Red Willow Day, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

This is right out my back window, which is how you do a plein air painting without actually having to go out in the plain air and howling wind! Also on ebay.

Wyoming Blue, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

This is a scene from when we went hunting. Some very nice folks let us hunt on their ranch and these are the mountains they see every day.

Autumn Glory, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

Love those aspens! I don't think there's too much in the way of leaves, left after yesterday's weather though! Wow! Blustery wind, snow, . . . October in Wyoming. This will be on ebay tonight. Thanks!

Katie, Study #1, oil on hand-primed panel

The first of a series of small studies of this lovely young lady. I'm hoping to do some larger paintings from the small studies, later on.

OPA Show in Jackson

I took a spur of the moment trip to Jackson, Wyoming (about 6 hours away) on Wednesday to take in the Western Regional Oil Painters of America show at Mountain Trails Gallery. It was well worth the trip! Got lots of photos of the mountains and cottonwoods on the way up and then spent a couple of hours at the gallery looking and seeing paintings by people I've never heard of and a few by people I've admired since I began painting.

It left me inspired and dissatisfied with my own work. In a good way I think. It re-oriented my sights on color again and the skillful use of it to say what you want to say about something. For quite some time I've been concentrating on composition, which is certainly foundational. Now I think its time to go back to paying a bit more attention to, and giving pre-painting thought to, color. How do I want to use it to give the feeling of a place or a time? What combination will accomplish that? How much do I try to be literal and how much do I want to add my own interpretation? Lots to think about! Oh! The joy of discovery! - And painting!

Almost There, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

A little painting from over by Saratoga. Wyoming traffic jams usually consist of cattle being driven down the highway on their way to branding or summer pasture or winter pasture. You can't tell from this painting, but that's what was happening here when I took the photo for this painting. On another note - hmmmm.....cattle being driven by cowboys.....sounds like material for a cartoon!

Happy day to you!

Teton Aspens, 10x8, oil on hand-primed panel

Yup, some more of those famous Teton area aspens.

Also on ebay tonight. Thanks!

I Say, Have You Any Greener Grass?, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

Oh, funny cows! On ebay, of course . . .

Have a great day!

Teton Backdrop, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

Yes, that really is the Tetons in the background. I love the fall colors! This was done from a photo taken on a trip to Jackson a few years ago.

Autumn On Muddy Creek, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

It's always fun to paint out back and the creek is just as good to paint as the cottonwood tree.

On ebay tonight.

September Sparkle, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

This is the cottonwood to the east of our house. It's always enticing to paint, especially this time of the year.

Turning Of The Seasons, 8x10, oil on linen panel

It's finally beginning to look a lot like . . . fall! My favorite time of the year. I hope to go out for a few photo shoots and painting sessions next week. Beautiful color and weather!

I'm All Ears, 8x10, oil on hand-primed hardboard panel

I really enjoyed painting this one! Such an expression! I've got another from this bunch coming in a couple of days. These cows - yearlings I think - were so interested in every move I made.

Sunlight On An Old Timer, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

My Palette

I have had a few people ask me about my palette - what colors I use and since I can rarely remember how to directly reply to them, I decided to post it here. I use 3 yellows: cad lemon yellow, cad yellow pale, and yellow ochre. Windsor Newton mostly. For reds I use cad red scarlet, alizarin crimson and sometimes terra rosa. For blues I use French Ultramarine Blue, cobalt and I also have 2 greens on my palette. They are Viridian and Sap Green. I used to use only 2 yellow, 2 red and 2 blue, but have added a few others as you can see.

Red Ranch House, 10x8, oil on hand-primed panel

Another painting from the trip to Lusk last week.

Old Ranch Road, 10x8,oil on linen panel

This is one from the Wyoming Plein Air event that I chose not to put in the show. Mostly because I didn't get it this far done while on location and didn't think I should work on it at home a lot and then call it a plein air piece. So, its plein air begun and studio finished.

And if you click on the title it will take you to the ebay home page, from which you should be able to find it under my name.

Buffalo Blues, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

Hmmm...... not sure what to write about this guy. I don't know if he looks blue or not. He actually looks kind of cozy and warm! Oh well . . .

Line Drawings, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

This scene was done from a friend's photo. It was fun to do a figure painting again and I think I'll try to do some more. Just need some models!

On ebay. Thanks!

Three In A Row, 8x10, oil on hand-primed panel

More cows! And all of them wondering if you have something yummy for them. At least that's what it looks like to me. There was a whole bunch of them and they all came over to see what I was up to. I think they're used to being friendly!

Summer Repose, 8x10, oil on hand primed panel

Well, I told you I like cows!

On ebay.

Pickin' Up Chicks, 8x10, oil on primed foam board

What can I say? I like chickens! And cows.

Another One, 8x10, oil on primed MDF board

Finally I think I'm back on track - hence a tractor. Not really. This is a little plein air that worked in spite of having forgotten half my equipment. But my husband, who used to be a farmer, thinks its good. Actually, he's still a farmer, he just doesn't have a farm.

On ebay tonight. Thanks!

Mom's Little One, 8x10, oil on linen panel

This is from earlier this spring. The expression on the mare's face is my favorite part.

More plein air painting today. Then Deer Creek Days this weekend. Fun,fun, fun!

Cows In The Pasture, 8x10, oil on linen panel

Well, the Wyoming Plein Air event is in full swing. Lots of outdoor painting. But this was painted in the studio. My favorite part of this painting is the cute cow lying down. She looks like she's hiding, which I know she isn't, but still its too cute!

This painting is on ebay now. Thanks!