Moulton Barn - Day 29

"Moulton Barn"

#29 of 30

6"x8" oil on canvas pad

$75.00

The first time we went to Jackson Hole in 2005, Steve and I got up early one morning before sunrise to sneak out to the iconic Moulton Barn which is just north of town.  How naive we were to think we would be the first ones out there!  We joined 30-40 other people who had the same idea we did!

It is part of the Mormon Row Historic District which began to be homesteaded starting about 1890.  The Moulton Barn is a mecca for photographers and is the most photographed barn in America.

Elk Refuge - Day 10

"Elk Refuge"

#10 of 30

6"x8" oil on canvas pad

$75.00

A mile or so north of the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the National Elk Refuge.  Exactly one year ago at this time I was in Jackson Hole for a week and painted plein air all around the area.  As usual, I also took about a hundred photos and I just painted the above painting from several photos I took at this location.  It was late afternoon and the sun was shining brightly casting these long shadows on the grassy areas leading over to the Elk Refuge.  

In late Autumn each year, the elk from the high plateaus of southern Yellowstone County, Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Wilderness instinctively head down to the National Elk Refuge,  During the winter months, an average 7,000 elk make this valley their home.  The following Spring, their migration begins back to the high country, bulls leaving first followed by the cows heavy with their calves.  The cycle begins again the following Autumn as they make their way back down into the Jackson Hole valley.

Bet you didn't know you would learn about the migration of elk today, did you?

I am off to the north Georgia mountains in a couple hours for a long anticipated  two-day workshop with Atlanta area artist James Richards followed by a two-day plein air event.  I may or may not be posting anything while I am gone.  We will see how that goes!

Museum Garden Aspens

"Museum Garden Aspens"

#1 of 30

8"x6" oil on canvas pad

$75.00

For the first time, I am participating in Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  This is probably the fourth time Leslie has sponsored this challenge and it is a way for artists to get motivated and get in the studio and PAINT every day.  As of today, there are over 850 artists from all over the world!  Leslie suggests each artist pick a theme for their challenge and paint a small painting each day based on that theme.  I have chosen "Vacation Memories, or Not".  The "or not" paintings may be plein air paintings because I will be participating in a plein air workshop and event in Georgia during part of this time.   It is my hope to chronicle the vacations and trips we have taken over the years and this will be a selfish way for me to relive and remember those trips and the memories that were created.

About five minutes north of Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  It is a gorgeous 51,000 sq. ft. building housing some permanent exhibitions of 19th and 20th century American Art.
Last year at this time I spent a week in Jackson Hole plein air painting with two art friends.  While inside the Museum we also saw the 2013 Western Vision show with works by many of todays notable contemporary artists.  The Museum overlooks the National Elk Refuge and these aspens painted above were in the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the Museum.  Just one of the sights to see while in Jackson Hole!

String Lake

String Lake

8"x10" Oil on Canvas

$295.00

Last September I spent a glorious week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with two artist friends.  We spent the week plein air painting, driving all over Grand Teton National Park, eating (a favorite pastime) and trying to do as much gallery hopping as we could to soak up all the gorgeous artwork displayed in the galleries in downtown Jackson.  We also timed our visit to be able to see the Western Visions Show at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and what a fantastic show that was!

One morning we walked around String Lake snapping photos at every turn and this composition caught my eye.  I recently painted this small 8"x10" for the Guild of Charlotte Artists winter show.  The reception was last night and I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention for it.  I almost fell off my chair when they called my name!  My plan is to use this study for a larger canvas, so stay tuned!

By the way, we just installed photoshop elements 12 and one of the options it gave was to have this frame around my painting so I went for it this time.  Something a little different.

A Natural View

Jackson Hole Grove

36"x24" Oil On Canvas

$795.00

       

Canadian Wilderness

20"x16" Oil on Canvas

$495.00

     These two paintings were accepted  into "A Natural View", a juried art exhibit presented by The Schiele Museum of Natural History and the Gaston County Art Guild.  The exhibit features artwork that focuses on nature and may include plants, animals or natural landscape native to North America.

     These paintings were based on photos from trips we have taken in the last few years.  Our vacations have taken us to the Yellowstone/Jackson Hole area a couple times and that part of the country offers spectacular views in every direction.  I can't wait to return to that beautiful part of the country.  About three years ago we travelled through the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train on a two-day journey from Vancouver up to Jasper National Park.  We then rented a car and drove to Lake Louise and Banff National Park for the next two or three days.  

     This exhibit will be hanging from now through March 22, 2013, and features dozens of beautiful pieces of  artwork.  I hope you are able to stop and see the exhibit if you can.