Three Suns

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We've had some very unusually dreary weather here in Utah so my outdoor plein air painting days are "on hold" until the weather clears. I decided to bring some color into my life by painting a floral still life, and what better way to grab some color than with sunflowers. They are the best indicator of summer weather so I found some at my local grocery and set up this still life. I already feel better.
This is the third try for these sunflowers and I think I finally got a painting that I like.  Even though the vase is dead smack in the middle, I think the composition works.  The color yellow is a bear to work with because of its relatively light value. Getting those dark yellows to read dark took some trial and error.  Also, not painting every petal was a challenge, since I tend to be detail oriented.

ENJOY

The Calling

This painting is a commission for a friend that I met while on a recent mission trip to Bolivia. He related a very touching story to me of how he was called to serve God as a deacon while he was praying on a rooftop terrace shown in the painting.  He said he was torn about this being something he should do and asked God for a sign. He says he felt he got the answer to his question in the form of a shooting star. This happens to be the terrace of the hotel where all of the missioners in our group stayed while in Sucre, so many of the missioners had photos of this area and I used them as my inspiration. I am very honored that he asked me to paint this remembrance for him.

ENJOY!!

Heber Ranchland

A few days ago, I was able to visit a favorite painting spot near Heber City where many acres are devoted to ranching.  The trees and fields are a beautiful spring green and I found a shady spot under a tree with this view.  I loved the barn in the distance and the shadows thrown by the trees in the foreground.  I thought this would make a great composition so I set up to paint.

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Here is the finished painting with a few added touches to make a better composition.    I eliminated the foreground fence in favor of a suggestion of one in the distance.  I also added a path leading up to the barn.  

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Spring- Heber Valley

It's been a welcome spring after such a long and snowy winter.  Earlier this week I was able to get out and enjoy some sun and drive to one of my favorite spots for painting.  Though I wasn't able to stay long enough to set up to paint, this photo inspired the small painting below.

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I loved the meandering stream and how the trees hugged the waterway and threw shadows on the grass.  This painting is done on oil paper and will likely become a larger work....
stay tuned and as always

ENJOY!!

Spring Pasture

I was able to get out into the countryside recently to do some plein air painting.  I drove to an area known as the North Fields, an area of ranch land south of where I live in Park City.  The day was warm and blustery,  a typical spring day with lots of sounds and smells.  Rushing water was everywhere, and I'm sure the ranchers are thankful for the heavy snowfall to replenish much needed water.  I came upon this beautiful scene and set up to paint.  I loved how the spring green of the trees in the middle distance became the main area of interest and I made sure to play that up in my painting.

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I over emphasized the little stream but like the addition to the painting. I was racing to finish as the wind started blowing and a small rain storm passed through.  I tweaked it a little back in my studio but kept the composition as you see it.

ENJOY!!