I'm working on a new series of Montana.  This is called Homage to the Bitterroots, 26x36 oil on linen panel.  More to come!

These next two are of the Chief Joseph River up close to Wisdom, Montana.  They are both 15x16 oil on linen panel.

Another Cattails Series Piece

Back to the board and a little looser....  It seems that if I work things out on board and really do my best at abstracting a piece, the next one on linen goes on a little more contemporary as well, so maybe I'll do a few pieces on board, then finish a series in linen, etc. etc. etc.  Eventually, I'm sure the two styles will merge and it won't look like I'm two personalities!!  You would think after twenty years of doing this, I would not be so afraid to start EVERY piece - you would think!  Just the opposite, I am more afraid than ever and more particular than ever.  Ready, set - JUMP!

And while I'm at it......

My framer and friend Tony Schleich from Rocky Mountain Frames!  Please visit his website and see his mouldings and finishes.  Handcrafted, fine quality and reasonably priced frames!


www.rockymountainframes.com

Making my own Linen Panels!

For the longest time, I would scratch my head when people said they stretched their own canvases - why would one take all that time when you can buy quality ones at really good prices - if I did my research?  Didn't make sense to me, especially when there is such amazing products out there (i.e. New Traditions Panels, Raymar, Sourcetek, Utrecht).  During my trip to Maine, I was introduced to the process of making my own linen panels on gatorboard using a heat activated adhesive instead of messy glue and weighting down the boards.  Using 1/2" foam gatorboard, Laminall, Claessens #66 Linen and my iron (with a sheet), my format sizes are unlimited!  Is it cheap - NO, but it is easy.  

The funny thing that happened was how much I enjoy the process.  I enjoy knowing that I have started my creations from the very beginning.  I like being able to get any size, any composition on a surface that I have chosen with loving care and made with my own hands!  I have also helped my framer design my most recent frames to complete the package.  I love the satisfaction of looking at a studio filled with empty prepared panels waiting to become paintings that I have already chosen the format and done the thumbnails for.  It adds to my excitement to get started!  The day might come where I go back to using prepared products as a time saver, but for now I think I will explore the possibilities....

Here is a link to my friend Lori McNee and her Fine Art Tips video of making the panels.  She has a step by step process to follow and though we differ on preference of gesso and linen texture, it's the same process.  I hope you enjoy and feel free to comment if you have questions or need more info!

http://youtu.be/RnhHtKemUcY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnhHtKemUcY&feature=player_embedded

Carmel Show

An extremely talented group of women have invited me to join them in a group show of plain air painters in the Mountainsong Gallery in Carmel.  I'm so excited to be part of this and get out and paint the California landscape! Stay tuned for more info.....