Nishinomiya

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Nishinomiya, Spokane's Japanese sister city, is also the namesake of Manito Park's lovely Japanese garden. There is almost no view in this garden that is not worth painting.

Peony Day 3

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Another of those bright pink peonies... I'm trying to simplify more with each one. I still got caught up in detail a bit, but I think it's going in the right direction.

The Neighbors' Yard 2

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Another view of our neighbors' amazing garden, looking south as the sun shines down our street in the background.  This is the angle I see driving home from the studio every day.

The Neighbors' Yard

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Around the corner from us in Spokane's South Perry district is a blue house with the most amazing yard... their guerrilla gardening spills out over the sidewalk and into the parkway. It is impossible to drive past without a smile.

The Blues

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One of the most amazing color combinations of fall in the Northwest can be found in Oregon Grape. It grows like a weed here and isn't remarkable most of the year. Then, suddenly, there is this striking contrast of blue and turquoise berries against scarlet foliage.

Stone Bridge Shadows

This painting is sold.

This iconic, 100-year old bridge is always part of an inspiring view. This is only the second time I've painted it, though. I vaguely remember the first attempt several years ago as being far less successful. 

Blue Rose

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This great, gnarly old rose bush looked so cool in the morning shade. The blues and purples of the dark foliage made a wonderful contrast with the bright, sunlit spring greens in the background.

Evenfall

This piece has sold.

Another scene from my favorite park. The repetition of patterns in the stalks of the shrubbery and the old branches of the pines made this a fun subject, and I loved the pink light!

Peony Day 2

This piece has sold.

Here is another study of the sunlit peonies in the university garden. I like the more abstract look of this one especially.

Cool Morning

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One of my favorite colorful shrubs at the top of a trail through the park... There are things I like about this painting, but I think I will revisit this again soon.

Peach Begonia

Sold.

I found this begonia waiting for a home at the much-missed Stanek's nursery here in Spokane.

I'll be out of town for a few days at a beer festival, in my other life as a brewery owner. I'll be back painting and posting on Tuesday.

Perennial Favorites

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Morning in the perennial garden. The low angle of light created these cool shadows, making the sunlit poppies glow all the more.

Big Sky at Night

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Driving through Montana on the way back from a show we saw this amazing smoky sunset. It really came out more abstract than landscape, I think.

Cannon Beach Grays

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I had this simple Oregon Coast scene ready to post a few days ago, but when I looked at the photo I didn't like it as much as I thought. The piece has been tacked to my easel since, and every time I looked at it I was surprised I didn't want to post it. I finally realized that the colors in the photo were too dark and saturated. I readjusted them and now you can see the delicate, subtle look I liked about the pastel itself.

Secluded Shade

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This is the scene from Manito Mosaic, painted from the other side of the shrubs. Together the two little paintings look like a continuous scene.

Manito Mosaic

This piece has sold.

Manito Park is a lovely, hundred-year old park on Spokane's South Hill. It covers several blocks and includes many completely natural areas in addition to manicured gardens. I love the dappled light in this secluded spot, and the contrast of the fiery shrubs against the cool, tall pines.

Cannon Beach Grays 2

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Just like most other Inland Northwest residents, I am in love with the Oregon Coast. Sadly, I am so busy anymore that I rarely get to go---even though I have my work in a gallery in Cannon Beach!

In the meantime, I can dream of windy evenings on the sand.

Willow and Sage

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This area of the Palouse becomes most colorful in the winter, when the willow shrubs drop their leaves to reveal bright reddish-orange branches. They add so much interest to an otherwise pretty desolate landscape. I really like how this painting came out, but I like the name especially... maybe someday I will open a shop and call it Willow and Sage. 

Good Morning

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A closer view of the creamy-flowered dogwood in dappled, early-morning shade.

New Plants 2

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These poor plants are still waiting to be planted in their permanent pots. Someday I will have a few minutes off to do some things at home. That is the hope, anyway.