20th Ave, Winter

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Most mornings I take a walk around the neighborhood to wake myself up and burn some calories. This morning's walk was a special treat, with a beautiful combo of pink skies and fresh snow. I'm normally in the habit of painting fairly pristine landscapes, but I couldn't resist this scene---houses, cars and all.

Solitary Path

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I had fun with the little pop of color in the shrub here, and especially with the cool snow peeking through the grasses. 

I'm going to be experimenting with some different subject matter in the next few weeks, so posting will continue to be sporadic, I'm sure. 

Solstice Eve

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After several days of working on new pieces for the La Quinta and Scottsdale festivals, it seemed like a good time to take a little break. I'd been wanting to try to capture this amazing winter sunset scene. I got the gist of it, but I may revisit this one later.

Waiting for Spring

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While the other inhabitants of this hill seem fairly content with winter, the little fir tree seems to be saying "enough already--let's get on with spring!"

Red Branches, Snow

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These beautiful red shrubs were just to the right of yesterday's bridge. I wasn't sure how well the delicate branches with red berries and snow would come across in a pastel, but I ended up happy enough with the result.

Winter Under the Bridge

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A new season means another view of the iconic old stone bridge in the park. The tiny bit of snow only stuck to the pathway and top of the bridge, giving me plenty of opportunity to explore color with the trees and bare shrubbery.

Skiff

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The tiniest skiff of snow added so much depth to this little scene. I loved working with the soft warm and cool grays here.

Misty Morning Walk

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More of the park on a foggy morning.

Still, Early Three

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More Manito morning goodness. I loved the contrast of the cool rocks and firs with the warm tree, shrubs and pine needles along the path.

Sunrise on the Rocks

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The first glints of sun catch a golden tree perched on the rocks above Manito Perennial Garden. I think there could be a lifetime's worth of material in this amazing city park.

Frost & Fog Study 7

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I felt like doing a simple composition today after my last two somewhat complicated pieces. I ended up really happy with the direction this piece took. It has the looser feel that I've wanted for these landscapes. 

Yakima River, Snow

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I loved the layers of pink and blue in this scene. They make a great contrast with the warm gold of the grasses in the foreground and hay bales stacked across the river.

Snow at Sunrise

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I've missed painting as I moved my studio over the past few weeks, but I'm starting to think the break was a healthy thing. Instead of painting, I spent a lot of time THINKING about painting. I looked at art books, waded numerous times through the 100+ pages of my fellow artists' paintings in 6" Squared, and generally immersed myself in every aspect of painting but the act itself.

Coming back to the easel, I feel like my work reflects my discoveries during this time, and is more thoughtful. I'm sure being settled again doesn't hurt anything either. Painting in the morning then rushing out to move van loads and van loads of... STUFF... doesn't contribute to a zen painting experience.

Whatever it is, I'm refreshed and enjoying the work more than ever.

Snow Sky

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The studio is more or less put together and I am back at the easel at last! I've been really wanting to do this one for a while. This seemed like the perfect time.

A lot has gone on since I took my little sabbatical. Three of my pastels made it into the 6" Squared show at Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa. You can see them here.

It's good to be back!

Frost & Fog Study 6 (#100!)

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This may be Frost & Fog Study number six, but it has a much bigger number too. This is daily painting number 100!

To see all my daily paintings please visit my Daily Paintworks gallery... I can't believe how different it looks from the first month.

As the Universe would have it, this will also be my last daily painting for a few weeks. I'm moving into a new studio(!) and need to concentrate my efforts on that. I hope to be up and running by mid-November. 

"See" you then!

Frost & Fog Study 5

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I loved the cool and warm neutrals that dominate this scene. The coral-colored leaves of the underbrush made such a nice contrast against them.

Autumn Grove, Dusk

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On a walk a few days ago, I noticed beautiful fall colors in the spot that inspired Morning, Lincoln Park. The mid-afternoon sunlight was harsh, so I returned at dusk to find the colors softened nicely. Autumn Grove, Dusk is the result.

Frost & Fog Study 4

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As the fog began to lift from the frosty field, the sun cut through in spots, illuminating the yellow grass and warming the treetops.

Frost & Fog Study 3

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In the thick of it near the frosted, foggy field.

Frost & Fog Study 2

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More foggy morning bliss! Every view of this frosty field made me want to paint.