Oak Creek Canyon

A warm Saturday afternoon led us to cool off at Oak Creek and search for blackberries. We found Oak Creek Canyon refreshing and loaded with blackberries (at least one particular, very top secret, area). The water was cool and the late afternoon reflections tantalizing. Take a look for yourself:

My brand new paint box!

Finally, here are a couple photos of my new paint box I made with my father-in-law Loren while up in Washington recently.  This paint box is designed to be carried with a shoulder strap and has the capacity to hold up to 4 wet paintings.  The palette removes to show ample space to haul brushes, knives, and paint.  I plan to take this hiking with me, set up the box on top of a tripod and paint on site, "plein aire."  Plein aire is a French term meaning painting outside, on site, and completing a painting study in one standing.  Many plein aire painters attach an umbrella to their easel to keep the lighting uniform over their painting.  Hopefully, I can just find a spot of shade to stand in.  Many people who see my paintings have asked me if I paint plein aire because my loose, vibrant style reminds them of other plein aire paintings they have seen.  So, now I'm geared up to do just that!  I've included two extra photos of my new cedar fence.  I loaded up just about enough cedar planks from my father-in-laws stash to complete this 23 foot section of fence to divide our driveway from the backyard.  I really like how it turned out, rustic, varied, and unique.

planted a few things as well

August Art Walk Event, Live Painting Demo

Trip to the Northwest

My wife and I traveled to the Northwest for our annual visit to see her family and enjoy some cooler weather. We spent our quick week picking berries, hiking in the woods near my in-laws place, a day trip to the beach, and a day trip to Mt. Rainier. The week flew by as we enjoyed visiting with family and friends we haven't seen for a while. My Father-in-law helped me build a paint box for plein air painting (I will share a pic of it soon).

Mosquito Creek - Longview, WA

Mosquito Creek

Mosquito Creek

Mosquito Creek

Mosquito Creek

Mosquito Creek

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Ecolo State Park, Oregon

Ecola

Spray Park Trail, Mt. Rainier

300 ft Waterfall at Spray Park, Mt. Rainier

Clouds obscured the mountain from a clear view, still lots of snow up there, probably 5 ft drifts at 6200' elevation

Lush forests along Spray Park Trail