In The Zone

 In The Zone

12x15, soft pastel

This piece has been brewing in my head for awhile. Finally, there was time in 2020 to give it it's due. I know what it's like to be "in the zone". It happens every time I paint. You lose all sense of time and place because you are completely focused on the creative task at hand. I knew that was the case for this gentleman too. I was drawn to his music as well as his state of mind.

He was playing a beautiful classical guitar piece at the Farmer's Market a couple years back. I love classical guitar music....and, I especially loved his "TIP" bucket.  I can still remember the scene...strong light was pouring over him from the alleyway, tons of people were chatting at nearby restaurants, and there was the fragrant smell of fresh breads and intoxicating scents of fresh cut flower. In all the cacophony, he didn't seem to notice as he focused on the gentle music flowing from his guitar. Simply put, he was "In The Zone".

Bogus Shot

Bogus Shot

6x6, soft pastel

I can’t help but lament about “the good old days” when we spent a significant portion of the winter skiing at Bogus Basin and other ski hills in the Pacific Northwest.  It was such fun...and a great way of staying fit. These days, just shoveling the walk is enough workout for me. 

Oh Hummingbird!

Oh Hummingbird!

7.5 x 12, soft pastel

Rarely do I paint plein air (outdoors) but I couldn't resist trying to capture this guy (in a painting that is).  He visited me quite often with his friends during the summer months in Cascade.  I always plant these particular flowers to encourage hummingbirds to hang around my patio...and they really do the trick!  I do confess, I had to take a few photos to see what he really looked like since he didn't want to sit still for me.   Anyway, thankfully I didn't scare him away....especially since I was singing "Oh Hummingbird" the whole time.  (the neighbors must have thought I was a bit looney)

Oh Hummingbird! - Seals and Crofts, 1972

Tin Roof - A Study

Tin Roof - A Study

6x8, pastel

This little guy is a study for a larger piece...at least, I think!   I'm going to stretch myself and participate in the Eagle Plein Air Festival in Eagle Idaho during the first week of June.  As someone who is not a landscape painter...and rarely a plein air painter...it should be a harrowing experience...at least I can say I'm preparing for it!  I love this scene not far from my home...this roof is so weathered it's purplish!  Yum!

Saguaro Canyon Pool House

Saguaro Canyon Pool House

6x12, soft pastel

 Well, I finished the 31 Day Challenge with a challenge to myself to finish as I had started, with an early morning scene from the neighborhood.  I sketched this scene in the car with my pup Benny patiently waiting in the back seat.  He was a trooper!  I couldn't sleep so I got out really early (3:30 am)...the lighting was beautiful but I had to return a couple hours later to get the sky colors at dawn.  It's a nice little piece that goes well with one I did previously...I rather like the long rectangular size.

Happy to have completed another Challenge.  They are always very taxing...but they get a routine going and a fire under the rump....so, all in all it's well worth the effort.  I hope you enjoyed viewing my work as I trudged along!

Harry Needed To Chill Out

Harry Needed To Chill Out

8x6, soft pastel

This was a painting completed from life ahead of time since I'll be out of town and internet will be spotty.  A scene from our neighborhood.  Even though I live in Idaho...our subdivision was developed with a desert theme....many of the original cacti have died (no surprise there)...but the Joshua Trees keep hanging on. The fact that they survived last year's epic snowfall is amazing.  I call this little guy Harry.  He was a bit frosty this particular morning but still very beautiful.  I love the light green section at the top...as though he's ready to sprout new growth...you go Harry!

While traveling, I also completed this crazy little painting below of garlic.  Not my favorite painting for sure, but some days painting from life is like pulling teeth.  Day 15 of the #stradaeasel 31 Day Challenge.

Garlic

6x6, soft pastel

Road Trip To McCall

Road Trip To McCall

6x6, oil on board

This is a piece I did last spring that sold before I got a chance to blog about it.  It's a very familiar scene to those living in the Boise area who often trek into the foothills and beyond to Cascade or McCall for a little camping, fishing and/or boating.  Often, the ride is during the early morning hours when sunlight is just peaking over the tops of the mountain peaks.  Always a beautiful site.

Camel's Back Park

Camel's Back Park

12x12, soft pastel

I've been working on framing some pieces for the April show at the Initial Point Gallery in Meridian's City Hall (fyi, reception to be held April 4th 4:30-7:00pm).  But still trying to make time to paint!

This is a view that many people in the Boise area have enjoyed as they hike, bike, run or walk along the foothill trails.  On this particular evening the sky was awash with glorious sunset colors complimenting the golden grasses and sage brush below.  Thank you Michelle Santos for the gorgeous photo!! 

Riffles

Riffles

10x8, oil on board

I actually painted this on Jan. 21st during a workshop conducted by Mark Davis of Boise.  Thanks for the reference photo Mark! The workshop was at Edward's Greenhouse which was a great environment for a mid-winter workshop.  We focused on painting water.  And, because I am new to oils, I thought I'd better get "my feet wet" with oils so to speak.

My husband (who is a fly fisherman) says these types of waters are called 'riffles"...thus, the title.  It was great to get out and about after so much snow!   Hope you enjoy it!


WIP:  This little guy below is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I know, I say that all the time for the paintings I like...but really, this one has been absolutely painting itself!