Snow Day

Parkway Series # 79   11 x 14  oil   Sold

If the fall painting of Buck Mountain Road was entitled  "Back to School" (Parkway Series #55), this winter scene should be called "Snow Day".  It is interesting to paint the same scene in different seasons.  This is the Parkway overpass that bridges Buck Mountain Road near Faith Christian School traveling in the opposite direction from the "Back to School" painting.

Close to Home

Parkway Series #78   11 x 14   oil    $85.

There is a barbed wire fence along the Parkway south of 460 that I seem to return to often.  I've painted it summer, fall and winter, although not from exactly the same vantage point.  In this rendition, I was drawn to the zig zag of diagonals as the eye moves around the image. With the cold snowy weather, I'm staying close to home but in the Spring I will be really anxious to start traveling further out.  For all my N. C. followers, I am planning to explore in that direction as soon as the weather permits

Childhood Memories

Parkway Series #77   11 x 14   oil    $85.

I have a very vivid childhood memory of a winter night about dusk, riding down a road near home and being awe struck by a very blue world.  I believe there is a new book out entitled, "What Childhood Memories Tell  About Your Personality."  I have not read the book but I know that visual perceptions were a major part of my childhood and this image really struck that cord of sensory experience from the past.

Mountain Pass Road

Parkway Series #76   11 x 14    oil    Sold 

The first time I ventured out in the 18+ inches of snow last weekend, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.  The Parkway was closed but the country roads underneath were just beginning to clear.  The sun was out and the world was white as I drove down Laymantown Road to Mountain Pass.  Coming upon the overpass, I knew the contrast of rough stone with smooth snow would be an interesting painting. Actually, this is one of my favorites. The ochre highlights on the trees and rocks against the blue snow add warmth to a very cold day.

Merry Christmas

Parkway Series #75   11 x 14   oil    $85.

I have been out taking pictures all morning.  The sun is out and the blue shadows on the white snow are fabulous.  If any of you, followers, are near the Parkway over the next few days and take photos please email them to me.  I am always looking for the perfect photo to paint!   This will be the last post this week;  I have food to cook and presents to wrap and a precious grandchild to spoil.  Have a wonderful Christmas and please check the next posting on Monday for more snow paintings!!!

Snow Clouds

Parkway Series #74   11 x 14   oil    $85.

I've been having great fun getting snow pictures from below the Parkway, however it is frustrating to not be able to actually get on the Parkway.  With 18+ inches of snow along the Blue Ridge who knows how long it will be closed.  I will try to get shots of overpasses from below and rely on photos I already have to sustain me through this time.  However, I did get a photo of the snow clouds rolling in a few days ago.  And the paintings this week and next will be on blue backgrounds so the "cold effect" should definitely be there!

Farewell to Orange

Parkway Series #73   11 x 14    oil    Sold

With a foot of snow in the forecast for tonight and tommorrow, this will be the last painting with bright fall colors until next year!  I loved the bright blue sky and orange hill in the scene but my love of colors will have to wait until the spring.  Winter has officially descended upon the Blue Ridge and I am excited to get lots of practce with painting snow.