Shadowlands

Parkway Series #313   12 x 16   oil   Sold

Have you ever driven on the Parkway under a canopy of trees with the sun directly overhead?  Most of the time I am photographing in early morning or late afternoon but this section of the old road would have been totally in shadow at those times of day.  The brillance of the midday sun is so magical as it filters down from above that these moments become very supernatural. This painting is only a "shadow" of the divine earthly moment just as these earthly moments are but "shadows" of the Beauty that awaits us in heaven.

Spring Beauty

Parkway Series #312  12 x 16   oil    sold

The lone dogwood among this sea of green attracted my attention.  For such a little tree, his power to stand out came from the beautiful pure white of the blossoms.  Then I questioned... do I or does my work stand out for beauty/purity?  Lessons from nature are so enduring!!

Anticipation II

Parkway Seriew #311  12 x 16   oil   sold

On a cold, rainy, February afternoon, everyone needs to be reminded that in six weeks this is what can be expected.  I am working on a series of Spring paintings from photos taken last year in March and April.  Then in May I plan on being in Asheville for a painting/photo trip to finish up my Parkway series.  Just the anticipation of this is the inspiration I need to keep on painting in these last days of winter.

Raven's Roost III

Parkway Series #310   12 x 16   oil    Sold

I am working on a website with galleries listed according to specific places/mileposts and specific seasons on the Parkway.   Rather than scrolling through 300 paintings on my blog, this option will make it much easier to find a painting.  I love this vista from Raven's Roost and needed another painting of this incredible overlook at milepost 10.7 to add to my upcoming gallery.

Plein Air Days

Parkway Series #309  12 x 16   oil    Sold

This is a view of the James River from the Parkway bridge at milepost 63.7.  I painted this previously in October, on location;  what a beautiful fall day it was!!!  This is a studio rendition of the earlier painting.  In the studio there is a bit more time to work on correct values but the earlier study was sooooo helpful in remembering the feel and the beauty of the moment. That's why I am eagerly awaiting  "plein air" days to return after the very cold winter.

Endurance

Parkway Series # 308   12 x 16   oil    $125.

Marathon runners and I have something in common..... a lot of practice!!!  Diligence, endurance, perseverance, and pure determination are traits that runners develop through much practice.  This Parkway project has been a "marathon" in many ways and I intend to endure until the finish line!

Roanoke at Dusk

Parkway Series # 307  12 x 16   oil    Sold

I have painted this view of downtown Roanoke from Stewarts Knob twice before, once in spring and once in summer but never at dusk.  The lights in downtown are just beginning to come on in this late summer afternoon version.  It was also painted from a "zoomed lens" image; downtown is about 10 miles from this location on the Parkway.

Mabrys Mill II

Parkway Series #306   12 x 16    oil     Sold

Another view of the mill pond suggests, in the reflections, a very blue fall sky with orange and ochre foliage.   This was an incredibly beautiful day with low humidity and warm sunlight and woodland smells on the breeze that just can't be described!

Mabrys Mill

Parkway Series #305   12 x 16   oil    Sold

I finally decided to paint the Parkway's most painted image!!  My series really would not be complete without the mill and the pond at milepost 176.2.  With orange and red everywhere, I toned down the fall colors in order to emphasize the blue sky reflections and the roof of the mill.  There are so many renditions of this scene but I'm sure there has never been two alike!!!

Shapes of Shadow

Parkway Series #304     12 x 16    oil     Sold

Around milepost 115, there is a spur that goes off to Explore Park.  I have painted many scenes from that road; this is another.  I especially like the diagonal hill and the blue triangle of shadow on the mountain.  The dynamic movement of line and shape brings interest to a painting and of course the setting sun adds to the drama with its intense light and shadow.