Fort Bragg Revisit

I just got back from a long stay in northern California. It was a very fruitful visit in many ways. I did a ton of sketching, painting, photograpy, video and of course relaxing with Pam. This painting is from a visit in early 2000. Before my trip, I was doing a series of oil paintings from old sketches. I used a Sourcetex wood panel for my surface.

Mesa Bus Stop

I'm old enough to remember actually having conversations while waiting for the bus or train. Now we can self isolate and not even acknowledge anyone. This is a new part of Austin for me. I still visit my old hood out of habit. The economy and feel of Austin changed as we "emerged" again from the pandemic. The cost of living almost tripled for most of us and we had to move our homes in a very short time. I feel as if wolves have taken over our economy. It's unpleasant to witness and be victimized by. This will pass in time. I took the photo that inspired this painting during a walk. Of course the light attracted me but also the distance we create between us with technology.

Sierra My Perspective

One of very few oil paintings completed last year. My oil painting has decreased over the years and I really can't expalin why. I do enjoy the medium but I do find it messy and cumbersome. Its probably not that good for our environments either. Who knows this year may be a banner year for oils. This one is from my visit to the Lee Vining, California area in 2019.

Snow Covered

This little painting is from my trip to the eastern Sierra in 2019. I'm working on a series from this trip. Maybe I will show them as a group in my gallery. Speaking of which, Austin ArtSpace gallery will be hosting shows for the first time since the Pandemic. I will keep you posted. Its been hard for me to feel the freedom I used to feel in public places. I still wear a mask indoors and probably will for a while. Its a form of PTSD I think. I know I'm not the only person that feels this. Watching snow covered mountians offers peace and a sense of safety. Have a great weekend and find your inner peace and comfort.

Really Nice Fog

During my last visit to northern California the clouds had me. I did lots of little 3 by 3 studies in my sketchbook while Pam was driving or of photos taken while we were out. I think they were very abtract and more about how the landscape made me feel. I also forced myself to work with the pastels I had in California. I'm such an art supply junkie. For the past few years one of my vows has been to use the supplies I have before I make another purchase. Not working well.

In The Shade Made

These days getting a picture downtown without people is pretty hard. During the pandemic, not so much. Downtown was literally just buildings and a few cars. I hope our attempt at returning to "normal" will be sucessful this time. For all of you visiting our city for the Rodeo, SXSW etc..stay safe, healthy and enjoy Austin.

All Glory Fades?

I try to paint each stage of the florals life. This includes the eventual wilting, falling off the stem and ending up in my kitchen sink. The shapes become more complex and the colors change. I posed the question in the title because of our societies obsession with youth and beauty. I try to find beauty in all stages of aging because I was raised that way. That translates into my approach to painting florals. Lately I've been frustrated with the quality of flowers that are available for purchase. This year more flowers will be added to my garden.

This is an Agave that grew in my old hood prior to the February freeze last year.