Summertime, When the Livin' Is Easy

about 10x10 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper

I have been traveling a lot this past week, thus the erratic posting. Today I am staying at my friend Domi's place in the Massanutten Mountains. It's quite beautiful. On my way here I stopped to paint in an area off Skyline Drive (Shenandoah Mountains). I just set up my easel and then I had another visit. Not a deer or snapping turtle this time, instead it was ...... an adult black bear (huge). I decided to sing (I'm totally tone deaf). It has worked before as a bear repellent. The bear left, but I decided it might be better to find a new spot. This painting was created down by the Shenandoah River. The heat and humidity are both high, it's a full summer day. I tried to make that feeling- lazy, hot...like that song, "Summertime, when the livin' is easy. Fish are jumpin' and the water is high....." You know. I won't sing it for you.

Thanks Domi for the wonderful stay!

Formidable, Yet Silent

28x42 pastel on oil paint on Marble dust board

I finally finished it! Mountains changed, glow added and river strengthened. I thoroughly enjoyed the last few days painting this one. The time when it just flows through you because you know what to do.

small changes Shenandoah

Next...with small changes. I am thinking about removing the middle distant mountains to make way for the river. Hope it is dry tomorrow I am craving plein air painting...almost as much as chocolate.

Work in Progress:Oh Shenandoah

28x42 pastel and oil on marble dust board
This one has been in the works for more than a year. It has gone through a few metamorphoses and will probably go through more. I wonder if it is too still for a big piece...does it need some notation of life? Still working...
Now it has stopped raining so I am out to the field for some plein air.

August 8, 2008 Confluence of Two Rivers

11x14 pastel on board
Ever since I saw this view on Monday I have been thinking about it. My niece, Agne, and I went tubing on the Potomac and floated right by Harper's Ferry. I was intrigued by what looked like a good view high up the hill. After getting out of the river, we drove to Harper's Ferry and found the place. It didn't disappoint me. I can easily see this one growing into a big studio painting.

July 4, 2008 Oh Shenandoah

8x10, pastel and watercolor on marble dust board
New river! Today we visited Harper's Ferry and on the trip home I saw this view on a bridge over the Shenandoah River. Quick, stop the car and run out and grab a photo! Unfortunately it really wasn't a safe location from which to paint as the cars whizzing by really fast. I love the view from bridges.
Thanks and happy 4th of July to all my subscribers and viewers!