The Drama of Light

Parkway Series #278   12 x 16    oil     Sold

I am continually searching for the drama of light.  Late afternoon, between 4 and 6, the light is incredible on the Parkway.  Whether peaking through the trees or highlighting the tops of trees or setting over the mountains, the sun light is a new drama each evening.  It never stops to amaze me how the Light changes everything and "makes all things new"!   What an incredible lesson from above!

Incredible Color

Parkway Series #277  12 x 16   oil    SOLD

When I rounded the bend, somewhere near milepost 90, on my way home from Otter Lake this incredible view came into sight.  The color was magnificent and this image captured just about every color in the book!

On Location, Otter Lake II

Parkway Series # 276   12 x 16    oil    Sold

The extreme peacefulness of the hot sun, fall breeze and sound of water falling over the dam fills my soul when I reflect on this day of painting by the lake.  Even though the Parkway is crowded with tourists this time of year, there is still the "peace that passes understanding" that envelops me as I become immersed in the light and shadow of the painted image

On Location, Otter Lake

Parkway Series #275  12 x 1 6   oil    Sold

This painting was done on location at Otter Lake.  I brought it back into the studio to tweak it a bit and never decided if it was really finished or not.  Many times, I just have to stop working on a painting and sit it aside for awhile, then return to it  a few weeks later to determine if there is anything else to improve.  Daily painting forces me to move on and not analyze too much!

Ravens Roost II

Parkway Series #274    12 x 16    oil    Sold

This painting is the second in a series of paintings from Raven's Roost which is on the northern section of the Virginia Parkway near Verona.  However, I traveled  over 100 miles of the Parkway this weekend taking photos of the fabulous vistas from mp 217  (Cumberland Gap) back into Roanoke. It is very hard to paint in the studio when the weather is perfect and the color is near the peak of the season!

Magnificent Pageantry

Parkway Series #273  12 x 16   oil   Sold

Late afternoon sun provides such a richness to the colors of fall.  The drama of light and color unfolded in magnificent pageantry as an audience of one captured this panoramic view near Chimney Rock Overlook.

Wonder

Parkway Series # 272  12 x 16  oil   Sold

To experience wonder is to experience human life and human purpose.  No other creature on earth can appreciate a sunset or sunrise except the human being.  In this way, our uniqueness sets us apart from other living things as having the ability to give thanks, to worship, to marvel at Creation and its Beauty. 
                  "The earth is the Lord's and all it's fullness..."    Psalms 24:1

Out Till Sundown

Parkway Series #271   12 x 16   oil    Sold

I really enjoyed painting at Otter Lake yesterday.  What an incredible day to be outside!  John Muir said, "I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."  Liza Field brought this quote to my attention and I found this to be my sentiment yesterday as well.  Being outside really helps me to understand who I am inside.  When I am outside, I am connected to something so much bigger than myself  and I experience a love for nature and for God in a very deep "spirit of reverance and sacred awe".

Afternoon Matinee

Parkway Series #270   12 x 16    oil    SOLD

The Quarry Overlook in late afternoon has such a feel of peacefulness.  I love to sit under the trees and breathe deeply.  The early fall air is clean and warm but not muggy.  The lack of humidity allows for better views of the valley and the sounds of nature provide the symphonic sound tract to the ultimate "imax"!

Raven's Roost

Parkway Series #269   12 x 16   oil   Sold

I really enjoyed my trip north to milepost 0.  My series is now including the northernmost part of the Parkway and I have many inspirational photos of this section of the road.  Raven's Roost is definitely one of my favorite spots.  A fellow artist who is also posting her work (valleyartproject.blogspot.com) and has done this same scene (June 11) bought this painting.  The highest compliment comes from other artists who admire my work!  Thanks, Pam.

Bluff Mountain Tunnel

Parkway Series #268   12 x 16    Sold

North Carolina has their share of tunnels but Virginia has only one.  Around milespost 53, nine miles north of the James River bridge, Virginia's tunnel sits angled into the mountainside.  In the afternoon, shadows envelop it quickly but in the morning the sun hits the southern side for a perfect photo.  This painting was done in the studio after driving an inspirational 120 miles.  Last weekend I drove 250!  I am, at last, having time to explore the farther reaches of this magical road.

Sunlit Contours

Parkway Series #267  12 x 16   oil   Sold

Around milepost #45 the parkway runs along a narrow ridge and the view of the eastern and western sides of the Blue Ridge is spectacular.  This view is looking west as the sun is just beginning to set behind the mountains.  Deep thalo blue shadows envelop the land as the higher contours pick up just the last remaining bits of sunlight.

Reflections in the James

Parkway Series #266   12 x 16   oil   sold

From the Parkway bridge that crosses the James River, the reflections of the north bank captured my attention.  The driftwood and amber relections in the water were stunning in the morning light.  Hopefully, I can fit in another  few days this fall to paint on location!

Timeless Moments

Parkway Series # 265   12  x 16   oil    Sold

Around milepost 63, the James River passes under the Parkway.  Last Saturday, I and some artist friends enjoyed the day painting from the bridge.  I am looking forward to more plein air painting as the leaves continue to turn.  We had so much fun!  And the best part is that time does not exist when I am caught up in  moments of beauty like this!

En Plein Air IV

Parkway Series # 264    11 x 14   oil     Sold

I finished two paintings on Saturday and two paintings on Sunday at the Peaks.  This is the last of the weekend paintings, and my favorite.  Trying to narrow down the subject in the open landscape is really hard.  Looking through my camera lens helps me to compose a bit before beginning the painting.

En Plein Air III

Parkway Series #263   12 x 16    oil     Sold

This is another painting from the weekend, "Art Fest" at the Peaks.  This gentleman was delighted to pose for me;  his red jacket matched the color in the tree and I could not resist the combination of fall colors.

En Plein Air II

Parkway Series #262   12 x 16   oil    Sold

On September 18th and 19th, the Blue Ridge Plein Air Painters met at the Peaks to paint.  I enjoyed great conversation and meeting new artists and the weather was fabulous!  The next few postings will be paintings done on location at the Peaks on this gorgeous weekend.