Glistening Water

 9x12 pastel  $125.00

I'm eager to paint outdoors, but we still have so much snow, so I'm going back to photos I've taken on hikes this year.  We hiked up a mountain in North Creek in early Fall, following this creek until we come upon a reservour high on the mountain.  I remember how the water trickled down the rocks all along the route.  It was another amazing day with the Adirondack Mountain Club.   I wanted to show how slick those rocks seemed and the light as it changed on the water.    Painting from photos is the best I can do right now, but as soon as this snow is gone,  you'll see me along the paths and roads with my easel!

Tex-Mex Night

 12x18 pastel - $375.00

This has been a very busy month.  We had lots of snow and I've been working at Gore Mountain.  A weekend job ended up being a four day a week job.  I took it so I could ski for free, but now that I'm working four days a week, who has the time?  Anyway, I haven't had much time to paint, although this week I was home with a wicked cold and I got to work on this one.  I've been interested in doing some still life.  I had set this up in California, with a piece of my Mexican pottery, shot some photos and decided to try it.  I enjoyed capturing that Chulula hot sauce bottle, but had a difficult time with the onion!  How's that for crazy?  I will probably be working on that onion for awhile, but decided to post it anyway.

Hudson River Respite

 8x12 pastel - $140.00

Last fall we stopped at the Hudson River, where is weaves along Route 28 before North Creek.  There are rest stops along the river, where people can picnic and walk down to the river.  At one of the stops, I found a small tributary off the main part of the river.  Since I had my camera, I took many shots of this lovely little spot.  The sun was shining on the water and rocks, the colors of the leaves, bushes and water was incredibly vibrant.  A true respite from the swift flow of the Hudson and the cars driving by.

Afternoon on the Moose River Plains

I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.  I hope it will turn out to be a happy and productive one for each and every one of you.   I'm hoping to spend more time painting this year, after a very busy Christmas season working part time at the ski slopes.  I'm also preparing for a solo pastel exhibit at the Widlund Gallery in North Creek, NY from January 26 to February 24.  I'll have approximately 40 paintings on display and will have a reception on February 16th.

 11x14 pastel - $150.00

I painted this a few days ago, from a photo I took late August from my kyack.  I've talked a lot about the Moose River Plains and the Cedar River Flow, of which this is the main body of water.  It's a wonderful place to canoe, picnic or camp.  The area is very large and very wild and, although it's a 20 mile drive to get there, once out in a canoe, you feel as if you are alone with nature.

Morning Glow

 16x20 - pastel (sold)

I put this painting on my facebook page but never included it in my blog.  I'm starting to get interested in painting Adirondack inspired still life. I have another on my easel right now, but haven't finished it.    I loved this pewter pitcher sitting near a window, filled with light, at Washington's Headquarters in Morristown, NJ.  I went to my high school reunion last year and visited some nostalgic tourist spots.  Washington's Headquarters was one of my favorite places to visit. It's just as I remembered it.  It reminded me of the Adirondacks - light-filled, historic and beautiful.

I'm not a painter who gets too inspired by detail, I'm too impatient to spend lots of time painting things to look exactly as a photograph.  Why bother?  This pastel is as close as I can get to detail!

Morning Mist

With all the rain we've been getting here in the Adirondacks, we've had some mornings where the mist has lingered over the mountains and lakes, creating lovely fall mosaics.  Last Tuesday,  I drove to Adirondack Lake and took some photos of that fog lingering over the water and trees on the shores of the lake.  It begged to be painted.

 16x20 pastel - $675.00

A week later, it's still raining, and only things that are begging are the dogs, who need their walk in the rain!  At least we don't have to worry about forest fires now.

Summer Chickadee

 11x14 pastel  $145.00

This summer we had so many chickadees at the feeder, in competition with the squirrels, I might add, and the nuthatches.  The chickadees are friendly little birds, chicka-dee-dee-deeing away.  They are not afraid of anyone or anything, as far as I can see, and will eat out of your hand if you're very still and very quiet.