Dockside Sunrise

Dockside Sunrise

12x16, soft pastel

Back to my boat theme.  With this piece, I had to do quite a bit by memory.  Two years ago I painted a smaller version of this scene en plein air.   But, I made a rooky plein air mistake and didn't take a photograph of the scene before leaving the lake.  So, I had to recall some of the details that I had missed when I painted the first piece.   I was drawn to this particular scene because I loved how the sunlight from the early morning sunrise lit the tips of the kayaks casting jagged sunlight onto the waters below.  It was a gorgeous September morning at Redfish Lake.  One I will always remember.

Sunrise Over Redfish Lake

Sunrise Over Redfish Lake

8x10, soft pastel

It was time to paint mountains again.  This scene was an early morning sunrise while I was staying at Redfish Lake last fall during a plein air event.  The sun was lighting up the mountain tops while a subtle fog was lifting over the water's edge.  It was such a peaceful morning!    

Morning Roadtrip

Morning Roadtrip

6x6, soft pastel

Day 2 of 30 and I'm feeling a bit more colorful.  I think it must be the right brain taking charge.  Or, maybe too much coffee!!!

Saguaro Sunrise

Saguaro Sunrise

9x12 soft pastel

How about one more cactus?  The Saguaro is another interesting cactus. This species grows very slowly.  It begins to flower around the 50 year mark and sprouts arm-like structures only after 75-100 years (if it sprouts them at all).  The Saguaro can also grow over 70 feet tall and live well over 150 years.  As we drive in and out of Phoenix we see thousands of them.  I'm always taking pictures as if I'm seeing them for the very first time.  Sometimes I think, if they could only talk!  I'd love to know what history they've silently witnessed.

How do you paint a horizontal 9x12 painting when your subject matter is so tall?  And still include shadows?  You zoom in really close.  An interesting look at a tall Saguaro.

After the Rain

After the Rain

8x10, soft pastel

We had a glorious early morning rain yesterday followed by a gorgeous cloudy sky...so I tried to capture it in today's painting. Have a beautiful day!!!