"Calm Waters" ©

The whole idea of this painting was to suggest calm water flowing gently around the bend.  I had painted this scene before not knowing how to handle a some of the passages, this time the piece is better.  

Oil on linen,  16" X 20"

"Lazy River" ©

While painting this piece I kept hearing the old song "Up a Lazy River" in my head. My hope was to capture the calm water, cool morning air and sunlight just making an appearance for the day.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 36"

"Kern River" ©

Driving up the Kern River Canyon there are several spots to pull over and picnic while enjoying the river view. This was my first attempt painting the Kern on the trip last week. The first painting is always exciting, figuring out the palette of the landscape and how to paint what I am seeing that is so different then what I typically paint at home.

Painting on Source Tek panels, #66, always helps, the little lovely linen panels practically paint themselves.

Oil on panel, 10" X 12"

"Rainey Access"

"Fishing was great, catching not so good", was the answer yelled out from a passing boat by a fly fisherman. I had to laugh and enjoy the idea that we were both loving the day, no matter what. At the end I had 3 paintings, mosquito bites and my easel tried to fly (it survived).

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"River's Edge" ©

Small boats are tucked along the banks of the lazy rivers meandering across the French countryside.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

P.S. A family member has been in the hospital the past week, hence my painting output was on hold. I tried but the white coats and an emotional roller coaster seem to squelch all artistic inspiration. Looks like all will be well in a couple of months and I am back to the easel today with this painting. Thank you for your patience.

"Le Pont de Gourg'e" ©

Early in the morning driving to the Parthenay's famous livestock sale and market I saw this view at a glance and immediately knew it was a painting that needed to be painted. Standing on the bridge built in the 11th Century, the surroundings were silently awaiting the warmth of the morning sunlight, I was smitten. A larger painting of this scene is warranted and I'll try to paint well enough to portray the serenity I felt.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Tranquil Tunnel" © Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet, France

The French word "thouet" is an ancient Gaelic word meaning tranquil. It's a perfect word for the tributary river meandering through St. Loup-s. Painting this piece clouds blocked the sun randomly as if the light switch was being thrown every few minutes. Occasionally the sun would light up the the distant trees within the "tranquil tunnel" and that was my hope to capture.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"15th Century Remains" © Montreuil-Bellay, France

The charming 15th century village of Montreuil-Bellay overlooks the meandering river and what is left of an ancient bridge. While painting this piece I was imagining the hands that pitched and laid the stone and how many souls and hoofs had crossed.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Le Thouet" © Saint Loup sur Thouet, France

Painting along the bank, local French residence walking their small white dogs (why they are all small and white I have no idea other possibly that is all that is available or desirable) they would look at this little painting evolving, smile and give me rapid encouragement and declare it was beautiful. Far from home their warm smiles and words were so very welcome and gently pushed me though the painting.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"