Miller River

7" x 5" Oil on mounted canvas.

As I have said before, "I'm working on my procrastination; I almost have it perfected." I had a whole week of time at home for painting and here is my first post. I do have some dovetailed drawers put together, but the painting blog does not really care about that. Well, enough self loathing...(heavy sigh).

Today's painting (well Thursday's really since the ol' satellite dish internet is a bit unstable lately) is a view of Miller River on the road toward Skykomish. The light really highlights the trees that are just starting to change at this time of year. I am looking for something to use for a larger painting, but this may not have quite the dramatic contrast that I am trying to find. It is at least on the list of possible subjects.

Lake Dorothy Plein Air

10" x 8" Oil on mounted canvas.

This is a painting executed on site during today's hike to Lake Dorothy. We took my 73 year old mom on the hike to gather blueberries and do some painting. The trail really is only 1.5 miles long, but we were not so gently reminded that it has some elevation gain. The trail climbs up near a cascading creek. Halfway up there is a nice bridge near smooth rock water channels that makes a good break. So even though it was a bit more work than we expected, the payoff was worth it. The three generations of girls collected a couple of gallons of berries and I have this painting.

As you can see below, the clouds were rolling by, so it was the usual challenge changing conditions. It is good to get out in our beautiful mountains.

Pear and Grapes

7" x 5" Oil on panel.

Fruit is good food. This pear had a wonderful blush to it that is similar to the glow of the grapes. These grapes are juicy California reds that are disappearing as I write this. The pear is still not ready as one of its "flat-mates" proved. It will just have to wait...

Caledonia Sunset - Pink and Blue

10" x 8" Oil on mounted canvas.

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Another day and a little later in Caledonia. I love sunsets and sunrises that are pink and blue. The contrasting clouds and pink light usually will get that "look at that..." comment. This sunset reminds me of Alpenglow in the mountains even though Caledonia is pretty far from any mountains.

Caledonia Sunset

10" x 8" Oil on mounted canvas.

$100 Shipping to US included.

This is a sunset view from Green Acres near Caledonia, Minnesota. I kid you not! They call the out of town subdivision "Green Acres". It is a collection of relatively new homes for the well to do in the area. Some of the newest are even impressive by national standards. However, it fits fairly well with the farming community and the modest, adjacent golf course.