Sierra Foothills

Sierra Foothills
Painting No. 15-E-12
8"x 8" oil on linen panel

A painting of the pinion pines and sagebrush that surround Indian Creek Reservoir in Alpine County, California.

Dusk After the Rain

Dusk After the Rain
Painting No. 9-E-12
9"x12" oil on linen panel

It had rained for nearly 18 hours straight. The rivers were swollen to their banks and the tops of the highest peaks had a fresh dusting on snow. I decided to paint this view of the Madison Valley because of the available trees vs. the mountains, to add depth and perspective. Directly behind me is the confluence of the Gibbon River and the Firehole River which becomes the Madison River, some of the most legendary fly fishing in the Western United States. But more importantly, this is the spot where the 1870 Yellowstone Expedition camped overnight and discussed the unique qualities of this place and how they should be protected for all Americans. This conversation became the birthplace of the idea of the National Park System. In some ways, this is sacred ground of the central idea that we as Americans can protect areas of our vast western landscape to always remember the explorer and discoverer in all of us that is part of the American culture. 

Along the Madison River

Along the Madison River
Painting No. 8-E-12
8"x 10", oil on canvas panel

This is an afternoon painting of the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. My wife and I were there last week and I had the chance to paint nearly everyday.

Sierra Patterns

Sierra Patterns
Painting No. 6-E-12
10"x 8"
oil on canvas

During my Saturday drive along the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, I painted this scene in mid-afternoon, just west of Grant Lake. The snow is melting fast on all the surrounding areas.

River Bank

River Bank
Painting No. 7-E-12

On Saturday I painted along the Walker River, near the Marine base in Pickle Meadows, California.
This is one of my favorite fly fishing areas....lots of nice trout.

Still Life with Pears
Painting No. 3-E-12

Always practicing, working the eye and hand.
I don't paint many still life's, but I wanted to keep exercising. I think I need to focus on creating another 100 paintings, this helps to keep it rolling forward.

Trail to the Lake

Trail to the Lake
Painting No. 1-E-12
oil on canvas
(plein air)

Went to the lake last night. Cold, windy, cloudy, aspen trees swaying back and forth making lots of racket. This area is well known for having lots of bears, every 2 seconds I stop and look behind me. Didn't see a single soul, which doesn't bother me, I enjoy the wildness of painting alone in the mountains.