Snow by the River - miniature

Snow by the River
Acrylic on canvas, 3x3 inch with easel
Wolf Creek Pass, CO
sold

This is my late night posting after a full day spent at the hospital with my dad.  Thank goodness I was a couple of paintings ahead.  Since I am ready to collapse into bed for a few hours of shut-eye, I will make this a quick one.  Wishing you all a wonderful new year - and praying for quick healing for my dad.  This is painting number 366 (yes, I realized my count was off when I reached my original posting date last year - I'll try to keep better count in the future) in 366 days, and the 1st painting of the newest 30 day painting challenge by Leslie Saeta.

The San Juan in Pagosa Springs

The San Juan in Pagosa Springs
oil on panel, 6x6
Colorado
GOT Art Gallery Holiday Trunk Show

This painting seemed to take me forever to finish today!  I started the line drawing this morning, before going to A birthday brunch.  Hours later, I returned home to finish the housework - so I could then feel free to paint.  I start my painting, then am called on for a little grandson watching - which of course, I want to do!  Start, stop, start, stop...the method of my madness today, until - just now - I am finished.  I intended to use my palette knife, but I just couldn't get in the zone - so I forgot.  I ended up using my "stick" brush for so much of this, as I worked to define trees and mountains - trying to capture all the colors in their appropriate places.  I also intended to lay down some snow, but was so distracted that I forgot.  So, I guess you could say this painting found it's own way to completion, getting very little leadership from me!  Painting number 315 in 315 days.  And I thought I would get another 5 paintings framed today - ha!

Snow on the San Juan River

Snow on the San Juan River
Oil on panel, 6x6
Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
GOT Art Gallery Holiday Trunk Show

As we left Pagosa Springs, we were in a bit of a hurry.  The word was out that snow was expected, and the pass would soon be closed.  On the south side, the sun was out and illuminating the San Juan National Forest as we started through the pass.  About a third the way through, all became very overcast and the skies were spitting snow.  The farther we drove, the snow was accumulating on the roads, making them quite slick.  It also started blanketing the forest floor and one side of the trees, making a winter wonderland on the green grasses and foliage.  Snapping all the way, I was able to get some great reference to work from.  So, my Christmas painting begins with the 313th painting in as many days, and a lot of palette knife work :)

The Waters of Wolf Creek Pass

The Waters of Wolf Creek Pass
Oil on panel, 11x14

Today I am painting from photo reference I just took last week while coming through Wolf Creek Pass.  I have taken so many photos - I haven't even looked at them all yet!  To get to this spot, I had to trek through the brush, off the beaten path to get close enough to the water.  I wanted to set up my easel on the spot - but time would not allow it.  With the location so fresh in my mind, I can almost feel the cool wind and hear the loud rush of the water as I paint this spot.  The danger of being so close to the water is that I wouldn't be able to hear a bear approach, and I did see some very large footprints!  This painting makes 131 in 131 days :)

San Juan River Bluffs

San Juan River Bluffs
Oil on panel, 14x11
Pagosa Springs, Colorado

I started this painting on location at the River Walk Park just east of Pagosa Springs.  There are 2 ponds on site to catch the reflections of the bluffs.  I sketched it out in pastel, and was just ready to start laying paint - when I realized we had to get back in time to hear a jazz band play in town!  This is the way so many painting days go.....having to stop just when I am getting in the zone.  So, this one was completed back at the room.  Staying up late to finish, as I doubt I'll be able to paint tomorrow.  I sure wish I had been able to paint two a day all week long.......this one makes 126 paintings in 126 days.  So many beautiful sites, so little time.........

San Juan River Rapids

San Juan River Rapids
Oil on panel, 14x11
Pagosa Springs, Colorado

The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs is gorgeous - twisting and turning over rocks and against banks.  As I was painting this, three kayakers came right down the middle of the biggest falls.  Each one of them slipped underwater for just a moment before popping back up.  Then, each one circled back over to do it again before continuing on their journey!  I got some great photos - but they were too fast for me to put them down in paint!  This is painting number 123 in 123 days -  I may just be painting the river again tomorrow.....