" Storm Light" 8x10 oil

I look forward to hiking into back country every year in search of material and just to get away from the hustle and bustle. Many times storms can blow up suddenly which provide very dramatic atmospheric effects. I have been caught in snow, rain and sunshine all on the same hike. But it is these types of settings that I am most interested in. These moments cannot be captured plain aire as they are fleeting, lasting only minutes. I write notes on what I'm seeing and the general coloration of elements. This is an example of a composed work that does not represent an actual place, but it has all of the elements of the passing storm that day.

"Marsh Abstractions" 8x8 oil

I am like a bad Hollywood studio. You know.... when they produce something that they like....they tend to produce sequel after sequel. I am that way to a point. I generally will paint a subject till I completely tire of it. I explore a subject in different formats and sizes. I have been painting these 'intimate' studies all week. It is quite a departure from my large scope and scale landscapes, but I am enjoying them immensely. I'm discovering little 'universes' to paint at the waters edge. I'm finding that I have to look at this subject matter very abstractly, and it is taking much editing to create pleasing compositions. I am enjoying the interplay of the water's translucency, reflectivity and movement. I am almost ready to scale one up to...maybe 30x30...we will see.

"The Edge of the Marsh" 8x8 oil Plein Air 2:30 to 5:00 4/1/11

This is a painting from a wetlands area near where I live that I paint year round. I initially started another painting that encompassed a larger area, but found myself continually looking at the water's edge. The reflective and translucent qualities of the water captured my interest. I will glaze the water later in my studio to add a little more reflectivity.

"10,500 ft" oil 8x8

This summer I will travel to Colorado and Wyoming to hike into the back country. To find views like this usually entails a strenuous hike of anywhere from 4 to 7 miles, with a typical elevation gain of 2 to 3 thousand feet (think about climbing a 3 thousand feet staircase). Living on the east coast, where I'm probably 17 inches above sea level, presents some physical challenges when attempting hikes at these altitudes. I am in the gym these days training to build up my stamina. The rewards of seeing crystal clear alpine lakes are well worth the effort.

"Lake Edge" 6x6 oil

"Morning at Sligo Creek" 6x6