"Coffee and Conversation"

6"x6"

Oil on Board

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I was going through some unsold paintings and came across a 6"x6" one I did of this subject last spring. I looked at it and thought that maybe I could improve upon it so did it again. It IS definitely an improvement! Much better color, looser, better cropping and use of space. I love the subject. It seems like we rarely see much done about middle-aged people or that affirms commitment past the more romantic phase. This couple had the feel to me of being together through life's ups and downs and I am happy to celebrate that! The location was Sisters Coffee House in Sisters, OR.

"Barrel Racer" (sold)

6"x6"
Oil on Board


Another painting from the rodeo--these women are amazing to watch as they speed around three barrels as fast as they can and how they and their horses are so much one unit!

Backgrounds in these paintings mystify me. I think if I wanted, I could do a fairly realistic rendering of them, but I need to explore being alot looser than that! I'm enjoying these challenges.

"Made It!" (sold)

6"x6"

Oil on Board

Another rodeo painting! They are fun and a challenge! In this one the 8-second buzzer has sounded, he's made it and the ride is winding down.

"Hangin' On" (sold)

6"x6"

Oil on Board

Well, looking at yesterday's painting made me want try this again! I'm glad I did--just doing this second one has helped me to see what's not working with the first. I wasn't sure if this composition would work--I didn't know if the horse's head and front legs would just lead you out of the picture, but I thought I'd see what happens, and I think it works well. I also like how this horse has more of a feeling of being off the ground. It was fun! I just might have to rework yesterday's painting!

"On a White Horse"

6"x6"

Oil on Board

Sisters (Oregon) has a great rodeo each summer--I used to go to them growing up and it was great to be reminded how much fun they are. So much energy! And this was fun to paint, but I think I'd like to try it a little larger since I seem to want to include so much detail! Or I could try to leave it out, I suppose--it would probably be harder to do THAT!