Smith Rock Sunset

"Smith Rock Sunset", Oil on Canvas Panel, 9"x12", Plein Air

 

I camped at Smith Rock State Park and captured several images of the area en plein air. Hiked some trails, over the top and along the river. The first evening there, I painted this 9x12 just before sunset. The low spot is Asterisk Pass although Asterisk Rock is not visible from this angle.

The Rapids at Sunset

"The Rapids at Sunset", Oil on Canvas Panel, 9"x12", Plein air

 

Evening on the North Umpqua River in Oregon.

Barns Near Umpqua

"Barns Near Umpqua", Oil on Canvas Panel, 8"x10", Plein air

For the Birds

"For the Birds", Oil on Canvas Panel, 11"x14", Pleinair

While painting this barn one morning, a flock of doves flew in and landed on the roof. Then they started flying into and out of the loft as I painted. Historic Bailey Farm near Roseburg, Oregon.

On the Fence

"On the Fence", Oil on Canvas Panel, 9"x12", plein air

 

The variety of lavender at the OSU Lavender Gardens near Jacksonville Oregon was outstanding.

Summer on the Applegate River

"Summer on the Applegate River", Oil on Panel, 12"x9", plein air

Resting Spot

"Resting Spot", Oil on Canvas Panel, 11" x 14", plein air

 

If you hiked up to the top of the lavender field at English Lavender Farm, west of Applegate, Oregon, there were a couple of nice red chairs to rest in while taking in the terrific view.

Red y for Relaxation

"Red y for Relaxation", Oil on Canvas Panel, 9" x 12", plein air

 

If you drive up Thompson Creek Road from Applegate, Oregon just over seven miles, you will find   The English Lavender Garden. The Lavender is planted above the road in full view of the morning sun. This was painted the day before the Southern Oregon Lavender Festival. Derek told me they were delaying the harvest so that festival goers would be able to experience the impressiveness of their lavender bloom! Thanks Sue and Derek. If you haven't toured the lavender farms of the Applegate, I suggest that you do. Check their website http://www.englishlavenderfarm.com/.
 

Lavender Fields Forever

"Lavender Fields Forever", oil on canvas panel, 9" x 12", plein air

 

I went down to the Southern Oregon Lavender Festival and painted in 107 degree temps. Here is one of Grosso Lavender at a small farm  south of Applegate, Oregon

Iglesia de San Justo

"Iglesia de San Justo", Oil on Linen, 9"x12", $100

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Started our trip in Toledo, Spain a half hour by train southwest of Madrid. A very historic city with many churches. Here is one that was just around the corner from where we stayed.

Deadline Falls

"Deadline Falls", Oil on RayMar Panel, 8x10, $75

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After painting above the falls and the day rapidly passing by, Thomas Kitts challenges us to a 30 minute paintout! So we all clambor down closer to the river and then ultimately set up our pochade boxes right on top of deadline falls. Thomas gets out his phone and sets a timer for 30 minutes and says "30 minutes, that's all you get!". The heats on, well yes it is at least 95 degrees out, but as we're trying to paint, one steelhead after the other tries to jump the falls. It's really hard to concentrate on painting, then to make matters worse, a Heron flies in and lands on the rocks right in front of us (probably thinking it'll snag one of the fish). Everybody is freaking out and then we realize time is of the essence. Before we know it the timer goes off and Thomas shouts "TIME'S UP". We all step back and truthfully, we all admit you can't beat the freshness of a 30 minute plein air painting. After we pack it up and get back to the car, we decide that we need to eat. So off we go to Munchies in Glide for burgers and a cold beer.  

Hummer on Gladiola

"Hummer on gladiola", Oil on Canvas, 12x12, $150

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So when I went down to the garden to water today, I took my camera to photograph the gladioli. To my surprise, a hummingbird flew up and proceeded to feed off of all the gladioli. it was just a few feet in front of me. It went from flower to flower and could have cared less if I was there.

Sheep Study

The weather here in the Umpqua Valley has been pretty wet the last few days, so I decided to go through my photos looking for something to paint. Spring time always provides many sheep on the hillsides and in lower pastures. I picked a few photos to develop into a group of paintings on that theme. Here is a small study.

"Eating for Two", oil on panel, 6x8, $50
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