Bible Point

 

I love hiking this trail - and then painting Bible Point after the upward climb! I'll take this one to show in the Library at the YMCA of the Rockies!!   I really enjoy the vigorous ascent, and the sweeping views are amazing!  I chose the rocks today, but I may choose the mountains tomorrow!  Painting number 4562 in 4562 days, and i will drop this one by the Library in the morning. 

Autumn on Ross Richter Trail

This scene on Ross Richter Trail has been calling me  - ever since we hiked through here two days ago.  With a morning full of hiking and shopping in town, I only had 40 minutes to capture the essence of this place in oils.  Loose and fresh, this painting was a joy to paint in such a lovely day, and this trail leads right into the Rocky Mountain National Park. These are the first signs of fall I have seen - so, of course, I HAD to paint them!  Painting number 4342 in 4342 days. 

Hidden Lake by the Bluff

Setting up towards the edge of the bluff, I had a good vantage of the hidden lake and trail.  Not at all afraid of heights, I was a little worried that my gear might blow off the bluff - so I scooted back a few feet.  There is a hiking trail up to the tip of that bluff, with a wonderful view over the Missouri River.  Once in a while, I could see a hiker along that ridge.  I stood in the sun for this one, with one hand on my pochade as I worked.  Using a palette knife to define the rock face, I spread thicker paint on the masses.  My paint is starting to oxidize, as I forgot to refresh it between events.  The thick paint actually helps me here, lending itself well to the planes. There is also quite a bit of organic debris that has blown into my paint and palette - so there really is a piece of this place in this painting!  Painting number 3412 in 3412 days. 

Red Mountain over the Salt River

The Red Mountain was lovely at sunset, but we were soon spooked by the dense, brushy trail and the big cat sounds.  Once back on the road, we realized we had come in a back entrance instead of the main one. Silly Google maps, leading us astray!  Thank goodness we got our of there in time. The trail narrows quickly with darkness descending.  The trail was so dense that this was one of only a couple of clear views of the mountain and the river. We went in search of wildb horses, and there were plenty of signs, but we did not see them.  I want to return during morning hours, by the front entrance, to truly enjoy this place when we return.  There is a lake on that side that should offer some amazing painting opportunities, too.  I am really enjoying this gorgeous journal, it is a dream to sketch in such a book!  Painting number 3393 in 3393 days. 

Blevin Trail

What a joy it is to hike a new trail in the Arizona mountains!  The mountains make a fabulous backdrop to the desert landscape - and the gardener in me LOVES exploring the local cacti in the wild!  The Blevin trail is an beautiful hike through the desert, crossing a couple of washes in this rocky terrain.  There were several horses and riders on these trails - it was fun to see them!  It felt just like stepping into a western movie!  Painting number 2599 in 2599 days.

Hiking Cathedral Rock

Sedona is a gorgeous place for all things outdoors!  From hiking to sketching, there is a view in every direction.  This scene is on the hiking trail up Cathedral Rock, and sketched in ink.  I later came in with watercolors to capture those luscious red rocks.  Painting number 2294 in 2294 days.

Bluffs of Fox Hollow Trail

What a gorgeous morning for painting!  My first time at Lakeside Nature Center, I arrived early to scout out a painting spot.  Many volunteers were there for some spring cleaning of brush, so I walked past them to the limestone ridge.  Deciding on the path between boulders, I realized I had grabbed the wrong tripod from my trunk!  Rather than hike back to my car, I made due by holding my painting in one hand and brush in the other.  Biggest drawback?  I couldn't step back constantly to check the progress!  I will not make that mistake again!  The birdsong and gentle breezes were great accompaniment for a quick paint in the woods!  Wish I could stay all day! ainting number 2284 in 2284 days.

Mountain Trail Inked

The Yampa River Core Trail was the closest to our hotel, and the first one Michaela and I explored for a morning run.  Advised to dangle our keys to let the bears know we were coming, we ventured out!  The views are amazing at every turn, and the evidence of bear tracks were all over the trail.  This trail parallels the main thoroughfare in town, and leads out the other side.  Passing several other runners, I felt sure the bears weren't hungry.  They surely would choose juicier morsels than us!  I've gotten so fast at pen and ink sketches, I can do them on the fly with just a short pause in activity.  It really is remarkable how skills can improve with daily dedication.  Now, if only the watercolors were this fast for me.  I think they can be, I just need to devote more time to them.  Painting number 1618 in 1618 days.