Evergreen Study

This little study, done on the spot in Redmond, Washington, shows the structure of several kinds of threes that we don't have here in the midwest. If you're an aspiring landscape artist, consider doing many similar studies. After a while you'll have a visual vocabulary you can draw on for newer work.
 

Ray Drive

A highly esteemed former Governor of our state passed on a while back. Unlike politicians today, Robert Ray, a Republican, was a consummate gentleman and a compassionate governor. During the days after the conflict in Southeast Asia, he championed welcoming refugees to our state. A street along the Des Moines River is named for Governor Ray. 

A part of our sketch group went to Robert Ray Drive last Saturday, scattering along the street. My effort shows downtown Des Moines from the east side. Watercolor and ink in a small sketchbook,

Shadowed Figure

"Hey Mister," oil on panel, private collection

Some years ago I did art festivals around the midwest, particularly in Iowa. A number ot times, as the show was closing, someone stopped into my booth to make a last-minute purchase. This painting was one of those. The collector told me he'd had his eye on this particular work during the whole show and had decided he really wanted it. I was delighted, and so was he.

A few years ago, he and his wife stopped into my booth during a local festival. She said this is her favorite painting, so much so she actually carries a photo of it in her purse.

Mt. Rainier

"Sunset, Gig Harbor," oil on panel. Private collection

This small oil of Mt. Rainier at sunset was an exercise in developing twilight painting. It went to a collector long ago.
 

On the Ferry

"On the Ferry," oil on panel, 8x5, private collection

This small painting began as an experiment in quick painting. Using a reference I did this in about thirty minutes, start to finish. The idea was to place a stroke of paint and then leave it alone. Sometimes I succeeded and sometimes I didn't, but the result was attractive enough that it sold.
 

Two Years Ago

"On the Bank," wc/ink on paper, about 8x10

Overall, seems to me, the days are warmer than they were a few years back. But only a bit, not enough to alter the look of the March landscape. Two years ago the land was still a study in dull color. The overall look was warmer--brighter trees, grasses and so on--and so the look is today. No obvious greens yet, but some beautiful ochres.

Early Spring

"The Other Bank," oil on panel

If you're like me, this time of year can be difficult, waiting for the sudden break in weather that signals true spring has come. Sometimes one my plein air paintings helps me remember what it looks like. This plein air painting was done in early April a few years ago, highlighting the brief bright yellows of very early springtime.

Faint Hints of Spring

This time of year, as the light shifts and temperatures warm, little hints of the coming season of renewal and growth become noticeable. You see faint reds on bare branches that suggest swelling flower buds, or here and there a sprig of green peeps over old, yellowed grasses. The air even looks a bit different, even if snow still clings in the darkest shadows. 

Our sketch group was out again last Saturday. I went to the bank of the Raccoon River in Waterworks Park. The river is flowing low and slow, sand bars and banks mostly shades of grey. The water is dark in the shade, where banks are dotted with ravelings of snow. It was a bit chilly to sketch outdoors, so I sat in my car and sketched a bend of the river. 

"Last Snow, Raccoon River," wc/ink on paper