New Painting: "Distant Promise of Rain"

Distant Promise of Rain, oil on linen panel, 8X24"

Detail view

This is a vista view from the top of the hill which houses the grotto of the San Xavier Mission. Everwhere you look there's big air, and if you are a plein air or landscape painter, you know there's nothing that makes you want to grab your brushes and paint, more than a good bit of atmospheric perspective.

This painting will be included in the Plein Air Painters of the West show and sale at Segil Fine Arts in Monrovia, California. The show will run from October 18-25, 2008. For more information Click Here.

September Song

September Song, 24X40", oil on stretched linen

Hi All,
This is my latest painting which I call, "September Song". I was inspired to do this painting during my last trip to the Rocky Mountains. That was in May, not September. But I came across this early morning scene and knew it would be perfect for an elk painting. The elk population is doing incredibly well in the park. In fact, you can't go very far without seeing herds of them grazing or walking. I have been to the Rockies in September which was when I heard my first elk call. They did echo up and down the canyons, particularly at dusk and again at dawn. So I set this painting in Autumn and added a bull elk with a full rack. The time is early morning and he has lifted his head to bugle his call. There is steam rising off his back and his breath is visible. Here is a closeup view of the elk:


It's such a joy to still be able to visit these wild places. I haven't decided where I will send this piece yet.For now, I'll keep it in my studio, turn it to the wall and put a little time and distance from me. Then I will see if there are any other tweaks it needs.

Thanks for checking in, Steve