On The Brink

Poised on the brink at Glacier View Point on Mt. Rainier.  You can watch time from here where it drifts by in the mist, the mountain appearing and disappearing...  We were treated to a gorgeous day full of wild flowers and sky, a young bear and whistling marmots, what could be better than that?

Making Introductions

6x6" acrylic, see DPW for purchase information

Puppies!  Who could resist that little voice.... "can I pet your puppy?"  Puppies are magnets for all sorts of people from shy little girls, to tough guy biker dudes at the farmers market.  This is Donna's (the flower seller from Morgan Creek Farm) new golden retriever pup.  Smiles all around :)

Upon Reflection

Here is a different view of a pacific northwest coastline... along the quiet back waters where low tide sets the table for terrestrial diners.  Do you see who I'm talking about?  The Kimball Gallery show runs until Sept. 17th, drop by for a look. :)

Good friends make my day!

BABC members Bob Gordon, Miz Jill and the Commodore himself came to see my show of new paintings at the Kimball Gallery today.  We have shared so many extraordinary adventures together, it's a pretty amazing group of friends... including the ones in absentia.  I am blessed.  :)

New Paintings showing at the Kimball Gallery

This collection of paintings showcases our extraordinary PNW coastlines.  Inspired by kayak trips from Haida Gwaii to Vaughn Bay, it's dedicated to my friends, mentors and fellow scalawags of the BABC, you know who you are.  Barely Adequate Boaters Club members have been plying coastal waters for decades, their adventures are the stuff of legend (or at least some great fish tales).  Organizational skills of Commodore, CW "Crash" Clark and his best Mate, Miz Jill, are only surpassed by their fishing prowess.  Our ensign is adventure and we know how to find it.  Pacific Coastlines have much to offer the most intrepid heart and it gives me great pleasure to share a glimpse of it with you.

The show runs from August 21 to Sept. 20 at the Kimball Espresso Gallery  6950 Kimball Drive, Gig Harbor WA  (253) 858-2625

Day Break

From breakers to flat calm at sunrise, being there for the experience it is what it's all about :)

Afternoon Snooze

The Bunsby Islands off the NW coast of Vancouver Isl. are sea otter haven.  The Checklescet Bay Ecological Reserve was set up to help them reestablish their range after being decimated by hunting by the 1800's.  (in 1911 an estimated 500 sea otters remained scattered in small groups from northern Alaska to California)  They are thriving here, enjoying a kelp bed on a hot afternoon, flippers held high to cool off in the light breeze.  Happy otters.  :)

Evening Break

Late afternoon light where a gentle Pacific surge meets volcanic rock.   This has been happening for millennia.... with or without our notice or appreciation.  Comforting somehow, although not always this tranquil.

Tide Pool

Tide pools collect an amazing array of organisms, this one features aggregate anemone and black turban snails.  Bunsby Island beaches did not disappoint.

Coastal Cruizer

When a cruising humpback whale comes this close to your kayak, besides the OMG awesomeness, you are thankful for the grace of wild things.  This one, well within bumping range, clearly knew we were there yet made no move to disrupt our precarious float.  Diane's boat, at 17 feet, is about one fourth the length of this whale.  Humpbacks are a threatened species, nice for us they don't carry grudges.

Shady Lunch Break

6x6 acrylic

Just returned from a spectacular kayak trip in the Bunsby Islands on the NW coast of Vancouver Island.  Whales (I'm talking eyeball to blow hole close encounters here - very thankful for the grace of wild things that don't hold grudges, Mr.Whiskers (aka SeaOtters) and Wolves represented the charismatic megafauna... oh, and this year's BABC delinquents.  So much to see, so little time!  A few generous rockfish, lingcod, cabezon and mackerel gave up their lives for us and we are grateful.  Weather was a perfect NW blend; a little mist, a little rain, a lotta sunshine :) and a stormy SEaster that sent us home happy.    Stay tuned, more paintings to come :)