PAT BLAIR PLEIN AIR PAINTING IN AND AROUND SO. OREGON

2012-02-11T14:22:00.001-08:00


*Rogue River on my mind*

I've been dreaming of painting en plein air and would really love to just drop everything else and go paint! That's not really possible right now because of my teaching commitments and other appointments that must be kept for the next 4 to 6 weeks! I have classes scheduled through mid-March. After that I think I will create a plein air painting class/group which will get me out and about! Today I took a drive up Highway 62 towards Shady Cove and turned left onto Highway 234 scouting out a way to connect with the Rogue River. I pulled into the County Park at Dodge Bridge, parked in their well kept parking lot where boats and trailers park after launching the river boats. The sun was bright but the air was cool, the sky was blue and the clouds were huge! Thinking that I might like to paint another river scene I began to make sketches and took a few photos but didn't drag out my easel and paints. I was not quite satisfied with my location and wanted to move on further up the river. I'll try another spot in a couple of weeks when I really have time to do a painting start to finish! Keep tuning in. I'll set up some plein air painting dates and locations. Please plan to come with me and we will paint, discuss, compare and advise each other. I love the companionship of other painters!

IS IT TOO SOON TO PLAN ON FAIR WEATHER EN PLEIN AIR?

2012-02-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Photo of Troon Vineyard, Applegate

I've lived in the Rogue Valley for the past 48 years! I believe that should qualify me as "almost a native" since I can't be MUCH older than that! In that case, I am recalling years past and remembering that there are usually two full weeks in February (about this time of year anyway)
when the sun comes to stay, warms up the ground, our old bones and invites we Southern Oregonians to spend time outdoors enjoying our Faux Spring! I am ready to venture out and do some painting en plein air ! I am encouraged after yesterday's 63 degrees and hoping that it's time! I'll wait until noon and venture out tomorrow after the sun warms up & arrange my easel in a sunny spot! Would you like to join me? Gloves, warm slacks and socks with a jacket and cap are appropriate garb and very stylish for a plein air painter! Just saying....

Exhibit at Good Bean Coffee Cafe in Jacksonville

2012-01-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

GOOD BEAN COFFEE CAFE, JACKSONVILLE, OREGON

Hanley's Wheat In The Field

My paintings which were completed en plein air were exhibited at the Good Bean Coffee Cafe in Jacksonville, Oregon for the entire month of January, 2011. Thank yous go to Hannah West for curating the exhibit (SOARTISTS.COM) and the staff at the Good Bean for great coffee service! I invited friends to drop in on January 20th to view my paintings and have coffee with me. Thirty of my good friends made it that afternoon in a heavy rain storm!

A PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF OREGON OUTING

2011-09-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday and Monday of this week Plein Air Painters of Oregon will be converging on some of my favorite sites in Southern Oregon. Sunday morning painters will be at Hanley Farm just outside Jacksonville and Sunday afternoon they will move to Jacksonville proper and paint from several locations. On Monday, the PAPO painters will move to Talent and Pascal Winery for a morning paint out. Monday afternoon will be spent in Lithia Park or North Mountain Park locations in Ashland. It's a great opportunity to see plein air painters in action! I am going to paint with them, how about you?

Remember When . . . Well its time now to grab all the great weather!

2011-08-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Remember when it was cold, wet and dreary? Well, that was in the middle of June! We managed well through July with wonderful pleasant weather which was not too hot and not too cold but but just right for plein air painting! The major problem I had with July is that other commitments got in the way! I'm admitting here that I may have gotten a slight bit lazy, or maybe I just needed to take a break!

I've been teaching an endless stream of weekly watercolor classes on Tuesdays. The students in these classes have been, for the most part, intermediate (and beyond) painters and it has kept me busily preparing lesson plan & doing demonstration pieces, to be prepared for class. To do these classes I have relied on my own plein air and studio painting experiences to produce appropriate subject matter for the class demonstrations. I, of course, have the painters doing painting assignments which they bring to class the next week for critique. That means quite a bit of time is required for this instructor to be prepared for problem-solving sessions.

Having just explained my reasons for not being out there... doing plein air painting ... which is a definite desired activity for me, I am here and now committing to the return of weekly excursions into the outdoors to paint! I have missed two opportunities to paint with the PASSO group, (Plein Air Society of Southern Oregon) in the past two weeks and I'm feeling a real need to be out there painting!

Meanwhile, this news may be of interest to you :

The Rogue Gallery & Art Center's "Smaller than a Breadbox" is this year’s Annual Members’ Exhibition. It's back again to fill the walls of the Main Gallery from November 11th through December 23, 2011. As the title of the Exhibit suggests, your work should be no larger than a breadbox. Your membership should be in good standing but if not you can become a member when you bring in your work for the show. Sign on and "Like" Rogue Gallery & Art Center on Facebook!

and also:

Plein Air Painters of Oregon (PAPO) are planning a two day paint out in and around Southern Oregon. Sept. 18th will be at Hanley Farm and in Jacksonville with a critique and conversation time in Ashland at the end of the day. Sept. 19th will be at Pascal Winery in the AM and in Ashland (Lithia Park, Mountain Avenue Park) in the PM with a wind up critique in Ashland around 7:00 PM. Sarah Burns is asking for signups of painters wishing to participate. It's O.K. if you are not a member of PAPO. Perhaps you will want to join! You can contact Sarah Burns at: sarabee@mind.net.

PLEIN AIR VIEW FROM JACKSONVILLE HILL

2011-07-04T14:20:00.000-07:00


View from J'Ville Cemetery in Plein Air

Glenda Cossette and Bonny Miller joined me on Friday to paint at the Jacksonville Cemetery. I had a painting in progress that I began two weeks ago and wanted to finish the painting on site. Glenda began a new watercolor and Bonny did art journal sketching. She also took many photographs while walking through the grave sites. The view of the valley is so beautiful from the cemetery hill and the weather was just perfect! I am now working to finish the second painting that I began last Saturday from this viewpoint. The newest painting is in oil and although I did the preliminary painting on site I will finish the painting in my studio using my watercolor and photographs as reference views of the scene. Who knows? I may even complete the small pastel that I have in progress that depicts this scene as well! I am planning to join the PASSO plein air painters at Hanley Farm on Saturday Morning to paint at another one of my favorite locations!

JACKSONVILLE CEMETERY REVISITED

2011-06-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Friday I met a new (to me) painter at the Jacksonville Cemetery. I had promised him a lesson in painting in Plein Air. He painted as a younger person but put his brushes away while making a career, working and helping to raise his children. Now he is ready to paint once again. The great thing is that he wanted to paint in oils. This forced me to bring out my oils and to instruct him in plein air painting using oils. What a charge! I am excited and eager to finish the painting I started! I have invited him to join me in my studio for more oil painting sessions. I knew that would keep me doubly busy for the entire summer with watercolor painting class on Tuesdays, oil painting on Wednesdays and plein air painting on Fridays plus homework to keep my lesson plans up to date! What a challenge! Ahhh, the life of an artist and teacher, I love it! I was unable to finish the watercolor I began last week at the J'Ville Cemetery so I will be going back there on Friday, July 1st. Care to join me? I will finish that painting on site!

Post Note: The new painter has decided not to take a class after all. :-(


Photo of my favorite view from the J'Ville Cemetery

A WEEKEND OF PLEIN BEAUTIFUL AIR!

2011-06-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Friday, Touvelle Park just outside of White City, Oregon was my planned excursion. Geniece Frantzen, Edith Lindner, Glenda Cossette and myself ventured out to find a great spot to paint near the Rogue River. It was sunny and just before 10:00 am when we arrived and and quickly scouted out the best places to paint while the sun and shadows were just right. I did a little instruction on selecting a view with an ideal focal point for the newer painters. We discussed values and atmospheric perspective and then we all set to work! We stopped about 1:00 PM and had a picnic lunch before leaving the park.

Saturday, PASSO painters were planning to paint in Jacksonville. I can join the group on these Saturday paintouts. Normally the group does plein air on Thursdays but I have a conflict on that day. This time, however there were only two of us. Norm Rossiingnol who is the coordinator for the PASSO group and myself. We met at Jacksonville's Doc Griffin Park at 9:30 am and waited for others to come. I encouraged Norm to join me for a morning of painting a view of the valley from Jacksonville Cemetery. Norm painted with pastels with wonderful results! I, on the other hand, painted in watercolor and am not finished. I may have to return to that favorite spot at the end of next week to complete my painting! It was an enjoyable day anyway! I am sure that Norm will post his pastel on his Facebook page. I will post mine here when I am happy with it! I hope that those who weren't able to join us today will consider another Saturday outing in the near future! It's a great way to keep your painting motor running and your brushes wet! Join us next time!

SUN, FRESH AIR AND PALMERTON PARK!

2011-05-20T13:43:00.000-07:00


Sketch and watercolor from my original visit to Palmerton Park.

Today was a perfect day! I've been planning a return to Palmerton Park in Rogue River to paint the Foot Bridges on this property.   My painting partner, Bonny Fertig and I had planned to do plein air painting at Paschal Winery but it does not open until 12:00 Noon and they now have a locked gate which stays locked until time to open. Apparently there had been some vandalism in the past that they want to discourage.

Undaunted, Bonny and I shifted gears and traveled to Rogue River to paint at Palmerton Park.   That is when the adventure began! I took the wrong turn within the City of Rogue River and headed up a road that led to Rogue River High School. Once past the school I knew I was on the wrong path!    We turned around and headed back into the center of town. I guess it had been about three years since I had visited the park and it appears that my memory was not as sharp as it should be!

At that point I was totally guessing my way around. We stopped to ask directions at a local laundromat but that didn't help us, however, because we met three people. One was not from the area, the second thought he knew but his directions were to go back the way we had just come. The third was a man who said he had just moved here from New Mexico. Since I am originally from New Mexico I asked where he was from. Turns out he had just moved to Rogue River from Tatum, NM which is about 37 miles from my home town and an area I know quite well! Funny how these things happen!

We drove over to the Rogue River Library. I knew that the librarian would give us the most helpful directions! I was correct. We thanked her and just drove directly over to Palmerton Park!

Bonny and I quickly set up our easels and got right to work since the sun was getting higher in the sky and shadows would be changing quickly. Bonny chose to do the larger footbridge that crosses over Evans Creek. I chose to concentrate on the small footbridge since there were issues with my previous painting of the footbridge I wished to correct. This time I did a quick under- painting in preparation for a pastel I will do back in my studio. Then I completed a small watercolor thumbnail to give me the colors and shapes I wanted to include in the Pastel. A great day! We were home by 2:30 PM.

On our next sunny day outing I'd love to return to the Rogue River. Perhaps we can go to TouVelle State Park just outside of White City or to Dodge Bridge which is past Eagle Point but before Shady Cove at the junction of Hwy 62 and Hwy 238. If you'd like to join us give me a call: 541-779-2432.

PLEIN AIR ON CARPENTER HILL

2011-05-07T14:43:00.000-07:00


Pat Blair - Pastel May 6, 2011 - Carpenter Hill Road

Edith Lindner and I drove over behind Phoenix, Oregon and up Carpenter Hill Road. We scouted out several locations to find "just the right spot". We were sad to see that most of the pear tree blooms had already peaked but we were rewarded by this view (looking East) when we turned around to start back into Phoenix.

The grasses were new, bright greens and the mustard blooms vivid yellow! Edith painted a pastel which is of a large dwelling on the hills (looking South.). I spent most of my time taking photographs and then settled down to do an under-painting for my pastel. We left after two hours to meet other engagements but I rushed right back to my studio to complete this pastel. We could have been in Italy or France.. The scene was so perfect for painting! I will return to this spot. Join Me?

IT'S MAY! IT'S WARM! IT'S TIME FOR PLEIN AIR!

2011-04-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Friday, MAY 6TH, we will go over behind Phoenix, Oregon

and out Colver Road to paint. There are a variety of perfect

farm, vineyard and orchard scenes to paint in that area and

the Mustard is brilliant yellow, the pear orchards are in full

bloom! Is there a better way to greet the sun in Southern

Oregon? We'll meet at my place at 9:30 AM & pack up my

Minivan. Bring lots of water, your sun hat, sunscreen and a

brown bag lunch!

PLEASE TELEPHONE ME IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO JOIN US!

541-779-2432, WE'LL TALK!

EARTH DAY AND BEAUTIFUL!

2011-04-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

After enduring the long two weeks of wet weather it was rewarding to know that our beautiful Rogue Valley and the sun has returned to the much anticipated Spring weather we all need.

We, Glenda Cossette and I, celebrated Earth Day today by driving out Kirkland Road behind White City, Oregon and past the Water Treatment Plant. We turned up towards Table Rock and onto a dirt road that led to an empty field with plenty of room to pull around, park the car and set up our easels. I had checked out this location before and the view never disappoints me! That flat-topped mountain changes with the seasons and gives wonderful shadow patterns with lots of blues mixed with greens and purple and gold blending into colors any painter would love to see. This day the mustard in a nearby field was a shock of bright yellow and the pond reflected greens from the growth at the edge of the pond, purples from Table Rock & the distant mountains and blue from the cerulean sky. There was just enough alge floating on the pond to cast a bit of red too. Talk about color spectrum!

After much planning on my part and encouraging several painters to come with us, it ended up to be only Glenda Cossette and myself. We paint together so often we are almost "programmed" at this point for,..."If It's Friday, We're Painting!" Glenda and I paint in completely different styles but seem to be able to complete our paintings in about the same amount of time. We've been discussing painting methods lately in our painting sessions and have decided to paint like the Impressionists. It's a challenge but then I think we can do it. At least I believe we are up to the challenge! Knowing that Monet, Van Gogh, Pissaro and the others didn't just jump out of a vehicle, set up an easel and begin painting immediately, we did our preparation for painting first! We began our morning paint out by #1) Scouting out the scene, #2) taking many digital photos #3) doing several small thumbnail sketches and value studies. We painted from 10:00 AM until 1:30 PM. We did not quite finish our paintings but both felt that we were very close to the "think I am done" stage. I'll work on mine in my studio to tweak it a bit before I can be satisfied.

Next Friday, April 29th, (weather willing) we will be heading out again! I've checked out the fantastic scenes up Colver Road behind Phoenix, Oregon. We must go there while the pear trees are in full bloom, the mustard is in glorious color, and the vineyards are taking on new green shades. I
hope you'll join us! Telephone me: (541-779-2432) we'll talk!

O.K. THIS IS MAKING ME CRAZY!

2011-04-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello my fellow Plein Air Painters!

I am feeling cabin fever and know that there's just gotta be a change in this rainy weather soon! I'm planning to go out next Friday, April 22nd even if it does rain! The 22nd is EARTH DAY! What better way to celebrate our planet earth than to go out in the open air, appreciate the beautiful scenery in Southern Oregon and record it in a plein air painting? The challenge is to paint in a dry spot! Let's go even if it is necessary to huddle in the back of my minivan! 9:30 AM, My house! Can you make it? Telephone me at 541-779-2432. We'll talk!

Pat Blair, painting on location

NO FOOLING! IT WAS THE SUN!

2011-04-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Finally! Sunshine in all it's glory!

Four painters braved the elements today. We donned our sun hats and drove over to towards Ashland, crossed on the I-5 overpass and took a turn back towards Medford on Valley View Road. There was green grass rolling over the hills and the Willow trees were displaying their finest fresh leaves. We arrived at our Valley View Barn location just as the sun was casting a strong morning shadow. To my surprise the barn looked a bit worse for wear than I recall from my last visit on June 21, 2009.

I had invited 2 of my last watercolor class participants, Bonny Fertig and Nancy Moran, to join Glenda Cossette and me on this Friday excursion. We surveyed the scene, took photographs at different angles, and then each of determined our own view. I gave a few instructions and observed the two new plein air painters for a few minutes before I was satisfied that everyone was ready to paint. I took some photos of the painters first and then settled down to do a quick thumbnail barn study. It was a wonderful morning of painting! We worked for two solid hours before we knew we should break. Lunch in the Hawaiian Cafe in Phonex followed. A good time was had by all. We agreed to go out again next Friday unless the weather turns foul!

The Sun God is returning to Southern Oregon!

2011-03-29T13:46:00.000-07:00


Valley View Barn just begging to be painted en plein air!

It's been a long, wet, cold Winter! Folks around here are used to wet, occasionally, but this year has been a little more wet and cold than is usual! After a few false starts, I believe we are turning onto the up-swing of Spring! Now it is time to get out there in the fresh Southern Oregon air and paint! I have promised my watercolor class students a day in the open doing plein air painting this Friday. We'll go back to my favorite barn up on Valley View Road to paint this barn. The scene is pretty well already a painter's composition. What the painter chooses to see is another thing. It is such fun to paint and then spend a little time doing a friendly critique of each painter's work. Interested? Join us!

SEVEN OAKS FARM

2011-03-14T13:51:00.000-07:00


Pastel painting of the produce Shed At Seven Oaks Farm, Central Point

It sometimes occurs to me that I have many sketches and beginnings of paintings that I have initiated on location but have not taken the time necessary to finish a particular painting. I have visited this farm stand often, sketched it many times and painted twice. Now I have finally finished a pastel painting that I started last September at the end of the growing season. I will return to Seven Oaks regularly during the summer months because there is such a variety of fresh produce picked daily right on the farm! Next time I will set up with a different view. I am so ready for the cold and rainy season to end so that my fellow painters and I can get out and paint, paint, paint!

Note: If you haven't yet seen the new PleinAir Magazine issue it's a must! It comes in either a printed copy or an online version. It has great articles and photographs and provides lots of inspiration!

PAINTING THE POND

2010-10-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Lithia Park's Upper Duck Pond, I can tell you, is a very popular place! Besides the natives (ducks) there are people everywhere! Lithia Park is one public park that is used and appreciated every day! People casually stroll along the paths and down the side of the street that winds through the park. Finding a location to set up my painting gear is a challenge at times.

This day was no exception! I had returned to finish a pastel painting that was giving me difficulties back in my studio. I headed straight to my prior spot and set up quickly before the park became too crowded. This time I was prepared with my camera and took numerous photos to catch the sun and shadows plus the great colors on the water. I was very pleased that I had remembered to charge the batteries in my camera! Now I can work at leisure in my studio to complete the pastel I began on site last week. I'll post my painting when it is completed.

2010-09-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting of "View From Rogue River Lodge"

PASSO PAINTOUT AT ROGUE RIVER LODGE

2010-09-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a great day at Rogue River Lodge just above Shady Cove on the Rogue! I drove up there alone but met eight other plein air painters from Plein Air Society of Southern Oregon. Norm Rossignol is the leader of the group and Cheryl Magellen arranged with the owners of the RR Lodge to host us. Both Norm and Cheryl are art instructors. The day, the river, the surroundings were beautiful! We all painted until about 1:00 PM then we broke for lunch in the RR Lodge dining room. Lunch was great and the conversation with the other artists was fun and informative. The group agreed to meet occasionally on Saturdays for plein air sessions to enable other painters who work to join. Their regular painting day is on Thursday mornings.

IPAP & PASSO (International Plein Air Painters & Plein Air Society of So. Oregon)

2010-09-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday I joined with IPAP & PASSO painters at the Upper Duck Pond in Lithia Park for a paint out in observance of 9-11. I can't say how many artists were painting since we all came to that spot and then spread out to choose our own favorite scene to paint. An estimate was that there were at least 20 but in my eye sight were not more than ten at a given time. It was a great day, weather just perfect with plenty of sun and a little Fall chill in the air. I met some nice artists, Norm Rossignal, Cheryl Magellen, and Audry Smith who stopped by my location to say hello. Very friendly folk! I'd love to see everyone's finished work!

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF OREGON WORKSHOP

2010-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

This past week I drove over to Sunriver and Bend to visit with friends and to attend a one day workshop sponsored by Plein Air Painters of Oregon (I am a member of this group). The workshop was presented by Richard McKinley of Medford. His reason for being in Bend was two fold: 1. To present the workshop for members of PAPO and 2. To judge the 3rd Annual PAPO Exhibition of plein air paintings submitted by members.

I was really pleased with the workshop which was a morning workshop then a critique of member's work in the afternoon. Both were great and I learned so much! In addition to seeing some wonderful plein air paintings I met some of my fellow PAPO members. Now I am excited to go out again this Friday to paint with my friends Glenda and Edith at Seven Oaks! This time I am applying what I learned in the workshop before I forget! I will hardly have time to get my suitcase unpacked and laundry caught up before I am totally involved in my pastel painting projects using the newly acquired information I received from Richard McKinley!

Saturday I am meeting fellow plein air painters from the PASSO (Plein Air Society of Southern Oregon) and IPAP (International Plein Air Painters) at Lithia Park for a paint out in observance of 9-11. It should be a great day!

Ashland Creek , Lithia Park

WHEAT IN THE FIELD!

2010-08-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

My pastel painting: Hanley's Wheat In The Field

Photo of Hanley Farm's oldest barn & wheat in the field

We could not have chosen a better day to paint a Hanley Farm just outside of Jacksonville on Ross-Hanley Road! The weather was great, temperature in the low 80's and not a cloud in the sky! More over, the wheat had just been cut last Tuesday and was stacked drying in the sun after Tuesday's surprise rain storm. The window of drying time was just this week. After that the farm will be bustling with a threshing crew. This living history farm actually sells it's own produce!

Glenda Cossette and I quickly set up right in the field amongst the sweet smelling wheat stacks to do our paintings. Great golden colors to blend with greens, blues and purples! I'll be working on my sketches back in my studio for many days since I am breaking in a new set of pastel colors and will want to try out several for this scene!

Glenda paints wheat and the oldest Hanley Farm Barn

Roxy Ann Winery at Hillcrest Orchards

2010-08-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Edith Lindner and I had arranged to paint at Roxy Ann Winery last Friday. We arrived soon after 9:00 am and checked in at the office. Instructions were sketchy as to where we should avoid painting so we used our good common senses about avoiding obvious roadways where trucks and tractor equipment might need to maneuver. We walked about the farm buildings a bit then settled on a place to set up.

I chose a shady spot near the main entrance and Edith chose a spot just outside Hillcrest House fencing. I took copious photos of the main barn and outbuildings as well as views I might want to use. I planned to do a painting of the main barn/winery building since I had painted that before and had a great desire to do a better painting! I did sketches, worked on perspectives, got good advice from two or three farm employees who stopped by to observe my progress. It took me a couple of hours to determine that this day was not a good day to paint the barn and I packed up and went around to check on Edith's progress. Edith had more success and was happy with her small watercolor/pen and ink sketch.

We agreed to step inside the barn for a Roxy Ann Vineyard wine tasting and a fruit and cheese lunch. Delightful! We must do that again!

This Friday we will go over to Hanley Farm and paint different scenery than we have done in the past. I love the oldest barn which is at the back of the property and isn't noticed quite as much. It has "lovely bones"!

AN ADVENTURE AT DENMAN RECREATION AREA

2010-08-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Pastel painting of Denman Recreation Area

Denman Recreation Area... Can you make this a painting?

Most of us have heard the name, Denman Wildlife Recreation Area, but not many really know much about it. Where is it? What is it? Who goes there? I had all of those questions and more. I knew that some people went there to do bird counts and that's how I became interested in going there to do plein air painting.

My friend, Edith Lindner is a "birdwatcher" and has done counts for many years. Geniece Frantzen, Edith and myself decided to just go there and see if we would be inspired to do a landscape within the park. Touville Park foots one end of the reserve and Agate Road just behind the V.A. Dom in White City has an access road from the other end. You must have a key to unlock the gate in order to drive into the park but you can get one easily from the Parks Department. All you need to do is show your driver's license and sign out a key. Edith had her key so we were set to drive right in. I used this opportunity to do a little bit of instruction on selecting a location, setting up for the right vantage point, identifying the "target" focus point or golden mean. We spent about an hour and a half sketching. I did a short demonstration on beginning to paint using values before we were ready to leave.

ONWARD TO HARDY RIFFLES

2010-08-02T11:32:00.000-07:00


LAST CHANCE ON THE ROGUE BELOW GOLD RAY

Worried that I wouldn't get a chance to get back to the Rogue River below Gold Ray Dam before the dam was dismantled, I planned one last plein air painting trip to this location. Glenda Cossette, Geniese Frantzen and I drove out to Blackwell Road and followed the map via one of those dirt roads that run along the Rogue River towards Hardy Riffles. We eventually arrived at the Gold Ray damsite and found the demolition of the dam in full swing! Heavy equipment in place and dirt and rocks being moved to form a diversionary tract for the river. People lined the roadway observing the work. We did not stop but continued on down the road which had heavy traffic with fishermen, rafting trailers and people moving everywhere.

It was evident that Hardy Riffles was fully involved with all the frenzy and we would not find a location to park and trek down to the river. Instead we continued on down the road towards highway 234 until we came to the railroad crossing and paved portion of the road.

Instead of turning onto the road we turned right and followed a rough and rocky track back up the side of the railroad tracks between those tracks and the river. Again we saw many trucks, trailers and rafters preparing to enter the Rogue for a run downriver. Glenda had been on this road before and assured us that there was a good riverside location nearby.

We were finally rewarded (at the very end of the track) by the beautiful and peaceful view you see above. We immediately set up our gear for a delightful morning of painting! After a few hours the growling tummies told us to seek food. We drove the short distance into Gold Hill and a local favorite cafe for lunch.

The three of us will seek out a new painting location for this Friday. I still have room for you if you are interested! Come and join us!

"ON THE ROGUE AGAIN"

2010-06-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our painting excursion this past Friday was up Highway 62 to Shady Cove. We (my painting companion- Glenda Cossette and myself) turned left just over the bridge and headed for Jackson County's Takelma Park. The park is really just an access ramp for fishing boats but well kept. We both set up right on the edge of the water. The river was running full and the riverbank was narrow but we did manage to find space for our easel/folding chair set-ups. Looking up-river was the best view and we each took advantage of the bright morning sun to gain a good perspective with color contrasts, lights and darks. We were interrupted only twice by boats putting in at that location. Thankfully both came after we had already established our paintings.

Working quickly I painted in my sky which had wonderful cloud formations that past experience told me would move away quickly since there was a pretty good breeze. Next I concentrated on the trees/shadows across the river. Once satisfied with that I could play with the water. Such a fun time with swift water, white water and riffles, then deep dark water. The sun made everything look fresh and bright. Now my goal was to translate that into a painting!

After a satisfying morning in the warm sun both Glenda and I had worked up an appetite and headed into Shady Cove to have lunch at a tackle/tahiti boat rentals/gift and lunch shop.

We split an Italian grinder which as perfect for two! I'll return to Takelma Park AND back to that shop for another sandwich!

APPLEGATE LAKE OUTING

2010-05-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Applegate Lake viewpoint

Friday was a fantastic plein air painting day! A leisurely drive up the Applegate Valley in the Springtime is always wonderful and I was anticipating a beautiful scene at every curve in the road. I was not disappointed! It had been quite some time since I had driven up to the lake so I wanted to see it and the surrounding mountain scenes. It was a pleasant surprise to see all the new farm buildings and vineyards winding up through the valley. What used to be a semi deserted road is now filled with energy!

My painting partner, Glenda Cossette, and I decided to paint from the dam viewpoint and actually set up out on the cement jetty that is just above the dam. The lake was full, the sun was warm, and a slight breeze kept us cool. We both did a quick sketch and then set right to work painting while the colors were bright and the water was still. We took time for a quick sandwich lunch and kept right on until about 2:00 when thunderclouds began to build up.

GOLD RAY DAM.... ALMOST NOT!

2010-05-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

We need to get over to Gold Hill, drive up the road on the East side and paint the Rogue River in this state BEFORE JUNE! Jackson County Commissioners have elected to dismantle this 106 year old dam. We'll not see the Rogue look like this for much longer and who knows what the riverbanks will look like in the future? Go paint now then come back after the dam is removed and paint the "new and improved" river!

SUNNY AND WARM OVER MEDFORD

2010-04-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

View of Medford from Pine Ridge Road

Another beautiful day in our Southern Oregon paradise!

My painting partner, Edith, and I drove up on the east side of Medford to a location on Gardner Way. We just simply pulled off the paved road, pulled out our equipment and began to work quickly. The sun was just clearing out the clouds and the sky was gaining more blue as we blocked in our sketches for the painting processes ahead of us.

I am always reminded when I come upon a beautiful scene of how lucky we are to be living in such a beautiful place! Spring awakens the dormant color scheme and provides the excitement our eyes need after being lulled into the laziness that cold and overcast winters create. Huzzah! Birds everywhere singing their songs (Edith knew their names) . . . and we even sighted two fawns by the side of the road waiting for the doe to reclaim them. We will choose another site for next Friday. Then perhaps along the Rogue River (weather permitting)! Care to join us? If so, Telephone me at 541-779-2432!

BACK TO LITHIA PARK . . . AGAIN!

2010-04-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

A perfect day in Lithia Park! Imagine a bright sunny morning with very few clouds... unlike yesterday which was completely socked in with clouds, frost, rain and a few snowflakes added in! Ashland was beautiful. My plein air partner for this occasion is new to the plein air process although she spends many hours in the open air "birding". We had time to go over selecting the site, determining the focal point for a painting and doing a preliminary sketch. Once that was established we began to work quickly before the morning light moved and changed the scene. Next Friday we will move to a new location and I will continue coaching and doing a gentle critique of her progress.

BACK TO LITHIA PARK

2010-03-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ashland Creek at Lithia Park playground bridge

It was a beautiful day as Glenda Cossette and I ventured onto the bridge at Lithia Park. We had hoped to find the same lighting conditions that we had on an earlier session at this location. We chose the same time with a sunny day and we were rewarded with this magnificent view of Ashland Creek. The bridge was quite busy with mothers and dads and lots of children eagerly moving in and out of the park's playground. Lovely day and lovely spectators!

TIME TO VISIT THE ROGUE!

2010-03-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

RIVER FOG Watercolor Plein Air

A perfect time to spend a few hours on the Rogue River is in the Spring of the year. There are few distractions and the water is high! Often I have viewed this river through a foggy veil. I need to return to the Rogue and must attempt the capture the elusive scene which means I must wait for it! Are you with me?

SPRING IS COMING!

2010-03-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

February has come and gone! Although I have been painting there has not been a good opportunity to venture outdoors for a plein air adventure! Instead I have been drinking tea, listening to good music or Jefferson Public Radio while I paint in my studio.

I had to take a sojourn from painting to create the new Children's Festival graphics for this year too. This is something I have done for the past 43 years and I love doing it! Now that is done so I can go back to painting.

The past few Fridays have been spent painting with my dear friend, Glenda. She comes with her paints and the current thing she is working on and we paint and talk all morning and then reward ourselves with a good lunch. We both finished paintings yesterday!

Each of us started a painting of Ashland Creek in Lithia Park last Fall but neither has completed our paintings. I think we need a return trip to our chosen spot very soon! Hopefully next Friday will be a good day for plein air painting (hold that thought)!

TIME TO GET OUT AND ABOUT!

2010-01-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

Jacksonville View from Cemetary Hill

EN PLEIN AIR

It seems like months and months have passed since last I ventured out to do plein air painting! It has, in fact, been at least 2.5 months at this writing. Today's sun and balmy weather made me want to just pack up and wander! No rain in site... and it must have been all of 56 degrees! Alas, the weatherman predicts more rainy days coming as soon as tomorrow. Any day now, though, we'll see that magical two weeks of Spring-like weather which usually shows up in February. I have my paper stretched, my paint tray filled, and many brushes cleaned and ready to use. Next I will pull out the road trip atlas and make plans! Anyone ready to go with me?

INTO THE WOODS . . . DO WE OR DON'T WE?

2009-11-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

View from Pine Ridge Road

During the late Fall there are times when the weather is slightly overcast and foggy in the earlier part of the day. I am acutely aware of the possible mishaps that may occur. Hunting season is here and often the hunter and their prey like to visit the same location a plein air painter would select. We saw turkeys on the road as we drove up above Roxy Ann to view the valley off Pine Ridge Road on this particular plein air painting excursion. At this time of the year it would be prudent to keep clear of areas where hunters venture. A trip to the coast, Lithia Park, a city park or a riverside cafe may be better choices right now!

HANLEY FARM IN OCTOBER

2009-11-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Pumpkins at Hanley Farm en plein air

It was a foggy, chilly day just before Halloween when Glenda Cossette and I drove over to Hanley Farm which is just a short distance from Jacksonville, Oregon. The farm, a living history site operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, seemed deserted although the gate which led into the farm was open. We drove to the pumpkin patch which is located just in front of the Hanley House. As we settled down with our easels and paints, the fog was lifting to reveal a beautiful sight of the Siskiyou Mountains on one side and Roxy Ann and Mt McLoughlin directly opposite the house and field. Frost had definately been on the pumpkins but the sun was warm on our faces and encouraged us to stay half a day happily painting away! Any day (cloudy or sunny) is a fine day at Hanley Farm!

THE SISKIYOUS

2009-10-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

View of Siskiyous From Suncrest Orchards- En Plein Air

This day was definitely an adventure! Glenda Cossette and I had no idea where we would end up to do our Friday plein air painting when we drove towards Ashland. First we drove over to Pascal Winery to ask permission to paint from their deck view of the mountains. Unfortunately there was no one there to talk to. The vineyards were beautiful and loaded with grapes evidently ready for harvest at any moment! We determined that the people must all be in the vineyard somewhere. After leaving Pascal we drove on the back road towards Ashland and came to the most magnificent Maple tree I have seen on this side of the valley*. It just happened to be at the entrance of the road leading into the Suncrest Retreat which is located right in the middle of the pear orchards. Since Glenda had attended several retreats at this place she knew Sister Mary Pat who is the retreat resident/manager. We were encouraged to paint from the back of the house which looks over the orchards and has a fantastic view of the mountains at that point. It was a great sunny and peaceful day. We must return here again!

*On the other side of the valley... Fiasco Winery in the Applegate Valley has, very close to their barn, one of the oldest Oak Trees in Oregon which is a "must see" also!

Plein Air at Palmerton Park

2009-09-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

On a slightly cloudy and threatening day, Glenda Cossette and I drove over to Rogue River to Palmerton Park to paint on Evans Creek. The trees are beautiful and the park is clean and well maintained. Because it was a school day and and very overcast we seemed to be the only people to venture out that day. Both myself and Glenda were attracted to the small footbridge that crossed over a seasonal brook that drains into Evans Creek. We elected to do sketches in our journal sketch books on this occasion but left after about two hours to go find somewhere to get warm. We will go back to this place!

2009-07-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Antique Furniture Barn in Jacksonville

I have always intended to paint this old building which is located one block East of the Post Office. Although I don't know how old it is I know that it has been here for at least a century and longer! Today a friend, Elizabeth M and I parked just across the street and set up our easels to paint. Elizabeth was actually doing a watercolor journal sketch (which she is really great at) and I proceeded to block in a watercolor painting. We worked all morning while the shade was on our side of the street. Many folks we both knew dropped by on their morning walk over to the Post Office or downtown for a cup of coffee at The Good Bean Company. I love this old town! Because we talked a lot to passer bys I did not finish my painting but Elizabeth was able to complete her journal page. I determined to return very soon to finish my painting.

My Granddaughters

2009-06-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

My Granddaughters, Caienna, MacKenzie & Caitlin sketching Butler Fountain at Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon.

It was cool, cloudy and looking sort of tentative when I picked up my three oldest Granddaughters for a Plein Air outing on Friday. We were prepared with sweaters, sun hats and sunscreen, however, and were determined to spend the whole morning sketching and taking photos in the park. Just as we settled down with our first subject, Butler-Petrozzi Fountain, the sun came out and made the day special! Of course to my way of thinking it was already a special day since I had my three teenaged granddaughters (all of whom are artists) with me. We were excited to get started with our sketches and plan to do watercolor paintings next Monday using these sketches to launch the painting session(s)! It will be fun for me to have all three in my studio next week! My only Grandson, Charlie, plans to come also. He felt that he had missed out by not joining us on Friday and instead chose to sleep in! Now to get the two youngest girls involved too! It will take major effort to get those two interested enough to paint all day. Generally they prefer reading, computer games and watching DVD movies.

BEGGING TO BE PAINTED

2009-06-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

On a fine sunny Friday morning this past week Geniese F. and I drove by and picked up my oldest Granddaughter, MacKenzie, who is also an artist... for a Plein Air outing. This was to be MacKenzie's first plein air experience so I wanted her to have a good subject to sketch. We returned to my favorite barn location on Valley View Road near Ashland. The three of us made haste in setting up to do our sketches because MacKenzie had a noon birthday party date. We spent about two hours there which was actually plenty of time for me to get a great preliminary sketch of a farmhouse on the hill up behind the barn location. The other two did barn sketches.
MacKenzie and I agreed to get together one day this week to set up our watercolor easels and paint from our sketches. I will post those when they are completed.

2009-06-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Friday was a great day! Although the rain clouds were rolling in and the weatherman predicted more thunderstorms my painter friends and I had a date to visit Dunbar Farms and sketch their American Belgium Draft horses. A week ago I had discussed the possibility of coming to see the horses with Alyssa Jamar of Dunbar Farms. Alyssa and David Mostue had just recently acquired this beautifully matched team of horses.
I arranged for seven of my past painting, drawing and sketching class members to join me. It was a delightful crew of hand chosen artists as some of my favorite friends! We converged on the farm with our cameras and sketching supplies and did many, many photos and madly sketched the horses thinking that a thunderstorm would begin shortly. The clouds held off, the horses remained patient and Alyssa was very gracious (while we kept her from doing her farm harvesting of vegetables). All in all the day was very successful! We must do more of these group plein air excursions!

Painting The Rogue

2009-05-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Rogue River Below Gold Ray Dam (Watercolor & Pastel)

Friday morning was glorious! Glenda Cossette and I had made plans to drive over to the Rogue River near Gold Hill and had planned to go early since the day was supposed to be very warm. When we arrived at one of my favorite pullouts along the Rogue it was already taken! Since the road is narrow, unpaved, and this day very crowded we knew that fishing must be good! Every pullout had two to four cars and fishermen standing along the banks trying their luck and favorite fly. Drats! I was sure we would have to go somewhere else. First though we wanted to take some photos of Gold Rey Dam. At one point along the Rogue we had a great view of Gold Rey with Table Rock as it's backdrop. Glenda took some great photos while I maneuvered to turn the car around without backing into something. Once we were turned around and headed back down the road we were rewarded with a pleasant surprise . . . my favorite spot had been vacated! We pulled off the road, dragged our painting supplies down to a shady spot and began to paint. I was distracted many times by lovely yellow wild Irises, birdsongs and by fish leaping out of the water! I could have stayed all day but knew we would have to leave in a couple of hours. I laid out my painting in all watercolors but knew that I would complete the painting using pastels. So this is what I did.

Painting History

2009-05-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hanley Farm's "Oldest Barn"

Southern Oregon Historical Society owns and operates The Hanley Farm on Hanley Road near Jacksonville. The farm has been maintained as a historical site. This past Friday Glenda Cossette and I drove over to paint the barn. We each chose a different view point and set up our easels right away. The morning sun cast a nice shadow across the front and side of the barn at my vantage point. Beyond the barn is a lovely hill with live oak trees casting their own shadows.

2009-05-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Butte Creek Mill (Eagle Point, OR)

Finally! A beautiful day in May! Glenda and I drove over to Eagle Point to do plein air painting at the Butte Creek Mill. We arrived about 10:00 AM and there were no cars in the parking area in front of the Mill. So we just set up to paint right there and quickly got to work doing photos and quick sketches before the traffic became too heavy at the mill store. It can be hectic at the Butte Creek Mill during the day and especially on beautiful days like today. The charm of and old wooden building with years of weathered patina on the boards was enticing! I have been to the mill country store on many occasions but I was impressed at how nicely the grass was groomed, the walkways were newly graveled and the steps and platforms were well swept. It was as if they were waiting and spruced up just for our impromptu visit! We found out later from the owner of the mill that the next day there was to be a big event: The 4th Annual Vintage Faire. I'd say we were very lucky to arrive one day before! I am anxious to see my finished "Butte Creek Mill" and also Glenda Cossette's painting. We have made a date to paint again next week and to show our completed or nearly finished paintings. We often do a "gentle critique" of our work when we have finished a painting.

2009-04-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

View from the Rafter R-S Ranch

Friday was a "sort of" day. It was sort of cloudy but sort of sunny, sort of windy and sort of cold! But Glenda and I set out for a day of plein air painting anyway! First we drove over to South Oakdale Avenue in Medford to see what trees were marked for taking down. According to the Mail Tribune they were marking some of the huge Maple trees along the street to be cut down. We did not find the marked trees and knew that we could not park on South Oakdale legally anyway so we changed our plans and drove out past Central Point to Bear Creek Orchards hoping to get a good view of the pear orchards backed up against Table Rock. We were out of luck there too because they had the drive barracaded. Glenda suggested that we drive out past White City and around behind Agate Lake on Dry Creek Road. Her brother, Russ and his wife have a ranch there. Perfect! We drove up to the ranch house, took a walk to look around a bit. Russ even showed us his new weaner piglets.

Glenda chose one scene and I selected another. We set up our easels and began our sketching. We weren't at it too long when Sherry, Russ's wife came down from the Ranch house with lemonade! Lovely! I really enjoyed my view of the neighboring ranch property and buildings. It took quite a while to work out what I wanted to do and once started I worked quickly. The whole scene was enjoyable as were the people. Russ and his wife went about their work, Sherry with her young horse and Russ with his backhoe and dump truck. They just worked right on as we worked right on! Noon came and we were invited into the house for a great sandwich lunch. What a lovely time we had on a real working ranch!

2009-04-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

View From Horner Ranch -(Watercolor & Pastel)

"Let's drive out to Applegate and do painting from The Horner Ranch", I said. I had wanted to paint from there since a group of PEO sisters all met there for a luncheon in 2007. Glenda C., Judy M. and I met up at Pony Espresso in Jacksonville, had a lovely lunch with Anne D. , and then drove on out to Applegate. Anne is not a painter so opted not to accompany us. She missed out on a great afternoon! Carol H. and her husband, Monty, greeted us. Carol drove up to the top of the hill with us just to show us the way. Once we could see all the possibilities we quickly got set up and began our paintings. Judy did sketching and prefers drawing in pen and ink. Both Glenda and I worked in watercolor. The sun was out and it was nice and warm although there was a breeze with a little Spring bite to it. The clouds were glorious and the sky was really blue! Looking across the countryside we could see a panorama of the mountains, trees and grasses.

2009-04-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sketch Over Jacksonville

Doing sketches and pen and ink drawing is a favorite activity for me. On this plein air outing I chose to do a sketch with pen and ink and then color it in with a bit of watercolor pencils and regular color pencils. Three of us were painting that day from the Jacksonville Cemetary as our vantage point. It was a nice sunny day although there was a cold breeze. Glenda and Karen are great company! Pen and Ink w/watercolor wash, 11" x 14"

2009-04-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Genise Frantzen and Glenda Cossette painting on Pine Ridge Road

Driving just a short distance from Medford up Hillcrest Road, Glenda Cossette, Geniese Frantzen and I followed the road all the way up into the hills and turned off on Pine Ridge Road. We had to drive quite a distance more in order to get away from the houses that are scattered about up there but finally located a spot where we felt that we would not be trespassing. Looking across the valley from that viewpoint was thrilling! The sky was cloudless and the Valley seemed to be taking a deep breath after waking from the long Winter's sleep. Trees were budding and grasses were developing new spouts and the oak trees were beginning to leaf out. Best of all, though, was the view clear across the valley! We could see the Siskiyou Mountains and Mt. Ashland with snowy tops. We could also see the hillsides turning green in all directions. Missing from our vantage point was a view of Roxy Ann and all of the new housing developments. The added bonus was that the city trees prevented our seeing all of the houses down in the valley. What a perfect sunny day to be out painting en plein air! A note of caution here however... Do wear a straw hat and lots of sunscreen when you are out in the Spring and Summer! My first sunburn of the year happened today because I was not prepared!

2009-04-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

My Adobe Hacienda

This is a pen and ink and color pencil drawing I did en plein air in Taos, New Mexico. I know I have a thing about going to Taos and just spending time taking in the views. The mountains, the adobe buildings and just the ambience of the place attract me over and over again! Size: 5" x 7" NFS

2009-04-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Roxy Ann Above the Vineyard (Pastel)

On a plein air outing with my dear friend Karen Foster we caught this scene. At 1:00 PM the sun was out and it was warm. We drove just a short distance over to Foothills Road and Roxy Ann Vineyards. We stopped in a parking space adjacent to the Rocky Knoll Vineyard driveway, set up our equipment and started work immediately before the clouds took away our sun! By 3:00 PM it was getting windy and colder so we packed up. I had enough of my painting done so that I knew what I needed to do once I returned to my studio. Karen had done sketches and was ready to leave too. Watercolor and Pastel 11" x 14" Framed

2009-04-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Shadow Water

I have found that going out to paint in plein air on a Fall afternoon gives a different glow on the Rogue River! This time I chose to go back to the dirt road along the river near Gold Hill. Such a quiet serene looking place! You'd never know that across the river behind that fence is a wonderful home with a very manicured lawn! I love the way the river grows quiet at this location! Watercolor 22" x 26" framed. SOLD

2009-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

River's Bend

The Rogue River took on a special glow on a Fall late afternoon painting experience. I had driven out to Gold Hill, Oregon and took the dirt road that runs on the Rogue River near the bridge. I drove quite a distance up the river and pulled off in a spot apparently used by fishermen to launch boats. It was a great location! Geese flew up and down the river and played in the water and no traffic was on the road. I painted all afternoon on one painting. Before I could pack up to leave this site the colors began to change and the scene became more exciting! I found GOLD! This painting is 22" x 26". SOLD

2009-04-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Caprock Thistle

While on a trip to New Mexico in 2004 I stopped to paint this old favorite haunt located between Lovington and Roswell. As a teenager living in Hobbs, NM my school chums and I often drove out to this area called "Apache Sands" to ride horses , picnic, and just hang out together amongst the sand dunes. Great memories there! I was amazed to see so much foliage growing on the sand dunes which used to be almost barren! Watercolor and India Ink painting, 20" x 16" SOLD.

2009-04-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Resting Canoe

On this painting excursion I was painting alone. I happened upon this restful scene on a road that ran along a slough near Eugene, Oregon. The buildings seemed deserted but I knew someone was there because of the way the canoe was tied up to the bank. I waited for signs of life which did not appear but I painted anyway. Great Indian Summer day! Watercolor, 16" x 14" framed.

2009-04-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Old City Hall, Jacksonville

On a cold January day Glenda Cossette and I just drove down into Jacksonville from Glenda's home. We had planned to paint but it was foggy that morning. We waited to see if the sun would come out and it finally broke through just in time! We set up on Oregon Street in downtown Jacksonville. Glenda chose to paint a small cottage that once belonged to her grandmother. I chose to paint the old city hall where I had spent many evenings attending city council meetings on behalf of the Children's Festival. The painting is 14" x 16".

2009-04-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Applegate Valley Farm

By March, 2009, Glenda Cossette and I have established a routine schedule of Plein Air painting! We meet every Friday (unless the weather is just horribly cold and wet). The day we drove out to the Applegate Valley, which is about 15 miles from Medford, it was cold and cloudy. Taking our chances Glenda and I braved the cold put on our gloves and headed out! We found this farm just on Highway 238 just outside of the small town of Applegate and it was for sale. So we set up our easels right in the driveway leading to the farm and began our work. Just as we were ready to paint the sun came out and gave us wonderful light! Here is what I caught! Glenda's painting was delightful! My painting is 16" x 14" framed.

2009-04-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

View From Marjorie's Place

I have painted from this location before while teaching a watercolor class. Two of the demonstration pieces I did then sold and I ended up without a painting. So naturally I wanted to go back once again! It helps that the scene is a view from my dear friend's back deck. This time my friend was on a Greek island when Glenda and I went back to paint. (Permission to trespass had already been given.) This watercolor is 20" x 16" framed.

2009-04-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Valley View Barn

I called this "a barn begging to be painted!" Both Glenda Cossette and I agreed that we must paint it even though the weather was blustery and cold as you can tell by the clouds! We bundled up and even wore gloves to make ourselves comfortable enough to stay the three and a half hours it took to catch this barn in plein air! We needed lots of coffee on this day! The watercolor is 16" x 14" framed.

2009-04-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Carpenter Hill Vineyard

This is one of my favorite scenes! I have painted this site more than once and always enjoy the simple composition that is supplied by nature and the farm operation. Stacked close to the foreground you see pear packing crates. That is because Carpenter Hill Farm was first called Carpenter Hill Orchards. Now that the wine industry is taking off in Southern Oregon many orchards have converted to vineyards and are pulling out their pear trees. Once again it was just two of us, Glenda Cossette and myself painting. Afterwards we had lunch in Phoenix, Oregon. This watercolor painting is 16" x 14" framed.