"Lingering Warmth" © #HansenDam #wambsgans

In a couple of weeks I am flying to Vermont and driving up to the Adriondacks with my gear to paint the classic scenes of the Hudson River group, from long ago.   In this painting I was thinking about those tonal paintings of water and hardwood trees but truly I don't know what to expect as I have never been to the Adriondack National Park.  Along with painting everyday,  I made more linen covered gator board panels, ordered bug repellant clothing and have started making little piles to be packed.  I really can't wait to jump on the plane!

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

"Hansen Dam Fall Colors"

Hansen Dam recreational area is about 14 minutes from my front door and offers incredible views that seem like you are thousands of miles in the wilderness.  There are many waterfowl in the reeds and weeds along the banks, especially beautiful white Egrets that might really add a nice detail to this painting.  I can add them and welcome any feedback as to whether or not to include the fine feathered beauties.  A rain storm moved in today and may have wiped out a lot of the gold leaves but if not it is a glorious place to paint in between the holiday festivities.  

oil on canvas, 14" X 18"

"Sunlight on the Riverbank" ©

Pardon the photo, Santa brought me a new computer and we are still making friends. I am learning the Mac way, after 18 years of Windows. Today's little painting gives you a peek at the backside of the Hansen Dam recreational area. The sparkly white sand was what attracted me to the scene and became the focal point of the painting.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"A Break In The Moss" ©

This morning walking down to Hansen Dam to paint I discovered the lake blanketed in moss. The ducks cut right through the carpet effortlessly, while conversing with one another. The cool breeze gave clue to break in the heat, thank goodness.

Oil on Panel, 11" X 14"

"Fall, Hansen Dam" ©

The fall colors are just starting to show in the leaves of trees around the lake. I'll wait a couple of weeks for the "gold". These Sycamores are a short walk down the bridle path leading away from the recreational area. I love the dance of working paint back and forth within the leaves, which I am sure will continue in the morning.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Sunlit Bank" ©

A friendly lifeguard at Hansen Dam drove a couple of us looking the just the right spot to paint to his favorite view of the lake. The brilliant bank sparkling in the morning sun grabbed my attention and held on tight.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Hansen Dam Path" ©

Paths snake in and out of the dense brush, created by small creatures, horses, fishermen
and possibly Barefoot Ted. In this path painting the brush open up allowing you to breath, until you duck back into the canopy of gold.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam Evening" ©

Today I took the little Hansen Dam III and blew it up a bit to 11" X 14". This gave me a bit more room to explore the Pepper tree in the foreground and work each part of the painting to a deeper level. (A note to artists, I worked on linen again and wow wee, it's so elegant and lovely to paint on.) I drove past this area on the freeway yesterday, near the waters edge all of the golden leaves have blown away and the trees are gray barren sticks. It might be interesting to paint one of the Hansen Dam scenes, now naked. Maybe tomorrow?

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Hansen Dam, Winter VI"

One last view of Hansen Dam in the winter, looking north from the south side of the water. Today was the twice annual California Art Club critique at the Autry Museum. I painted this before going very fast so that I would have a blog for tonight, now after hearing all of the thoughts of the panel I can just imagine what they would say about this little study. Here goes: More structure in the trees, connect the dark trees in an interesting way, create a light path and a definite focal point and on and on. It was a day spent not painting but well worth the time to straighten me out a bit. One of the many benefits of belonging to the club. Thanks CAC!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam Winter, V"

This scene is so typical of California right now, barren hills reaching out to the water below. Exploring the Hansen Dam area in paintings has been a nice break each day from a large (60" X 48") commission that I am working on. I am at the point of designing, which for me, takes the most time. This stage of developing a painting is so important, if the design/composition is poor it doesn't matter how beautifully the piece is painted it will still be poor. The investment of time is well worth it. Shifting back and forth from small 5" X 7" paintings to the large canvas allows for some fun.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam, Winter IV"

Still soaking up all I can from the Hansen Dam adventure, I took one of the small studies and painted a larger view of Hansen Dam in the winter.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Hansen Dam, Winter III" ©

Soft notes of color, in a tiny study of December near Hansen Dam. I think that this would make a lovely large painting. Compositionally I would change the lit mid-ground to a flat area, rather then an incline, as the incline mimics the angle of the mountain tops and in a large piece this would be repetitive. Also I would add a trunk system to the Pepper Tree on the left and maybe a cloud shape if needed. Otherwise it's ready to go.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam, Winter II" ©

If you can imagine standing at the waters edge and being totally enveloped by gold. The leaves, the light and the reflections in the water, all golden. What a glorious world, and right off the 210 Freeway!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"