Earth and Sky

One of the latest in a series of 8"x10"  Monument Valley scenes:

Mitchell Butte

        This is the view from my driveway at sunrise. I've been told that when you go jogging, it's a good idea to never stop abruptly in the middle of the run. Oh, well! How can you pass up a photo of something like this? . I would have loved to stop and paint with an easel instead, but being there, feeling the crisp morning air, and watching the live photo burn wash over the distant rocky cliffs and half of the sky helped me remember enough to paint it later.

The Gatekeeper

It's hard to describe the kind of childish urge to run and climb that happens when I get up in the middle of a landscape like this. Maybe you feel like a kid when the rocks and cliffs are suddenly dwarfing you like huge parental figures. On a good day I restrain myself and paint instead, so the painting can remind me of the moment there was something to discover... just around the corner.

Vanessa Rock

Last night's painting- from a favorite spot in Monument Valley, UT. I love painting these big, smooth, rock sculptures because they have such well-defined light and shadow shapes, and edges.

North Slope

Here's a plein air study from last week. This study was one of those where, when you're painting, you completely lose track of what's going on around you and get caught up in the scene. It leaves you with this feeling of being spiritually and emotionally well-rested and rejuvenated, while physically and mentally exhausted at the same time. I can't wait to get back out and do it again. :)