Billster and Julia the Child

Whoa, a few weeks ago, Margo posted this beautiful family pic to Facebook and I thought it would be fun to paint. It took a while, but here's my take. The photograph still might be better, but I'm calling this version done as it has been on my easel for quite a while.

I took some in-progress shots along the way.


My first session was just establishing some water color and beach color. Then I moved on to the figures.


I finished sketching in the figures and boat without trying to be too tight and detailed for this size painting.


I finished up with darkening the distance after trying it lighter. I think the difference in light reflecting on the water is greater than the atmospheric lightening that I usually think of in landscape painting. The darker water also helped the boat and figures pop out more.


20" x 16" Oil on pumice panel.

A Train at Mt Index

5" x 7" Oil on canvas study.

I am planning a larger painting to hang on the chimney over our wood stove. I have a nice big 30" x 40" canvas, so I am starting the process with some studies. The "client" says she wants a train in the painting. Mt Index is the most striking sight on our way into Seattle. This study is based on a little black and white photo in the recent history of Upper Skykomish Valley book.

Newspaper for the Descent

14" x 11" Oil on panel.

$100 - Shipping to US included.

Helpful cycling fans have alway hung out at the top of big climbs to hand out newspapers. The racers grab them and stuff them up the front of their jerseys for warmth on the descent. It is a pure moment where the fan and racer are both appreciated; almost unique to cycling, I think.

The Bike Throw

(Click for a larger view.)
18" x 24" Oil on panel.
On auction at the Marymoor Velodrome Association Auction.

At the end of any bike race, there is often a sprint that can be won by the difference of throwing the bike forward or not. Thrusting the arms forward sends the front wheel over the line sooner and that is the point that counts.

This year Tom Boonen is in the Belgium National Champion jersey and he has a great bike throw even though it sometimes comes up short. Here I used my "artistic license" to put Tom's jersey ironically on someone else. (Tom is a bit taller and leaner...) Maybe we can imagine this is the next Eddy Merckx.

Skykomish River below Eagle Falls

(Click for a larger view.)
24" x 18" Oil on panel.

$300 - Shipping extra.

I really enjoy the RED of the bushes in Sky valley during the winter. I believe these are the same Scotch Brush that provide wonderful yellow color in spring. The section of river in this painting still holds some of the amazing green to teal color of the water from our mountain streams. This calmer part of the river is just below the tumult of Eagle Falls. You can see the rocky wall on the left here where the river is widening out.