Sunday, June 26, 2011

Wallowa Valley

These two studies were painted a couple of days ago in Oregon's Wallowa Valley. The second view is one I have painted before in the winter when it was covered with snow. As elsewhere in the western US this year, snow is still quite abundant in the mountains. These were painted in the same location looking different directions. As I was standing next to the fence of the field in front of me, a swather drove by cutting the rye grass hay, pelting me with rocks and cruft. I had quite a few bits of hay to pick off my painting and palette. In his hermetically sealed air conditioned cab the farmer had no idea that he was showering me with debris; and even if he did, he was only doing his job. A ready smile and a friendly wave accorded instant forgiveness. I need to get out again soon. Both studies, 8x6", oil on linen.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Nicasio Ranch

Today, Ernesto and I joined the California Art Club for their quarterly Paint Out at an equestrian ranch just outside Nicasio. The weather was quite windy and chilly, as we were on the fringe of the fog line. The wonderful part of it was that we had soft broken clouds to paint instead of the ubiquitous empty Bay Area skies. We saw so many ticks today that I still feel like I have them crawling on me. Still, it was great to be out painting. Both studies are 8x6", oil on linen.