Bridge Over the Poudre

Between rain, mosquitos, and wind, this plein air piece was a challenge! Painted on the banks of the Poudre River near Fort Collins, CO, as part of the "Paint the Poudre Plein Air" event that's also a fundraiser, this painting was done with water-soluble oils (who says water and oil don't mix?). In any event, it's always a joy to paint in such a beautiful setting!

Amber Waves

Bold colors and shapes dominate this pastoral oil painting. They say when you put a building (or person or animal) in a painting, that becomes the focal point. By using lost edges in the tree and barn area and directional lines in the foreground, I tried to point the attention to the focal point--the building AND tree. Plus, the foreground was really fun to paint.

Over the Ridge

A bird's-eye view of the glorious rockies receding in the distance. Rusts and reds in the foreground rocks contrast with the teals and blues of the foothills and peaks.

Upstream or Downstream?

Having fun with blues and lots of moving water! Using grayer tones for the trees in the background to represent atmospheric perspective was a challenge. A palette knife was used for some of the interesting rock shapes along the banks and in the water. I asked my husband (the fly fisherman who really knows rivers) if the view was upstream or downstream and he said it could be either, hence the title.