Mountain Wildflowers

I found this spot while hiking thee trail past Bible Point the day before.  It was nearly time for my Live Painting, so I had to run.  I returned today to paint this glorious scene on the side of this mountain top, and I was joined by Jessica for an interview and photos.  She's the Social Media person for the YMCA of the Rockies, and what she put together from our chat was so amazing!  This Artist Residency has flown by too fast, and I'm not ready to leave.  Painting number 4564 in 4564 days 

View from the YMCA of the Rockies

What a spectacular view there is from the YMCA of the Rockies ! I did this quick sketch painting to prepare for the oil painting i did in front of the admin building during my live paint demo. I'm looking forward to sharing another live paint demo session tomorrow at the same place from 1 to 4. Painting number 4552 in 4552 days. 

Glorious Sky

 The golden hour in the Rockies is magical!  Ifind myself pulled to paint he first and last 2 hours of light each day - and I mean compelling need to capture the light!  So, tonight I approach the skyscape with oils, where i can layer up color as it appears. That is something I can't do with ink and watercolor.  I can hardly wait for sunrise to do it all again! Day 2 of my Artist Residency  Day 4547 in 4547 days.  This one is now showing at the library in the YMCA of the Rockies. 

Overlook Chapel

As a momento to the bride and groom, I am painting the scene where they will exchange vows tonight.  I actually sketched this in ink, and started laying in color earlier, when rain moved in - and we headed for cover!  Rain and watercolor do not mix!  Returning from a morning hike - where Mike and I scouted several new places to paint - we went back up to the chapel so I could finish this before the ceremony! Mike had a wonderful conversation with a youth leader who came to this spot for reflection.  I wish I could have been part of the conversation, but alas time grew short!  Mike corralled little Casper as I worked, and he became very adept at walking up and down the incline of the mountain top! What a breathtaking view - I could paint here for days and not tire of the endless beauty!  What a slice of heaven this is.  Now I must get ready for the wedding!  Painting number 3152 in 3152 days. 

Last Light over the Rockies

After spending the day with family in the Rocky Mountain National Park, we scouted our area and found this wonderful spot!  We are staying here at the YMCA of the Rockies for a family wedding this week, so of course I am finding time to paint the beauty in our down time.  The views from this Overlook Chapel in Estes Park are amazing, and this is where the ceremony will take place at week's end.  I finally have time to work with my oils this evening, and there is nothing as satisfying as letting the painting unfold before me.  Surrounded by cool, dry air and stillness, I revel in the exploration of the local color here . I'm surprised at how little wildlife I see here compared to Missouri.  At home, birdsong is everywhere, as are bees and butterflies.  Not so here, very few birds and I've seen one butterfly way up Trailridge Road.  We've seen about a dozen deer, three elk babies, a giant moose tonight, and a few chipmunks.  But all are quiet, even at night.  In such a climate, when a crow started making warning noises downwind of us, we packed up and headed out.  We've been warned the bears are more active than usual, and it was starting to get dark!  This is my first adventure in Estes Park, and I can't wait for more!  What a treat to get to immerse myself here - with paint!  Painting number 3149 in 3149 days. 

Mountain Road

I could hardly stop drawing during our mountain drive!  One right after the other, I drew the unfolding scenes before me as fast as I could, barely finished as the scene disappeared in the rearview mirror.  Nothing bumps up my painting speed like a fast moving car!  The one draw back is that I couldn't get a single photo of my drawing with the landscape behind it - it was gone before I could get the shot!  What a great way to spend that time - REALLY looking at the scene.  I had 11 of these painted before we left the mountains behind us!  Painting number 1620 in 1620 days :)