Painting the Story in Stone Trail
For my book in progress, the beginnings of a new plein air painting near the “Story in Stone” trail, one of the more colorful Sheep Rock Trails. Loved painting here and I know that you all would enjoy the viewpoints, and the interpretive signage along the trails that help describe the areas interesting geological history.
The Pencil
While searching for a pencil this morning (there is usually one close by – pencil that is), I became aware of how very dependent I am on expressing myself with this form of graphite. My constant companion seems to be a pencil.
I have a pencil to create ideas with….
I have a pencil to compose with……..
I have a pencil to record with…………..
I have a pencil to “pencil you in” with……..
I have a pencil to take notes with……..
I have a pencil to draw with…………..
I have a pencil to write prose with……..
I have a pencil with an eraser to erase with…..
The Writer Awakes
It’s 5:00 am.
Startled by the alarm, I reach to the bedside table, hit the snooze button and pick up and hold the digital nuisance. This allows me to easily silence the critter every five minutes until I’m ready to have my feet touch the floor at which time I slip into my floraled terry robe and follow my nose to the preset coffee maker, fill my yellow mug which looks like a daffodil with the fresh brew, add honey and make my way to the house thermometer which I turn up to 68 degrees and then I head for my comfy loveseat with pad and pencil. This morning I am going to write instead of paint.
I face a blank page, while sipping my coffee, and recollect a painting. Can I write from memory the details of a painting adventure to Leslie Gulch? I work through the anxiety, telling myself “Just get the words down and edit them later”. I write ‘til 7:15am and then put the shades up to watch the moon set while the sun rises over the Three Sisters Mountains……another painting, another story.
Fisherman’s Paradise • Crooked River Canyon
I just finished “Fisherman’s Paradise, Crooked River Canyon”! This is the latest painting destined for my book in progress.
Embarking On A New Adventure
My life has been blessed with loving family, good friends and a profession that allows me to spend time in the spectacular natural settings of America’s Northwest. Through my work, I am constantly reminded of the beauty and grandeur of our region. From the rivers flowing through our valleys to the mountains that tower above, I have an endless subject to capture through my paintings. In appreciation of the people and places I encounter, I have decided to record my inspirations in a book.
As I embark on this new journey, I will be sharing my writing and painting experiences through this blog. My desire is to have you understand the flora and fauna that inspires me to capture a moment in time – telling their story through my plein air pastels.
I can always count on my friends to cheer me on, and I am certain this venture will be no different.
