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. 

The Window Trail

My very first time to visit this part of Texas has me sketching near the visitor center at the Big Bend National Park, as we watch Kirby and Casper on the Window small loop trail.  Michaela and Cooper are in the longer trail as the little ones explore every rock and road runner!  Keeping them close is no small feat, so my sketch is brief in pen and ink.  I'll come back in with the adventures of this day - and they were many!  I would not have imagined it would be in the 90s when it's only in the 20s at home!  I do love going south in February!  Painting number 5095 in 5095 days.