rolling field edge

Here is a little study of an image I found in Iowa. I have always liked the barely-visible tree rows in the distance. On another note, I will be spending the next few days at an outdoor workshop learning about wild edible plants and flyfishing, among other things. I will not be posting again until early next week, but hopefully I will have plenty of great new images by then!

heavy skies

I have always been drawn to images with rain-heavy skies. There is a drama inherent in the waiting for a downpour. I love deep green trees and dry golden fields begging the purple sky for rain.

deep twilight

When I came across this image among the thousands I have shot this summer for potential landscape reference, I immediately wanted to paint it. I love the way the light comes through the trees sharply, muting everything in front of it.

in vincent's shadow

Tonight I painted while listening to Simon Schama discuss the life and work of Van Gogh. I have always observed Van Gogh from a distance, perhaps made a little nervous by his dangerous, frenzied life. I make a living from painting, but he made a life from it. It is both inspiring and intimidating to hear the words of someone who coulld not separate life (or sanity) from paint.

windswept tree

In passing, I noticed this tree along the roadside. The gesture of the branches and motion of the tree was what initially caught my attention. One of the things I like best about painting is its ability to transform the ordinary, everyday subject into something worthy of closer inspection.

new corn

I am experimenting with palettes for new pieces this month, and I am drawn to the subdued, warm tones in the sky and bare earth peeking between the rows of new corn.