Winter Creek

Finally got a chance to paint for fun today... but then had to get outside, it was so gorgeous and warm!  Winter is still here but there is expectancy in the air.  Buds are forming, some indian plum leafing out already and there's a feeling of calm before the flurry of spring growth.  I like the still resting, straw brown weeds punctuated by bright moss greens, the sound of water and sparrows.

Floodwaters

The creek becomes a torrent after these heavy rains.  I always look forward to flood stage because it clears out the debris that naturally collects, making the stream much easier to navigate for the salmon to come.  I just figured out how to add a video, so this painting goes with the little FernWood zen moment I posted to FB earlier.  It's an I-phone video, so close your eyes and just listen. :)  Fern Creek in winter

Winter Kinglet

8x8" original acrylic paibting

Here's a totally different painting style, haven't done this kind of illustrative work in awhile.  The camouflage composition is appropriate for a little Ruby Crowned Kinglet.  These tiny fluff balls and their kin with the Golden Crowns forage on the ground or mid-tree canopy (happily, right about my studio window level) looking for bugs mostly.  Their high pitched twitters can be heard both in the woods and along the roadside.  You often don't see their colorful crowns though, so it's nice to get a stop action look by painting them.  (I had a blurry ref. photo of my own for composition & color and then went to the books for more detail.)  This one's painted right about life size.

Sun Bath

I'm happy with this painting.  I like that it's loose, with an intense, but limited palette.  I like the feel of late afternoon light.  I like painting on a slick metal surface.  (this is painted on steel flashing, meant for roofs I think)  It's been quite a long drought of happy painter dances.

In this dry, chilly weather the animals position themselves to take advantage of any warmth they can find!  I'm loving it... going out to dance with the dog now :)

R and R

5x7" original acrylic painting

In this case R&R means relaxed and ready.... go ahead, dangle something and find out!

Back Road, Puerto Vallarta

6x6" acrylic painting, see DPW for sales information

Been working on illustrations & commissions which can definitely be "work".  So decided I needed a warm up from Mexico.  I loved our excursions around town outside of the main tourist areas.  We have a Mexico themed group show coming up so I'll be working on a larger piece soon.