Radial Design

Parkway Series #59    12 x 16    oil   Sold

In choosing this image to paint, I was interested in the perspective of the shadows and the backlighting effect on the tree.  The glow on the water creates a focal point behind the tree.  Even though centering the focal point is not often done, the symmetry of the tree and shadows and the highlighted center work togther in this painting to create somewhat of a radial design.

View of Cahas Mountain

Parkway Series #58   12 x 16    oil    Sold

I have a large family descending on my house for Thanksgiving, so I will be taking a short break to cook and clean for the holidays.  Enjoy this breathtaking view for a few days and I will post the next painting on Monday.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Jasper Tree

Parkway Series #57     12 x 16    oil    $85.

I took a class, taught by Caroline Jasper, several years ago;  she is the one who has inspired all the red backgrounds on which I paint. When I saw this tree, I was reminded of her; it is painted in the Jasper style and very similar to one of her paintings.  I guess we are all made up of influences from those who have gone before us.

Creative Color

Parkway Series #56    12 x 16   oil     Sold

Most of the time I paint local colors; that is, I try to match my paint to the exact color of the image.  With this painting, however, I chose to experiment with cooler colors. The reds and teals work well together.  As winter approaches I will probably be challenged to be more creative with color.

Back to School

Parkway Series #55    12 x 16     oil      Sold

Faith Christian School, whose property backs up to the Parkway commissioned this painting of the Parkway Overpass on Buck Mountain Road in Roanoke County.  The fall colors, I'm sure, will remind many of Back to School Days.

Moment in Time

Parkway Series #54       12 x 16   oil      Sold      prints now available

I will be very Thankful next Thursday for a job that allows me to capture time and beauty.  How delightful to capture a moment in time and record it's beauty forever.

Shadows and Reflections

Parkway Series #53    12 x 16   oil    Sold

There are many differences between shadows and reflections.  The angle of the sun has a direct relationship to the shadow and not to the reflection.  The angle of the object has an inverse relationship to the reflection and not to the shadow.  Color can be distorted in the reflection depending on the sky color and other surrounding colors; the color of light more so than shadows are distorted from adjacent colors.  I'm sure there are many more differences; artists perceive these differences many times without really being aware of them.

Beautiful Places

Parkway Series #52     12 x 16    oil     Sold       prints now available

What a fabulous weekend to be out in the sun.  These two had the right idea!  There are not many more beautiful places to soak up the last rays of warm sunlight than the Peaks of Otter lake.

Late Evening

Parkway Series #51   12 x 16   oil    Sold

Coming back down the mountain from Mabry's Mill, the long awaited sun was just coming out from behind clouds and fog that had hung over us all day.  I caught this incredible view just as the sun was setting.

Where the Red Ferns Grow

Parkway Series # 50   12 x 16  oil    Sold

On our way to eat dinner at Mabry's Mill this Sunday afternoon, we were caught in the fog along the top of the mountains.  The dull foggy grays were broken by the beautiful red ferns at Bull Run Knob.

Blue Sky Reflections

Parkway Series #49     12 x 16     oil,    Sold

With the rain this week,  I am very glad that I took lots of photos last Sunday at the Peaks.  I will continue to paint "around the lake" for the next few weeks.  In this painting, the lodge is across the lake just to the right of the shadowed leaves.

Lake View

Parkway Series #48    12 x 16    oil    Sold

As we hiked around the Peaks of Otter lake with Sharp Top behind us, my eye was drawn to this view of the lake.  It seemed to be framed by the red leaves and blue sky reflection.

Autumn at the Peaks

Parkway Series # 47    12 x 16   oil      Sold

I've had many requests for Peaks of Otter lake paintings, so for the next couple of weeks I will be posting these.  Walking around the lake, I was next to the road on the upper end with the lodge behind and to the left when I took the photograph for this painting.

Never a Problem

Parkway Series #46   12 x 16    oil      Sold

This section of roadway captured my eye because of the steep drop off which allowed such a beautiful view of the mountains.  The contrasting colors of yellow and purple,  blue and orange and the strong diagonal shadows were a plus too!  I never have a problem with subject matter on the Parkway.  Actually up there, there never seems to be a problem with anything!

Peaks of Otter Bridge

Parkway Series # 45    12 x 16   oil    Sold

People in the landscape many times add to the "story" of the image.  Developing a story that draws a personal response from the viewer is just as important as composition and technique.

Forever

Parkway Series #44  11 x 14    oil    Sold

On these fall days of low humidity, you can see forever.  The overlooks are so different from the "dog days" of summer.  I love to see people take lounge chairs and binoculars and just sit for hours observing nature. 

Peaks of Otter

Parkway Series #43    12 x 16   oil    Sold

Looking out over the Peaks of Otter lake from the lodge, the warm shadows from this beautiful golden tree caught my eye.  The air was chilly but the sun light coming through the tree warmed my soul.  Light is an amazing thing;  I always sense a Presence in Light.  Can you imagine a world without it?

Full Color

Parkway Series #42     12 x 16    oil    Sold

Painting nature in its most dramatic is overwhelming.  Autumn justice can only come from the Original Creator.