June Morning on Byers Trail

"June Morning on Byers Trail"    12" x 9"  Oil on Oil Primed Linen Panel

Back up to one of my favorite places here in Colorado, Winter Park. Set out on Byers trail thinking I'd do something panoramic, definitely snow covered mtns. After a couple of miles of indecision I came upon a little more intimate scene.
I ran short on time, had to get back to Denver. I was in such a hurry I forgot to take pictures of the actual scene and the surroundings. So, had to just wing the last little bit at home.

First Light Over the Mountain

"First Light Over the Mountain"   6" x 6"   Oil on Gessobord

Ah, camping in the mountains. Freezing in the morning, huddled close to the fire and ya just keep looking east waiting for that sun to pop over the mountain. When it hits those fall colors on the aspen, and the bright blue sky reflecting in the river, it's perfection.

Fiery Encounter

"Fiery Encounter"    6" x 6"   Oil on Gessobord

Painted this from a photo posted by photographer, Jack Sasson. Just something really caught my eye and it looked like it would be a lot of fun to paint. It was!
Here are a couple of progress shots.  Trying out the value thing again. 

Scarlet Bush

"Scarlet Bush"   9" x 12"    Oil on Oil Primed Linen

I can not remember the name of this little town. I'm not even sure if it was Utah or Colorado. Making me nuts as I've got to go back there and spend several days.
Old but cared for homes, mountains as a backdrop, beautiful fall colors in the bushes.​ I could see this bush from several blocks away. These bushes were allover in this scarlet color. Even up the side of the hills.
I worked this painting a little differently then my normal process.  Usually I'll block the big shapes with local color, then start working smaller shapes and adjusting values.  With this one I started with a value study.  Pretty much stuck with 3 values.
Then I started my normal process.  A few changes, but not much.  I'm going to play with the value study concept some more see if it helps me get to my values more quickly.

Chapel C470

"Chapel C470"  8" x 8"   Oil on Masonite Board

This little chapel is just down the road. A beautiful backdrop with the mountains and then the light streaking across the snow and Chamisa.

Unexpected Pleasure

"Unexpected Pleasure"  12" x 9" Oil on Oil Primed Linen Panel

I was walking Violet one of my neighbors was trimming his Peony bushes. He offered me as many as I liked. Boy they smell wonderful.
I brought them home, gathered them in a clear vase and set them the railing of my deck.
Painted right there. I've done just a couple of paintings with flowers as the subject. What an intricate flower, the Peony!
I really concentrated on simplifying.  
Here are some progress shots.  I don't normally approach a painting this way, toning the canvas, wiping out the lights.  But, I thought I'd experiment a bit and it did help a lot in pulling together the darks behind the blooms.
Clouds and rain moved in so I brought it inside to finish it up.  You might notice that I did end up changing the original design.  I altered the right side quite a bit.  Downsizing the blooms, fading them out as I really wanted the focus to be the blooms to the left where the sunlight was hitting strongest. 

 

Awww, C'mon

"Awww, C'mon"  7" x 5"  Oil on Gessobord

Love this guy! Just one more throw, pleazeeee

Floyd

"Floyd"    7" x 5"  Oil on Gessobord

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/398853

This guy's name is Floyd. I really like the turqouise background against the rust and oranges in his coat.

Past Fairplay

"Past Fairplay"    5" x 7"   Oil on Gessobord

Just a beautiful peaceful area right outside of Fairplay, CO.  I was on my way to Salida and loved the early morning sun brightening the new greens leaving cool shadows. We usually have bright clear skies but this morning the clouds were already beginning to build.