Casa Grande Sketch

From the top of the Window Trail in Big Bend National Park, I sketched this out in pen and ink while watching the little ones.  I decided to add color as the golden hour approached, and left the upper corner open for tales of the day. Journaling through a trip in a travel journal is great fun, and a good way to work out future paintings to come. This area is full of paintings - if only I could get to them all!  Painting number 5102 in 5102 days. 

Casa Grande in the Chisos Mountains

 

Casa Grande is such a prominent feature in the Chisos Mountain Basin, it simply BEGGED to be painted!  I first sketched this in pen and ink in my aged travel journal, then in ink and watercolor in a different journal and orientation. When I approached it with oil, this mountain felt like an old friend.  I'm really focusing on the glorious mountains - and each quick paint feels more natural. So much natural beauty, so little painting time...... This is painting number 5095 in 5095 days.