"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.

"Pump Canyon"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

This canyon is near the Rio Grande in Langtry, Texas. My brother Joe and I used to climb into it to explore and take pictures. We also tried catching a fish or two from the crystal clear springs in the canyon. I think it has been over 25 years since I have scaled the 300 ft. walls of Pump canyon climbing in and out of it. Painting this from one of my old photos brought back many memories of good times past.

"Afternoon Clouds over the Glass Mountains"

OIl on panel, 8"x10"

This scene is north of Marathon, Texas off highway 385. I had a very difficult time getting a usable photo of this painting and most likely will try again tomorrow. If I can get a better image I will replace the existing one.

"Hillside Oak"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

I started this painting from a photo I took between Sisterdale and Fredericksburg, Texas, but after my initial block in I just wasn't happy with it. The photo is drab and lacking of any real beauty. I was initially attracted to the image because I liked the oak on the hillside but there is little else appealing about it. I decided to put the photo away and paint it the way I wanted it to look. I am much happier with it now. Much better to work from life anyway but it isn't spring, bluebonnets are not out and I am not in the Hill Country right now.

"Sundown Blues"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

This was just an idea that popped into my head, so I painted it.

"Moon Glow"

Oil on panel, 8"x6"

This painting was inspired by the crescent moon over trees in my front yard.

"Spring Valley"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

Another made up Hill Country scene painted pretty fast.

"Desert Slopes"

Oil on stretched canvas, 18"x24"

This is a view of the eastern slopes of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park.

"Desert Color"

Oil on panel. 6"x8"

This is a view of Panther Peak in Big Bend National Park. The drought of the past year has killed and stressed desert plants that usually survive with under 10 inches of rainfall per year. The stress on the plants has created more color than usual and after a recent trace rainfall the plants immediately sprout new growth and green color.

"Heat in the Bend"

OIl on panel, 8"x10"

This is another painting that was started on location in Big Bend National Park. I had pulled off to the side of the main park road and set up to do this painting. It was getting late in the day and I noticed to the west of me, an isolated storm erupted over Tule mountain. Shortly after that, the wind began to gust and picked my easel up with painting attached and tossed it into the air. Luckily it came right to me and I was able to grab it from flight and rescue the painting but it happened to spill all of my turp on the road. So that ended my painting for the day.

"Bend in the Road"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

A made up scene of the Texas Hill Country. This painting was blocked in very fast. A few details including the bluebonnets were added after the block in.

"Zinnia"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"
Another painting from my backyard Zinnias.

"Patio Zinnias"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

These zinnias are growing on my patio in my back yard. It has been a chore to keep them alive with this heat and drought we are experiencing but they are hanging on for at least a bit longer.

"Spring Grazing"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

I used horses from photos I took in west Texas and used them in this springtime bluebonnets and pasture scene.

"Chisos Peaks"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

This is another piece from the Basin Road of the Chisos Mountains started on location and completed in the studio.