Morning in the Hills

Oil on linen panel, 8"x10"

Another scene from photos taken near Bandera, Texas. I took considerable liberty with recomposing and pushing color from the image I worked from.

Grapevine Hills

Oil on panel, 6"x8"
Another scene from the Grapevine Hills in Big Bend National Park.

Afternoon Light

Oil on panel, 6"x6"

Another Oak tree scene in the late afternoon light of the Hill Country.

Breaking Clouds

Oil on panel, 6"x8"
This is a morning scene as the clouds begin to break over the hills near Bandera in the Texas Hill Country.

Boerne Oak

Oil on linen panel, 8"x6"

This Oak tree was growing just outside of Boerne, Texas.

Castalon Peak and Ocotillo

Oil on panel, 10"x8"

This view of Castalon Peak is from the Tuff Canyon Trail. Castalon Peak and Tuff Canyon are accessible from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Road in Big Bend National Park.

High Desert Prairie

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

This scene is along the upper Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park.

Blue Near Bandera

Oil on linen panel, 12"x16"

This is a scene from memory of areas around Bandera, Texas. I started this painting with the intention of using no brush smaller than a number 8 but could not keep the number 5 out of my hands. I have to keep telling myself: try to keep it simple, use a big brush and paint shapes, not objects.

"Swift Water"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

This scene is from a photo I took while in Colorado this summer. I was there taking an outdoor workshop with George Strickland. After the workshop was complete I had a full day to drive around and paint on my own. I believe this scene to be near Basalt or Aspen on the way to the Maroon Bells. I have photographed this piece several times and just haven't been able to get a good picture of it. There is a constant glare on the dark pine trees and the trees on the far right side are almost blown out in the photo. The actual painting looks much nicer than my posted image.

"Mountains and Clouds"

Oil on panel, 10"x0"

This is a scene I have repainted a couple times on this canvas panel. It was done from a photo taken out the window of a car I was passenger in as the car was speeding along the highway. The entire foreground was blurred out but the background mountains and clouds were in focus and were my purpose for taking the photo.

"Land of the Yucca"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

This scene is from Dagger Flats in Big Bend National Park. The area is known for its' proliferation of Faxon Yucca. Occasionally they all bloom simultaneously and cover the horizon with magnificent aromatic flowers. They attract bees, humming birds and a multitude of insect varieties. Dagger Flats is off the beaten trail in the north east portion of the park, rarely visited, when the Faxon bloom it is a jewel to behold.

"A Lofty Oak"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

Another springtime scene with bluebonnets. I tried keeping the bluebonnets rather subdued and making the focus the large Oak tree being cropped off at the top of the painting. This was something that began as a thumbnail sketch and progressed to a finished painting. It might work nicely as a much larger piece.

"The Soft Hues of Summer"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

This scene is on the Post Road, south of Marathon, Texas. I think there is less vibrant color in the landscape during summer than any other time of year. Spring and fall are full of vibrant color, winter has so many beautiful warm grays and rich color but summer color often appears tired and worn.

"Distant Mountain"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

I painted this scene a couple years ago and thought I would give it another try. It is amazing the progress I have made in my work when at times it seems I struggle to improve. The difference in the two pieces is vast. This scene is in Big Bend National Park.

"A Verdant View"

Oil on stretched canvas, 24"x30"

I have made quite a few changes to this painting and totally repainted some areas. I left the original image for comparison purposes. It may or may not be improved but I felt the need to modify some areas and take the risk.



Oil on stretched linen canvas, 24"x30"

This painting was actually inspired by a smaller piece I painted a couple weeks ago titled "Bend in the Road". I was hoping to get the same spontaneity in this painting as I did in the smaller, but to no avail. I most likely will make a few modifications to this before all is said and done. Viewing online gives me a different perspective of what should be adjusted. Note to self: Bigger Brush!

"Evening's Embrace"

Oil on panel, 9"x12"

This painting went several directions before ending up as posted. I repainted it 3 or 4 times until I was somewhat happy with the results. I really had no idea or preconceived notion of what it would become before I started. This is usually a recipe for disaster.

"Oak and Cedar"

Oil on oil primed linen panel, 10"x10"

This scene is painted from a photo taken in Enchanted Rock State Park north of Fredericksburg, Texas.

"Cactus and Rock"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

I found this cactus was growing in the Basin of The Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. I slightly modified the design of the cactus and rocks to create more pleasing shapes.

"Sage and Sotol"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

Another painting of a scene from Big Bend National Park. I never tire of painting the desert and her mountains.