Green Cove

Green Cove, oil on gessobord, 10x10"

Since I finished the Strada Easel 31/31 challenge 12 days ago, I have only worked on some studies, and I have been researching and looking at many artists that are new to me. My goal, stated many times over the past year has been to lean towards abstraction. And, even though it hasn't left my thoughts, I don't feel like I have accomplished this to my satisfaction.  Today's painting DOES do that and for that, I am very happy!  I bought a broad wash brush recently and used it for the first time today. It immediately felt right, and I started painting what has been locked in my head for months.  This little scene is from a cove at Lake Cumberland, painted from a photo that I took at the end of summer.  I guess I should thank Strada easel for the huge push that got me to this stage!

Fishing Lake, Parklands

Fishing Lake, Parklands, oil on mounted canvas, 10x8"

The Parklands in Louisville, is an incredible experience of newly acquired  land that borders one of the main, long creeks in the east-end of the county. Formerly sections of private land, it took nearly 15 years to piece together, and develop into a linear park, about 10-15 miles long. It includes waterfalls, small palisades, deep forest, areas for mountain and road bikes, long canoe or kayak passages, wildlife viewing, hiking, hiking and more hiking. My kind of place. Here is an unnamed fishing lake near one of the higher vistas. It had many small boulders on its outer banks that shown in the sun this particular day.

Cascading

Cascading, oil on gessobord, 12x9"

If you have ever been to Boulder, CO then you know there are constant streams running throughout. When I was there last summer, there was one within walking distance from the hotel. Even though the streams are small-ish in width, the water always runs rapid because of the trajectory of the nearby foothills.  The rocks are still large enough to hop around on and take some fun photos. This painting is from one of those days. 

Capital Reef Cow 2

Capital Reef Cow 2, oil on gessoed watercolor paper, 9x12"

day 11, 30 paintings/30 days

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I zoomed in on a magnificently vast scene to create this painting. Capital Reef National park has many signs throughout its boundaries informing visitors of free-range cows, which is something I found fascinating. To me it signified no boundaries, literally and figuratively, an idea that I love, especially when it comes to finding a place to paint.

Angel River, Zion

Angel River, Zion, oil on gessobord, 12x12"

I revisited a few photos from my "Department of the Interiors" trip, as my family fondly calls it, taken at the end of the summer. This is the first painting I've done from Zion itself, which by the way, blew me away. I hope one day I can retire near it.

We were hiking on an incredibly hot day, when the Southwest was having higher then normal temps. So what are hot hikers to do but put their feet into a very cold river. I took this photo from the center of the river standing thigh- deep in water.  Oh what fun!!

Lone Butte

Lone Butte, oil on gessobord, 8x6"

This butte was photographed while we were driving in Colorado, right before you cross into Utah. I don't remember exactly where since this was just the beginning of the red landscape. Like Mars.  I am realizing more and more how erosion itself is a artist. Each of the buttes and mesas that you find in this vast western desert territory are unique and beautiful. And worthy of anther artist's eye.

Red Rocks 2, Moab

Red Rocks 2, Moab,   pastel, 5.5x8"

Here is another quick sketch that I did while in Moab, UT. If you have never been to Arches National Forest, I highly encourage you to. What a valuable national park! We hiked in 108° heat. I have severe joint pain that keeps me from doing certain things and wipes my formerly "bottomless pit" endurance out, but remarkably, I was pain free. I just had to stay hydrated which was challenging.

Reflections

Reflections, oil on Ampersand gessobord, 6x6 inches

I wanted to try to paint a scene of rocks and reflections in water. I've been looking at some work of such scenes by other artists lately, and I am apt to say things like "I would never be able to do that" or "that looks so hard".  I decided to jump in with two feet (no pun intended) and do it anyway. I  am happy with the albeit abstract results, but you get the gist. Let me know what you think.