Ervin Garden

"morning"

oil on panel

     Five private gardens all in the Lake Oswego/West Linn area were part of the Garden Conservatory/Hardy Plant Society of Oregon tour today. I painted the same spectacular view of Mt. Hood twice on two different surfaces. The striations that the oil primed linen surface created curiosity and interest from numerous guests engaging in conversation of surface preparation along with their garden interests. Double booking my afternoon left  no time to scout the grounds. Bob and Mignon Ervin were gracious hosts to invite me back for another day!

                                                        "almost noon"
                                                           oil on linen

Forecast: Rain

Standing Wednesday painting sessions on Sauvies Island are for the moment and invitation for rain! I had seen Facebook posts of artist Dave McBride standing in the rain, 38 degrees at the waters edge,
a palette covered in water. How does he do this? I asked myself.

Last Wednesday, traveling with Chris and Tim Lally, we had a beautiful grey day on Sauvies upon arrival at the store. Dave McBride and Char met us and we were joined by Tim on location. All geared and excited to paint, it wasn't even 15 minuted before the rain came. And then it poured...and poured. The first painting is my exuberant grey start and my second painting a new experience in discovery of the results of oil and water. Can you really paint with water on your panel and your paints covered by an inch of water?  Food for another post!

My Own Backyard

Nice weather in Oregon can be so hard to come by. I've been painting indoors and wanting to get out and paint some landscapes. Outdoor light is outdoor light. Simplifying shape and creating design can happen even in your own back yard.