cliff's plein air

2012-01-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

Ed's Peak Three Sisters Park 11x14 oil

Another beautiful day in Colorado, I never get tired of this place. Some of my artist friends live up around Evergreen. I tell them that they have the nicest backyard.

2012-01-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Fire Bush Lair O the Bear 12x9 oil

Painting with the PAAC or the 2 that showed up in the light snow and cold cloudy day. It was a great day to paint because the wind wasn't an issue. Lots of great photos but this one was done en plein air. The Willows are still showing their colors even if the leaves have long left the branch. Ted's painting was even more colorful. Love it love it love it.

2012-01-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

Summer Cabin Turkey Creek 12x16 oil

Didn't get to paint at Meyers Ranch because of the wind. Arrg I can't handle gusty winds. Can't fish, can't paint, and at 20 degrees can't fly a kite. But I did take some good photos and this painting is the result of that. Looks like it would be a really nice summer retreat.

2012-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

Snow Bank CO River 5x7 oil on panel studio

FINALLY got this one to dry. Learned a lot about using quick drying agents. Like, don't forget to use a quick drying agent. Galkyd is good, Liquid is a little better. Galkyd holds the impasto a little better than liquin but liquin is faster drying. This will go to Cindy's office for a little while.

2012-01-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

Dekoevend Park 9x21 oil plein air
The PAAC location for today was Dekoevend Park in Littleton. A fun little spot that has some challenges. The temperature was pretty cold as 9 am rolled around but it warmed up quickly as the sun made its presence known. What a great day. A little green grass in the sun melted areas, a little snow in the shadow areas and warm brushy stuff by the little stream. Using thick paint has its fun stuff and wiggly bits. You never know how far to go until you have gone too far, with the paint. :-)

2012-01-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Golden Stream 12x16 oil

This painting is going up to the Colorado Mnt Art Gallery in Georgetown. It was painted from a photograph taken at Eldorado Springs. Just wanted to share.

2012-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

1/1/12 Bear Creek Green Belt - 1 2nd annual New Years Day paint out

1/1/12 Bear Creek Green Belt -2 2nd annual New Years Day paint out

1/3/12 South Valley Park - Paint out at Deer Creek Canyon was kind of a bust because of all the clouds. So a few of us went to the next closest park which was South Valley Park. the clouds persisted but there was a little more protections among the rocks.

2011-12-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

Red Rocks Snow 9x12 oil

Snowy Red Rocks 9x12 oil

Colorado is the place to be for beautiful, crisp sunshine. What a beautiful day. Almost got a sun tan, lol.

2011-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Blackmer Common 9x12 oil

Highline Canal Trees 9x12 oil

Oh, the weather out side is frightful (yesterday) but the temperature is chilly but getting warmer, so let it sunshine, let it sunshine, let it sunshine. OK, so I'm not a very good lyric changer. I wont quit my day job, even though slinging paint isn't exactly a get rich kind of plan. It still beats the, 9-5, rat race, business suit, combat life style, which, I don't miss at all.

2011-12-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Winter Blue 11x14 oil plein air at the Lair O' the Bear

Warm Winter Willow 11x14 oil plein air at the Lair O' the Bear - work in progress

The paint out at the Lair O' the Bear with the PAAC was a wonderful, beautiful day to paint. the worry was for the forecast of rain and snow in the mountains but as usual you can't trust the weather. It could be sunny in the city and snowing in the mountains and vice verse. I kind of over dressed but the cold in the canyon made the coveralls worth while, but the sun made me wish I was only in jeans. A friendly little squirrel kept good company. She would sit on the pick nick bench and watch me paint. Probably waiting for me to drop some food crumbs. Next time I go I will brings some dog biscuits or something.

2011-12-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Jack Frost Lane 9x12 oil

A studio painting from photograph. An attempt to get loose. I just love the stories this style of paintings tell. I think I'll so some more.

2011-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Elk Meadow Morning 6x8 oil

I didn't go painting today because it was so cold and because the garage heater needs to be installed. But I did get to do a quick sketch based on the painting I did last week in a style that has been tumbling around the back of my mind. I am getting closer to that idea. Lots of splashy paint.

2011-11-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

Elk Meadow 9x12 oil
Trying a couple of new things. One I mounted smooth linen to 1/4 MDF with Miracle Muck.
I like it. Second, I wanted to start getting back to my roots of abstract painting. Looks like I will need to work a bit harder on that part.

2011-11-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

Bluff Lake Morning 9x12 oil
It has been a little while since I painted plein air. A couple of weeks at least. The insulation, dry wall and electrical upgrade to the garage has been a very time consuming. It looks like it is coming together and I can get back the arts routine soon.

still life study sequenceFinishPersimon

2011-11-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Original Composition

toning the canvas

Change the composition

rough in

first color

local color

Persimon 12x9 oil

2011-11-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Audubon Center at Chatfield Reservoir 9x 12 oil

The sun was shining at the house but the clouds and the cold hung in the air at Chatfield Reservoir where the Audubon Center is located. Most of the time was spent on staying warm and having fun with the other artists who showed up. The rabbit brush is hanging on despite the cold and wind. Tomorrow is forecast to have lots of snow. I am glad it held off just long enough to go paint.

2011-10-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Mnt Vernon CC 11x14 oil

2011-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Mayhem Gulch 11x14 oil plein air

Snowy Clear Creek 11x14 oil studio

A couple of pieces painted for the Mt Vernon plein air event. I will be plein air painting there on Sunday Oct 30 from 12:30 to 2pm

Also, a pastel painting demo for the Pure Pigment show in Thornton at The Oz Gallery on Nov. 6th from 2-4pm

2011-10-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Quitting Time (Candle and Glasses) 9x12 pastel

2011-10-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Cindy 9x12 pastel

2011-10-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

S. Platte Park Fall 12x9 oil

The morning started out with the worry of rain and snow in the forecast. The sun decided to make its self known before the weather gets wet and snowy.

Fall S. Platte Park 9x12 oil

So I had time to paint another fall scene.

2011-10-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

Fall Confetti 9x12 Pastel

Haven't done a pastel in a while. They are always fun.

2011-10-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Denver City Canyon Lands 14x11 oil

Pigeons, 950 Lincoln 12x9 oil

Tell Me Where to Go 16x12 oil

Was just notified that these 3 paintings will be in the Denver Plein Air Show Nov. 15th, from 5-8pm, at the Denver Public Library Show runs from Nov. 15th to Dec. 31st 2011

2011-10-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch 9x12 oil

Painted at Hudson Gardens with the PAAC

The day started out really chilly and I was worried about the

sun maybe not showing up, but it all worked out just great. Some have mentioned that is difficult to leave a comment. It you are having trouble please let me know at clff@cliffaustin.com This is an ongoing challenge.

2011-10-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

100N and Main St Moab UT 9x12 oil sold
This afternoon painting came in 2nd at the quick paint at Moab UT

Afternoon at Arches N.P. 9x12 oil near Moab UT Painted very quickly, there was a lot of atmosphere that afternoon.

Aspen, Arches N.P. 11x14 oil The morning light just made these trees glow and they are not Aspens, but they reminded me of CO Aspens

Fisher Tower Moab UT 11x14 oil had to paint this in 2 sessions and of course the light was different,

Windows, Arches N.P. 11x14 oil sold this painting came in 5th in the over all competition and sold on auction night

2011-10-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day in Colorado. Jean Widman graciously invited PAAC to paint at her house up near Look Out Mountain. It is just gorgeous up there. So this is titled "Look Out Mnt" 9x12 oil. She said that the deer and elk often visit her here in her back yard. They weren't around today, but to be careful of the mountain lion that is said to have 2 cubs with her. That is why I stayed on the porch. :-)

2011-10-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

10/8/11 pastels 9x12

How much fun can you have? These sketches were done at the Art Students League for the Pastel Society of Colorado. I had the good fortune of demo-ing the different kinds of grounds a pastel painting can be painted on. Five same sketches were done on different grounds, UArt, ArtSpectrum pastel ground on Masonite and Golden Acrylic Pastel ground on hardboard (MDF) and smooth cotton canvas from Raymar. The emphasis was on fun. When was the last time you got to just play with the materials. We learn so much faster when we play.

2011-10-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Turkey Creek Aspens 9x12 oil
Peter Heineman, artist and friend, invited the PAAC group up to paint at his home in Cripple Creek. It was the perfect timing as the weather man forecasts colder temperatures and cloudy skies this coming weekend. This nice little spot is on the way up the driveway to his house. Many artists chose this area for good reason. It is a glowing little gem of a scene.

2011-09-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

Blue river 9x12 oil
PAAC Paint out at Silverthorne at Barrett Edwards place. Painting in
the morning fishing in the afternoon, what could be better.

2011-09-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Mt Vernon 8x10 oil
Noel Custer who lives up by Mount Vernon invited PAAC to paint at her property. Wow what a gorgeous location to paint. Wish I could stay all day. There are so many spots to paint.

2011-09-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

St Elmo Aspens 12x9 oil

Business Award Colorado Mountain Plein Air Festival Salida

What great weather during the CMPAF in Salida/Buena Vista CO. What made it even more fun was that I caught some fish in the Arkansas River. Last year I kicked myself in the rear for not taking my fishing pole. Have two addictions satisfied (painting and fishing) made the trip really worth while.

Fertile Ground 11x14 oil

This painting was created the week before when the stamping of panels was getting started in Salida. The day after was a bust because of the wind and clouds and threat of rain hampered the painting sessions. It was probably my mood that did me in and not the weather.

Smyth Fishing Lease 9x12 oil

Here is the bluff above the Arkansas River where I caught a fish. A little brown went for a Blue dun and made my day.

2011-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Paint out at Bergen Park with the Pastel Society of Colorado. Watercolor under painting with pastel finishes. Fun stuff. Cool and unfamiliar at the same time. This is definitely out of my comfort zone.

Paint out with PAAC at Clear Creek. Back to oils and chasing the light again. Clouds and sunshine were making for an interesting painting. Decisions I started out with were not the same as the ones I finished with. Oh well. It keeps me on my toes.

Castlewood Canyon Plein Air

2011-09-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today at Castlewood Canyon, the weather was rainy in the morning and so I tried to express that here. Something simple, just to get some paint on the canvas quickly. As always, the Colorado weather is great. By Noon-ish the temperature got warm enough to take the jacket off.

2011-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Kat's Place 12x9 oil
Victor CO, Brush Rush, Quick Paint Winner
Just back from Victor CO and the paint Victor Celebrates the Arts En Plein Air. What fun that little town is. Population aprox. 400. But opening night it seemed like a lot more people were there. I met the nicest people. Some artists from Colorado Springs and some traveling artists and a few Denver artists. We all had a good time. Even got to meet some patrons who were truly nice people. I think next year will be even more fun.

Today's paint out was at Silver Plume. Not many showed up because it was raining. It was an easy drizzle so we painted anyway. Hardy folks these plein air painters. Fun fun fun. If you have never painted in the rain I suggest you try it, as long as it isn't raining hard. Its good fun.

2011-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Van Bibber Park 11x14 oil
What a cute park. Kind of reminds me of Highline Canal only long and narrow.

2011-08-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Painting Red Rocks 11x14 oil
It feels good to be back painting on my own again. The work shop last week has my mind trying to digest a lot of ideas. Now I can start applying those ideas to a painting. This could take a long time. :-)

2011-08-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pastel paintings produced at the Richard McKinley workshop. Under painting with water color and then pastel on top produces exciting dialog with the painting that helps the painting to glow. While I've got a long way to go before the paintings start to glow like I want them to it is still a way to make the image speak.

2011-08-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Richard McKinley workshop the week of Aug. 15th to the 19th was intense, and I loved every sun baked minute of it. I was so hoping for something that wasn't art 101 and wow was I happy. Insights to technique, design, viewer psychology, and professionalism will keep me working at this thing called painting for a long time. I was so far out side of my comfort zone that it was like too much coffee, just buzzing to find some stable ground to anchor to. Richard is a wonderful teacher who is informative, entertaining and encouraging. I highly recommend taking his workshop.

2011-08-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

WHR Wyoming Hereford Ranch 11x14 oil

Best of Show

Judge Sterling Hoffman awarded this painting Best of Show 8/13/11 at the Inaugural Deselms Gallery Prairie to Peaks Plein Air in Cheyenne WY

Harvey Deselm worked furiously to get the show hung. Dot is a pretty

happy puppy especially when the guests paid attention to him.

All in all the plein air event was really enjoyable. I met Ginny and Duane Butcher who provided room and board and who are wonderful people. I know I've made some lasting friends. They showed hospitality above and beyond what one could normally expect. Next year is going to be a blast especially with Ginny guiding us to little gems hidden from the highway in WY. I met Dru Robert during this paint out and found a person who has had lots of similar experiences, so much so that we were starting to think we were living in parallel universe's.

2011-08-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Time For A Refill
11x14 oil
Here are a couple of painting at Grants Ranch near Glenrock Wy. for the Prairie to Peaks Plein Air in Wy. What a gas. The first week up in Cheyenne was a get to know the area and then the second week I was fortunate to stay with the Butcher family in Glenrock WY. They are the salt of the earth. The nicest people you will ever meet. Ginny and Duane showed the gems of WY which is the people and the ranches that are tucked away from the highway.

Grants Ranch
11x14 oil
There is so much to enjoy in WY that I am already planning to go back. Can't wait and with hosts and guides like Ginny and Duane the time spent there will produce some amazing paintings.

2011-07-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mt Vernon Gardens at Washington Park 9x12 oil
I had no idea that the garden was called Mt. Vernon. It was in full bloom and it was obvious that the gardeners take real good care of the plants. The colors were stunning. The butterflies were gorging on all the nectar and the bees were having a blast. I don't usually pick this kind of location but it will be adding it to my favorite places to paint in the summer.

Name that Wildflower 8x10 oil
Just threw this in to see how it looks as a postage stamp he he he

2011-07-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Reynolds Park 9x12 oil plein air

This spot was a wonderful find. The paint out was originally planned for Newton Park off of Foxton Road off of 285. But nothing on the web said it was a youth park and that you needed to make reservations. So down the road a bit was Reynolds park. I was pretty sure everyone would be mad at me but Jon and Nancy were able to find me and we had a nice time painting together.

Reynolds Park 2

This is the second painting in the same location but looking off to the right. It was painted pretty quickly so there will be some minor touch ups to it. Like fixing the mickey mouse ears. he he he

W

2011-07-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Pastels are sooo much fun. Wish I could do much more. Here at White Ranch Park just above Golden CO we are painting the sunny hill sides. There is an old barn, kind of a building, in the valley that I took a ton of pictures of. I will be painting it a bunch of time. It is good reference for lots of future work.

2011-07-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Bear Creek Haze 9x12 oil pleinair

After speaking with Dan Schultz at the Art and Wildflower festival, in Breckenridge, I have changed my palette. He suggested that to move out of a plateau, that I have been stuck in, that I stop using my crutches, which are Sap Green and Burnt Umber. This has definitely shifted my thinking and will make painting a little more challenging. The greens that I use now are now a lot different.

Also had some time left over to do a quick sketch of fellow artist Shari. What fun. Scrubbing paint in about a half an hour and incorporating figures. I have painted figures in Pastel and WC and at the ASLD but have felt intimidated in the plein air arena. This could become a regular thing. Fun, Fun Fun.

2011-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Breckenridge Poppies 9x12 oil plein air at 2011 Art and Wildflower Celebration

Got rained on for 3 of the 8 paintings created at the Breckenridge CDLT fundraiser. This is one of the paintings that got wet, along with me trying to hurry through it. It is not finished but was a lot of fun. "Painting in the rain, just painting in the rain, what a glorious feeling, " well, you know the song.

2011-07-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Dry Gulch 9x12 oil

This was painted up Breckenridge during the Continental Divide Land Trust Art and Wildflower Celebration. Eight paintings total were created during the 4 day plein air event. What a great place to paint. There is a lot more to Breckenridge when you get to know some of the people and history.

Cloud Chasing 11x14 oil

At one point there was a group of people behind me asking questions and I had only about 30 minutes to complete this quick study. So while I was answering questions and mixing paint the clouds were moving out. I loaded up my brush and slapped on some shadows for the clouds and loaded up the brush again for the tops of the clouds and they were gone. "Where did my clouds go??!!" The people seemed to like that.

2011-07-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

McCabe Meadows 12x9 oil plein air

What a beautiful morning. I know, I say that a lot. I think I need to adjust my studio lighting. The colors in the field are OK, but the reproduction shots in the studio are coming out warm and almost hot. But that is not the way they photograph. Hmm maybe I need to adjust the light in my studio. White balance the camera? White balance the studio lighting? A combination of daylight fluorescent, incandescent and halogen lights are what I use now. Maybe they are out of balance. Any one know how to check for kelvins with out an expensive meter? I will be striving for a 5200 kelvins that is balanced toward shadowed day light. How to get north light in the basement. Neat trick huh? :-) This painting is not that hot.

2011-06-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Central City 12x16 oil
Hot off the easel.

2011-06-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

Walden Ponds 9x12 oil
What a nice paint out with mostly the Boulder portions of PAAC and a beautiful day to boot. Just love it. I did however forget to bring bug repellent. Live and learn :-)

2011-06-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hidden Mesa 9x12 oil
This is painted real fast. I had to get to SAKs to deliver a couple of paintings for the PAAC show there. I see a few things I will change but for the most part, I will leave it alone. Maybe just a little more light between the buildings. Had a nice conversation with Adam, the guy who is improving the area. I think I'll go back on my bike to look around the cherry creek trail.

2011-06-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

Alamo Placita Park 14x11 oil on panel

I was very worried that there would be no flowers available to paint, but luck was on my side. Although the plantings were not as full as they would be later in the year there still was a lot of color. I painted this in the sun so it has some difficult values. After adjusting them in the studio the painting is complete. When I get better I will be able to add figures, like the gardeners that were there tending the plants. Some of the peonies were beat down after the rain last night but Nancy captured them in all their splendor. Next time I'll try to paint them.

2011-06-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Boodle Mill 9x12 oil

This cute building is up by Central City

2011-05-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

Empire CO 11x214 plein air

What a beautiful day even though it was windy and a little chilly at 9am. After an couple of hours the sun turned out to be really warm but the wind was playing tricks. Just as soon as you stood back to view the painting it would gust and try to turn the easel into a kite. What a trickster.

2011-05-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Stream of Light 26x30 oil

Since the PAAC paint out is canceled due to rain I thought I would post this for your enjoyment. It will go to the the Courtyard Gallery in Castle Rock

2011-05-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

1000 Old S. Gaylord oil 11x14

Chasing the sun this morning was a challenge. When the sun came out it was only for a few minutes and so part of the painting has elements of sun and parts have not. Its an interesting effect. The shops in this old part of town are really cute. I will need to go back and paint it some more. As the crowd came in I had to look around fire trucks and vans and towards the end there were cars all over. I better start painting cars :-)

2011-05-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Now you see it, now you don't. After living with the painting for a day the telephone pole was a "what was I thinking element". So it had to go. I also punched up some of the values and "viola", this is the result. I think it is ready for a frame.

2011-05-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Egli House At Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge 5/10/11

11x14 oil

Registered in the National Register of Historic places. Whoo whee it is windy. Luckily I could park the car in such a way as to give a bit of shelter. Not a bad day, just windy. Music playing, sun is shining, I could get used to luxury plein air painting.

4th Rocky Mountain International Open - Denver Croquet Club

2011-05-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

4th Rocky Mountain International Open
Thursday May 19 through Sunday May 22, 2011 Denver, Colorado

Artist Day
Thursday May 19th 2011 is the Rocky Mountain International Open Artist Day. Artist are invited to attend the 4th Annual tournament of Professional Croquet. Nationally and Internationally ranked players will be competing in the 6 wicket International Laws (Association) Croquet.
Colorado artist are invited between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM each day. Artist may set up inside the fence with permission and any areas surrounding the Lawn. The Main venue is on The Lawn in Washington Park. There is an additional venue, but you must register at Washington Park before proceeding. Special restrictions apply at the other venue, such as no jeans allowed. See tournament director Ron Eccles for more details and procedures. Cliff Austin and Ron Eccles will be coordinating on behalf of the Denver Croquet Club Interested arts should contact Cliff Austin 720 401 3496 cell, C Austin Fine Arts LLC http://cliffpleinair.blogspot.com www.colorado-artist.com/CAustin www.pastelsocietyofcolorado.org www.pleinairartistscolorado.com Or Ron Eccles 720 937 2056    denvercroquet@yahoo.com Special arrangements can be made to participate in the reception on Friday evening May 20th and the Championship reception on Sunday May 22 by arrangements with Cliff Austin or Tournament Director Ron Eccles 720 937 2056.
On May 19 to 22, 2011 The Denver Croquet Club will host the 4th “Rocky Mountain International Open” 6 Wicket Croquet tournament playing under the International Laws of croquet as written by the World Croquet Federation. (Association Croquet)
Championship Association Singles will be played at the Denver Croquet Clubs home court on “The Lawn”; built in 1924 for the Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club, which still bowls as a club and has open leagues at this historic site.
The tournament will use the United States Croquet Association open format of 2 hour 15 minute single matches with block play leading to single elimination playoff with medal round, plate event & BO3 finals. Additional Contacts
Phone: Ron Eccles    720 937 2056 E-mail    rontseg@comcast.net
Rich Lamm    303 388 3288    richlamm@comcast.net UnitedStatesCroquetAssociation www.croquetamerica.com World Croquet Federation    www.wcfcroquet.org Croquet World Online Magazine    www.croquetworld.com National Croquet Calendar    eliassen@ados.net Details of “Solomon Trophy” test match at www.croquetworld.com

2011-05-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Titans Road Red Rocks park 11x14 oil
I needed this warm day. Warm colors. T-shirt and shorts, weather is just around the corner and I am sooo ready for it. Early spring is transition time with lots of brown. Spring into summer is light greens and blossoms and color and warm sunshine. And lots and lots of color. This year is going to be way good. Just gotta get out and get a tan. I am so white its embarrassing.

2011-04-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

What a cloudy day. Guess they can't all be sunny. Wasn't sure I would paint but the crab apple blossoms caught my eye. Too bad the replication here doesn't match the color very well.

2011-04-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Garland Park 11x14 oil

Today was supposed to be all wet and rainy but it turned out to be nice with sunshine and cool breezes.

2011-04-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Sawhill Ponds near Boulder 12x16 pastel
(Aubergine pastel ground on Masonite)

This past Sat was a paint out with the Pastel Society of Colorado. Blue skies, cool breeze, good friends. This time of year has some wonderful advantages. Being able to get out and enjoy the opening up of the senses as nature starts to bloom all over the place. Bug in the air tells me that I better keep my fishing pole handy.

2011-04-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hike to Adams Falls Grand Lake 12x 16 pastel
Pastels are so much fun. Just need to have all the colors in all the shades and all the tints and all the values and all the brands and all the papers and all the spacers and all the ...... he he he Ya gotta love it. :-)

2011-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Homestead Trail head Castlewood Canyon 11x14 oil

What a beautiful day. Cool and warm at the same time. The canyon itself was kind of claustrophobic because the scrub oak hasn't started to bud yet so we went back to the entrance and painted this old stone building. It probably has some interesting tales to tell. It will be fun to return to this area when the spring green starts to bloom.

2011-04-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

O Fallon Park Outhouse

11x14 oil plein air

It was forecast to be a warm and windy day and it was. Luckily I found a spot where the wind didn't make painting a headache. It was instead, a fun spring time hike and outing. I am not sure why I chose to paint an outhouse but it was kind of fun.

2011-03-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Crown Hill Park 11x14 oil

Brisk day, warm sunshine, cool wind and lots of compliments from passers by.

Crown Hill Park in pastel created just a few weeks ago with the pastel society paint out 12x16

Another pastel of Crown Hill Park painting done on the same day as the previous pastel.

Hmm, I must like this place.

What do you think?

2011-03-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge

The weather man said it would be warm and sunny and it was when I left the house. When we arrived at the location, it was cold and cloudy. Met a new member to the PAAC group and I think he said he was from Alabama. He was really wanting to know where the 360 days of sunshine was in Colorado. I could only smile and think to my self, just give it a couple of hours, it'll change :-)

2011-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Where's the Bear?
I know I say this a lot, but wow what a day. First of March and I am out painting in my t shirt. Ya gotta love it. Good friends, warm days, challenging paintings. Can it get any better? Well maybe, if there was a sale ? :-)

2011-02-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Roxborough Park
A beautiful spot and a beautiful day. But I didn't know that there is a problem with rattle snakes there. An artist familiar with the area said that during the summer months it is best to stay on the trails and be very careful of stepping off of the path. It is still cool in the mornings but those little critters could be trying to warm up on a rock, just out of sight. The golf course just over the ridge has maintenance carrying a few off the course every morning during the warm weather. Hmm a new meaning to the term hazard.

2011-02-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Deckers 12x16 oil

It has been a while since the weather was nice enough to go and paint on location. The destination was Deckers, by the Flies and Lies fishing shop. It was a beautiful day. In the mid 60's and enough sun to drink by the gallon. It took longer to get to the location than anticipated but well worth the drive.

2011-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

Mt Galbraith Park 11x14

The temperature was a warm 32 degrees and started warming up shortly after the painting got started. What a really nice day although the painting had to move quickly due to the changing weather. Clouds this time of year seem to move quickly which is nice because the effects are stunning but hard to paint.

2011-01-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

Jan 18 2011,

Here at Prospect Park the weather was beautiful. With the sun shining on our shoulders, the day started with good conversation and warm sunshine. Tomorrow might be cold and cloudy but for today the scenery was gorgeous. Towards lunch time the wind came up and it started to get a little cool but this painting made it through the breeze.

2011-01-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

Meyers Ranch Park

Just next to Aspen Park before Conifer is Meyers Ranch. I have never painted here but have driven past it many time. The more I spent time looking around the more paintings seemed to expose themselves to me. It was not as cold as the last time painting but it was still chilly. I am glad I had hand warmers for my finger tips, other than that it was pretty comfy standing in the shade. This is a good sketch but will need some work to be a full painting.

2011-01-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

The paint out at Chatfield was a fun, fun, fun, OK it was also cold, but the idea of starting the new year with a painting was well worth the extra layers of clothes. It was a blessing that the wind wasn't blowing. The 8 degree temp did keep all the layers zipped up and gloves on. Started this painting with cloudy conditions (hoping for sunshine) and just when I got the shapes and values where I wanted them, the sun came out. Go figure. So I ended up slapping on paint as fast as I can just to get a reasonable sketch. Jon and Chris and I had lots of fun talking and waiting for the sun that just edged behind the clouds, not really playing peek a boo but daring us to paint so he could jump out at us. The sun did come out in the afternoon for a little while. Just long enough to take a few more pictures for reference to other snow scene paintings. Hope all of you have a Happy New Year and wishing you great paintings.

Cliff

2010-12-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hwy 285 From Mt Falcon Park. 9x12 oil

I was hoping for a little snow when we went up to paint at Mt Falcon Park but it was just a little cold in the morning. Lots of sun, than goodness, and a beautiful day. This felt like a very small painting since the last couple of pieces have been 18x24 and 24x30. Just love working at that scale. Snow is expected later this week so I will keep my cold gear handy. This coming Saturday, the first day of the new year, we will go and paint at Chatfield State Park. It should be a lot of fun.

2010-12-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

Road to Red Rocks painted at Mathews/Winters park. A record day for December because it reached 70 degrees in the city and the next day it was supposed to snow, well just an inch or so but still a big change. Actually the snow never really showed up. It is a busy season with lot of things to take care of.

Merry Christmas

2010-11-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

Today in Morrison, it was on the cold side but the sun was shining and I had long johns :-)

Not many showed up, just Ted, me and Bob. There is a lot to paint in this little spot. The rocks were sun lit but I didn't get the effect I wanted.

2010-11-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

After painting pastels in the morning, Norbert showed me a spot I had not been to before. Mt Galbraith. Nice place. I will have to put in on the PAAC list of places to go. It is close to White Ranch by Golden. The Atmosphere here is way cool. No pun intended.

2010-11-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

CO Railroad Museum paint out with the Pastel Society of CO, what a nice time. Have'nt painted in pastels in a while so it was really fun. A little cold on the finger tips but really fun. I gotta do some more.

2010-11-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Lair O the Bear in the Fall

What a cold and windy day to be out painting. Thank goodness the sun was shining. After a quick sketch I set up my fly rod and caught a nice little brook trout, how fun is that. I think I will set up more painting sessions near streams and rivers. Maybe the Blue next or the Platte.

2010-11-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Red Rocks N. Parking Lot

The weather forecast was for rain and possible snow but the morning had just enough good weather for a few of us to get our paintings in before the afternoon weather turns wintry. You gotta love Colorado.

2010-11-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Highline Canal aka Blackmer Common

What a beautiful day. Cold in the morning and cool by mid-day and warm by lunch. Just love it. Only a few showed up to paint but they were not disappointed. Lots of joggers and hikers and even a horse. Maybe I should have included them. Maybe next time.

2010-10-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Bear Creek Path

It has been a little while since I updated this blog. It has been really busy. I am looking forward to some slower paced activity so I can get busy painting. Today at Bear Creek green belt the sun was out but the wind was COLD. I wasn't prepared for the wind coming off of the pond and freezing my fingers. Just a taste of winter looming around the corner. I had better get my cold weather gear out. This painting was a little disappointing because there was to be a zig zag path but shivering fingers couldn't pull it off. Maybe I'll fix it in the studio where it is nice and warm.

2010-10-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Monarch Pass Aspens 2

2010-10-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers Up Close

Since last Tuesday was a wash because of the rain, here is a painting form off of the easel. Fresh and still wet.

2010-10-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Castlewood Canyon

Overlooking the plains and not concentrating on the canyon, I wanted to try a different process. It is hard to move out of the comfort zone and try different ideas. It is not always successful but that does means I am learning something, sure wish I could learn faster :->

2010-09-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Golden Gate State Park

This painting was unusual because I normally paint on a dark panel where as this one, is on a white panel.

Hutcheson Homestead in Salida

Colo. Mountain Plein Air Fest.

2010-09-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Picnic

This is a spot at Lair O the Bear. It was a geat day with cool winds and warm sunshine and it was even a little chilly in the shade. I love this time of year with its colorful days and cool nights. In a couple of weeks the trees will be in there full color, maybe even sooner. Aspens this year are great.

2010-09-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Arkansas River At Salida

The Colorado Mountain Plein Air Festival is a gas. It isn't over yet and there are a few more paintings I would like to do before the submission date of the 25th. The ccommute is killer.

2010-09-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Eldorado Springs

Painted from a photograph this painting is a result of a great morning of taking pictures. Lots of paintings will come from this set of photos.

2010-09-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

What a great day!! Instead of going to the Highline canal I wanted to get the last painting completed for the Golden Triangle Museum District Denver Plein Air Arts Festival. whooee. what a name. This painting will be submitted to be juried in and hopefully it will get some "air time" on a wall in the Denver Library. Oh by the way the name for the last painting submitted has been changed from Clouds and Aspen to Red Aspen. I confuse my self so easily.

2010-08-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Clouds and Aspen 24x30 oil

Leslie at Cherry Creek 11x14 oil

Here are a couple of paintings that have been created in the last couple of weeks. It is a busy season and I need to get some paint on. he he he. The weather was perfect. The sun was warm the breeze was cool and the scenery was inspiring. Leslie told me that she thinks this is the first time in the many years she has been painting that she was the subject of a painting.

2010-08-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Sand Creek Park looking east. A nice little trial that will be nice to visit again in the fall when the cotton woods start to change color. The trail is pretty long and I will need to get the bicycle out to see what is lurking around the corners. It goes from Quebec to Potomac I think. Well worth taking the camera along.

Sand Creek Park looking west.

2010-08-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

The paint out at Wash park was a lot of fun. We painted in the morning and the afternoon. More showed up for the am session than did the pm but that is OK, it was our first time and it will take some time to get used to the 2 painting a day challenge. Normally I face the opposite direction how ever this house in the shadow with the light coming through the trees caught my interest.

2010-08-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Bubble Gum

Whoo whee, what a fun time. I cut my teeth on abstract paintings and getting to revisit what I call fun stuff was a joy and a half. And,,, to win Best of Show at the Edge of Abstraction show in Evergreen was just awesome. All I can say is thank you.

2010-08-09T13:15:00.001-07:00

Here is the Audubon Cener painting after it has had a chance to cool off and get painted over.

2010-07-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

This painting gave me grief. The under painting wouldn't stay where I told it to and the upper paint insisted on melting away. It was hot, hot, hot. Maybe I will put this one in the ice-box and tackle it when it cools down. :-}

2010-07-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Observatory Park

Como, CO

Silver Plume, CO

2010-07-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a studio painting, 11x14 that I wanted to share. It is going up to the Grand Lake Gallery. It is called Hotel Row.

2010-07-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Genesee Park is a lot larger than it looks. I went looking for the Buffalo but they were not around, but getting to the back side of the valley was a lot of fun. It was a little difficult for a few artists to find us since it is a big area. Next time I will be more specific as to location. I settled on this little spot looking back towards the highway. It is just over the treeline. :-) I wanted something simple to practice color matching. It is always amazing how things look differently from outside to inside to on the spot color to shadow to time of day. I thought I nailed the color of the foreground but it sure looks different back at the studio. Relative color vs. spot on color is always a challenge.