Astoria, OR landscape – Between Sun and Storm, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.

Haystack Rock, protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Cannon Beach OR, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.

Cumulonimbus: Montana Sunset (2020), 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on 90 lb watercolor paper. For many years I’ve wanted to try painting night skies. In July 2007, I was driving through Montana to Alberta as the setting sun bounced golden-pink hues through the already fantastic storm clouds. I pulled over and took some photos, thinking that even if they didn’t turn out, something is better than nothing. Reference photos don’t have to be perfect to bring back the experience of a particular moment; they are just a starting point. I intend to paint this with acrylics when I’m through with my soft pastel kick.
Six pieces are showcased in Art Room Gallery’s “Skies” Nov. 17 – Dec. 17, 2023.

Alder Shadows, Nimkish Lake Sunset, Stellar’s Jay, Bigleaf Maple (Port Renfrew), Creyke Point, and Mount Douglas (Victoria), 4H x 6W inches watercolor pencils on paper

Rusty Train Car from logging in Nimkish Lake, Tree Silhouettes in Sidney, Seagulls on a Campbell River beach, and Thunderbird Park Totem in Victoria BC, 4H x 6W inches watercolor pencils on paper

Dungeness Crab, Qualicum Beach, Queen Anne’s Lace at Bexley Bay, New Growth, and Bumble Bee on Birds-foot Trefoil, today’s additions to the 4H x 6W inches watercolor pencils on paper series.

While on holiday here in Campbell River BC, I found a set of 24 watercolor pencils in a second-hand shop for only $2, and a pack of 4 x 6″ watercolor paper postcards for only 50 cents. During the next week (only while I’m here) I plan to paint small sketch-series of local sights.

Elk Falls (version 2), Vancouver Island, BC – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Showing online in Exhibizone’s Scenic 2023 October 09 – December 9, 2023.

Barred Owl, seen at Tualatin Nature Park, Beaverton, OR – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.

Lotus Blossom, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland OR, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.