Rain Curtain - Oregon High Desert

"Rain Curtain - Oregon High Desert"
18 x 24, oil on canvas

I am very happy with this painting. I originally painted a study very similar to this that was in a 10 by 20 inch format - thinking that the long horizontal "double square" would be the best for this stormy panoramic scene. But I discovered I really wanted to see more of the dramatic sky and how it plays off the light on the ground, so I painted this new version on an 18 x 24 inch canvas.

I also changed the color harmonies from the study and felt good about my understanding of values to create drama and volume, particularly in the sky. ( I have been working on this - understanding values, as I have a tendency to be hesitant about pushing the really dark areas). I also did a lot of scumbling and glazing and using a Q-tip to soften some edges, which worked really well.

After the painting was finished I noticed the suggestion of animals grazing and thought it was really cool they were there since I hadn't painted them in. It just adds another layer of interest and mystery due to happenstance and a brush that must have a mind of it's own.

WAOWing The Lone Star State

Women Artists of the West
Present
"WAOWing the Lone Star State"
A National Juried Exhibition

Sue Favinger Smith, Associate Member, WAOW

I am very happy to announce that my painting, Meditation, will be included in this show.

Desert Wild

"Desert Wild" original oil on canvas, 9" x 12"

SOLD

As nearly everyone near a television, it is difficult to ignore the heart wrenching images coming out of Japan. And like many of us, I started looking for a way to help. That's why I was excited to see that eBay was offering a way to donate a percentage of the purchase price to the Tsunami Relief Fund on selected items offered for bid. I hope you will consider clicking the link and looking at the auction site. I hope to add additional paintings in the near future. Thanks so much.

Solitude

This is a location that I have painted often - Rimrock Springs. The history dates back to early homesteaders, who settled in this valley because of the natural springs. The remains of the old cabin are still on the far shore but the area is now a wildlife refuge so public access is limited.

Each time I paint this location I find something unique, and I believe that each painting gets better in part because I am so familiar with certain elements that I'm able to focus on a single emotional statement. At least that's my hope.

"Solitude" oil on canvas, 16 x 16

Spring Storm, Looking West

I live in the center of the state of Oregon, an area of the high desert that extends across much of the interior west. When people think of Oregon they usually picture rain, thick pine forests, and majestic mountains - all beautiful. But the eastern half of the state has a different personality equally beautiful, and I am always interested in painting the vastness of the grasslands, the volcanic sculpting of the landscape, and the elemental power of our ever changing weather.

My inspiration for Spring Storm, Looking West comes from just such a location - the grasslands and empty spaces of the north central area of our state. Small towns that are little more than wide spots in the road are slowly disappearing due to the lack of work and a loss of interest in the lifestyle. This is antelope country. Elk, mountain lion and coyote, pheasant, Canadian Geese, grouse...the wildlife reclaims the territory as quickly as the human population moves out.

What I love most about this area of our state is that I can stand out in the elements and see towering volcanic mountains covered with snow in one direction, and an endless horizon in the other direction. When I am standing in this environment I find myself wondering what it would have been like over a hundred years ago. I imagine myself riding through the canyons, leading a string of pack mules, looking for a sheltered place to stop for the night. There is a romance in the idea that we might once again be able to live closely aligned with the natural world.

This painting is 18 by 24 inches, and it is currently unframed. If you are interested in finding out more about Spring Storm, Looking West, please email me.

"Good Things Small Packages" - Women Artists of the West Small Format Sale

Women Artists of the West is featuring Good Things, Small Packages, an on-line, small format art sale, perfect for the holidays. You will find beautiful art from some of the top artists in the country, so I hope you will take a look.

I am offering three small format paintings for sale as part of this show.

Aspen Study #1, 10" x 8", oil on panel, not framed
$75.00 and includes shipping.

Aspen Study #2, 10" x 8", oil on panel, not framed.
$75.00, includes shipping

Cloud Study #1. 8" x 10", oil on panel, not framed
SOLD

If you are interested in purchasing any of these small paintings, please email me

There are many beautiful and affordable paintings offered for sale during this show, so if my work isn't quite what you want, please take a look at what the other artists have to offer. Most pieces are framed. My paintings will fit into standard frames, leaving you the option of framing that suits your tastes, while keeping the price within your comfort levels.

Please enjoy all the beautiful work and have a joyous holiday season!

Along the Deschutes

Click Here to Bid

Oil landscape on an 8" by 16" RayMar linen panel

This is another painting offered during my studio sale. I hope you'll take a look. It is not framed, but the size of 8 x 16 should not be too expensive for custom framing. Besides you get to pick the framing you want.