Snake River Canyon near Murtaugh, Work in progress

From Roger's....

Work in Progress 24"x30"

I have been trying, unsuccessfully, to take photos right after finishing my painting for the day. With the effects of a summer cold, I am too shaky to take a good picture.... but here it is so far.

...begining

Painting with total concentration is a healing and exhilarating experience. I entered the studio today fatigued and in pain. Wielding the brush took it all that away and brought the joy of exploration, of shape making, and pushing color relationships,. along with the challenging attempt of putting my feeling about this place into those color, texture and shape relationships. The Snake River Canyon always inspires feelings of awe in me, at the powerful forces at work in the earth. I love this view of the river rushing through the bottom of this tear in the earth.... these walls of lava. (the blueness may be too strong.... or perhaps I will bring the other colors into relationship with the blues...).

Sketch of Snake River Canyon Near Twin Falls

Found! A great place to work to paint views of the Snake River Canyon!!! A dear and most hospitable friend is building a wonderful home at this site (imagine arising in the morning to this view.... A-h-h-h....). I was able to spend a couple of hours here yesterday. Just enough time to do this very quick and rough sketch, begin a painting, and take a few photos. The site has many wonderful vistas I will enjoy exploring and interpreting the wonders of the canyon both here on the rim and down in the canyon. I see dozens of possibilities, and my friend is willing, even happy, to have me trespassing!

Iris, Peonies, and Poppies

Iris, Peonies, and Poppies

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas 42"x 96"

Finished, at last! When a friend purchased my painting of a tulip garden hanging in our kitchen, my Mother remarked that would be OK only if I promised to do another floral to hang there.

I began this canvas soon thereafter and it did hang above our kitchen table for many years while she was living. I chose to make it large so she could see the colors. She had lost most of her vision to Macular Degeneration. I chose to use the flowers she had grown through the years because we both loved them so.

After she died in 2004, I started to rework it some, but had not yet completed the rework. I decided now, while the same flowers were in bloom, would be a good time to re-complete it. Today was the day!!!

Below are two detail photos of it.

Detail #1 of "Iris, Peonies, and Poppies" Detail #2 of "Iris, Peonies, and Poppies"

 

July 4th, 2011, Stars and Stripes

Stars and Stripes

Acrylic and Crystals on Cradled Canvas Panel 8"x 8" $125

(Easel included)

sold

Memories of moments and times when the Flag of the United States of America has meant everything to me came back today while I have been celebrating our Independence Day today with millions of us and by myself.