Small and Plein Air Paintings

Descending into Leadville 18x14

Mosquito pass stands between Alma and Leadville.  Another artist and I had been over the pass on a photo trip, and saw this scene as we came down into Leadville.  Clouds are rolling in over the continental divide, and the church spire seems to point to the approaching storm.  As the road rolls into the distance, it seems to call us into the landscape.

 

High Noon on the Divide 11x14

The high mountain ridges are always dramatic.  When we add the beauty of pronounced light and shadows, this drama only increases.  I love to paint this kind of scene.  It is like a captured moment in time.  This was painted in the south western part of Colorado, not far from Telluride.

 

First Light 12x16

Beauty abounds in the mountains!  This plein air painting was done last year along the continental divide in Colorado.  I love the pinks and the lavenders of a morning sunrise.  As this painting evolved, I enjoyed the sensation of space from near to distant.  I feel the light in this image.

I remember how cold my feet were on that cool and crisp morning.  As the painting evolved the warmth of the light comes through and draws me in.  The Rocky Mountains are always magnificent and will inspire me my whole life.

 

 

On Top of the World 12x16

This is one of those great grey days in the Gore Range.  Every time I’m up there, I feel like I’m on the top of the earth.  Gazing into the great space and mountain ridges seems to make my worldly cares melt away.  Just as the light breaks through there is an enchanting light that defines the topography of distant Powell Mountain.  This is a beautiful place and moment of time.

 

No Name Falls 14x18

This was painted in Rocky Mountain Park.  I don’t know the name of this waterfall – hence the name.  I enjoy the backlit distance in this painting.  It adds more drama to the rushing falls and calm foreground.  This painting has nice areas of warm and cool light.

 

SOLD Old Cabins on Buffalo Creek 14x18

The Buffalo Creek area has been a destination for a long time, as the weekend cabins abound in the area.

This area is great for hiking, fishing, and painting I do a lot of paintings in this area.

Lost Creek Wilderness in Snow 12x12

This is a remote back country area about 20 miles from my home. In 2002 it was the center of the Hayman fire, Colorado's largest fire in history. The distant hill remains barren from this eight year old fire, but beauty still survives.

January Day on Horse Creek 12x16

I like the way the light value is framed by the dark hillside. This small plein air is about five miles from my house. It is the spot where Horse Creek Saloon once stood.