Monday, June 27, 2011

"Ridge and Valley Plein Air Painters" II


Parkway Series #346   oil   20x30    Sold

Looking up at the Blue Ridge / Peaks of Otter from the valley in Bedford, our plein air group had fabulous views from which to choose .  We received permission from the Claytor Nature Preserve of Lynchburg College to paint on the 250 acre tract of land that offers artists a visual feast beyond compare!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

"Ridge and Valley Plein Air Painters" Outing

Parkway Series #345    20 x 24    oil   SOLD

This departure from my smaller Parkway paintings was done on location with a group of plein air painters with whom I am working.  The 20 x 24 size was a challenge especially for plein air painting!  However the view of the Peaks of Otter range of mountains in the background and the feel of summer sunlight on the yellow grasses in the foreground rekindled the excitement I feel being a part of the landscape I am painting.  I have one more "on location" painting to complete in the studio before returning to my series of Smokey Mountain scenes.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Afternoon Light

Parkway Series # 344   12 x 16   oil    SOLD

I've painted the "old road" so many times, but when the afternoon light is this good, I could not resist another one!  This is another view of the Parkway in North Caroilina around Balsam Gap.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Craggy Gardens

Parkway Series # 343   12 x 16   oil   Sold

The panoramic views from Craggy Gardens were breathtaking!  The photo for this painting was taken through the glass window in the Visitor Center.  The "rhodes" on the trails were just beginning to bloom when we were there at the end of May and the late afternoon ambiance made for a visual feast of blue/green hues in every direction.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Ferrin Knob Tunnel #3, milepost 401.4

Parkway Series #342   12 x 16   oil    SOLD

The North Carolina tunnels are so unique to the Parkway.  And each one expresses itself differently;  the shape, the shadows and the angle in which it sits on the mountain  add to the personality of the tunnel.  I chose this one because of the diagonal composition, the rocks and the shadows crossing the road.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Devils Courthouse

Parkway Series #341   12 x 16   oil    Sold

This overlook at milepost 423 is close to the southern end of the Parkway. It is said that the sinister look of the rock overlooking the Pisgah National Forest was the prompting for the name, Devil's Courthouse.  After hiking all day we decided not to hike to the top of this rock, however, I have it on the list for our next trip!

Remake of #339. Graveyard Fields

Parkway Series #339   12 x 16   oil   $150.

Sometimes I have to deal with a painting several days before I know if it is finished.  This painting posted on June 8th bothered me.  I paint mostly from real life with a bit of artistic license but the real rock formations in this image kept reminding me of animal heads!! Everytime I looked at the painting I saw eyes and noses/faces of animals looking back! So I had to take the artistic license to change and paint rocks that suited me better. The creativity of compostition and change from the real landscape is part of art and knowing when to change is part of being an artist.  However, I will reserve the right to change it again in a few days... not sure if there may be more changes to make.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Graveyard Fields, Lower Waterfall

Parkway Series #340   12 x 16   oil   Sold

Our walk to the bottom of the lower waterfall was an easy hike.  The Parkway has completed lots of upgrades to the trail and bridges around this popular attraction.  With all the rain we have gotten over the last few weeks, the mountain creeks are full and overflowing so it was a great time to get great photos!!! This image was interesting to me because of all the angles of rocks and the value patterns.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Graveyard Fields, Upper Waterfall

Parkway Series #339  12 x 16   oil   

The hike to the upper falls at Graveyard Fields was a bit harder than the hike to the Lower Falls.  However, it was definitely worth it.  We had already hiked to the lower falls and figured we could do more but the day was really hot and we did not realize the noon hour was approaching.  You would think we would know to be prepared but a quick jaunt to the top seemed harmless.  Several hours later, with stomachs growling and our tongues dry, we found ourselves very tired from the steep climb over rocks and rugged terrain but excited to have accomplished the feat with fabulous photos of both waterfalls.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Another View from the top of Mt. Mitchell

Parkway Series #338   12 x 16   oil    $150.

Another incredible view from the top of Mt Mitchell shows the layers of mountains and the clear air.  Virginia humidity gives a much more hazy and misty appearance to the ridges than this early morning view about 6,ooo feet up.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

View from the top of Mt. Mitchell

Parkway Series #337   12 x 16   oil    Sold

Incredible weather and a much needed vacation describe our trip to Asheville last week.  We hiked at Graveyard Fields  and Crabtree Gardens and enjoyed waterfalls, panoramic vistas and incredible inspiration around every turn!  Last year (in April) Mt. Mitchell was covered with ice;  this year we actually got to walk to the top! --the highest point east of the Mississippi!  The beauty could never be captured in paint but to translate the experience on canvas was fun and really reinforces the memory.  Saturday I will be showing my work at the Sidewalk Art Show in downtown Roanoke, however even with many paintings of the southern end of the Parkway underway, none are finished or dry enough to display so stay tuned to the blog for more of the Smokies.