drying time. Here I tinted the gesso with cobalt blue.

Willamette Valley 2

2002.
When I post older work, it`s because I`m working on something larger, or ambitious, or problematic.

Across the Field

A daily painting.
Views like this are common throughout the Willamette Valley.

Full Moon / High Tide

1988.
I`ve always loved painting the ocean, even when I lived in New Mexico.

Dusk on the Channel

When I posted an older watercolor of this subject, someone suggested I do it in oils, so I did.

Creek...

This one came quickly but without a title.