Springtime

Spring has finally arrived here in the Cache Valley.

I love the way our mountains hold on to the snow while the fields are a study in abstract patterns.

There is never a lack of inspiration when you are living in a lush, green valley surrounded by mountains.

And spring is not spring without flower!!!!

The Joy of Both Watercolor and Oil

It's been awhile since I got out my watercolors.  It's not that I don't like watercolors, I do!  I can't even say I prefer one over the other as I love both watercolor and oils.  When I sit down to paint I follow an inner guide that leads me to one or the other.  It is more instinctual rather than a conscious decision to work in one particular medium.  Lately,  I've been led to play with my watercolors.

"Just Be"

I have a sign next to my easel that says, "Just Be."  It will often remind me to pause and take a deep breath.     That sign was the inspiration for this painting.

"Just Be"

12" x 16" oil on canvas

A thousand stories

One face holds a thousand stories.

Something About Faces

There is something about faces that draw me to want to paint them.  I find it hard to believe that there are almost 7 billion people in the world and no two faces look alike.  What an amazing thing that is.  I feel each person carries in their face their life's story and if I can only capture one tiny piece of that story, then my painting is successful.

Back to painting plus some sketching

It is easy to get side tracked because I love doing so many different things - watercolor - oil - sketching - photography.  (notice I didn't say housework)  I've put my pencil and charcoal aside for a little bit and have gotten my paints out again.  Here are a few examples of what I am working on.  None are finished so look for future postings.

These charcoal sketches were done a week ago during a figure drawing workshop.