Marble Falls is near a favorite camping place of my folks. My Dad enjoys the memories of fun times with the camping club this painting brings him. The marble rocks and minerals make the water an amazing variety of blues and greens. You must visit this area in Colorado!

      This was a great spot to paint at a pull off on the way to Estes Park off Hwy 34. I’m SO glad I had a chance to experience the rivers colors and flow over the rocks. Because it is no longer there. The flood of 2014 took Everything away. Leaving massive bolders, moving the river is places and of cource removing any signs of grass and bushes. This painting is a treasure.

       This painting was done in my studio because it is only captured by camera on the drive up to Estes Park on Hwy 34.  There is no place to pull over and park on this busy Hwy.  I really like painting water and pine trees. The Aspen trees were so bright and colorful. They contrasted greatly next to the dark of the pines. And the river was so full of color. I like Color and water, (you probably can tell.) Water reflects color from the sky, surrounding trees, grasses and bushes along the banks plus the soil/rocks underneath it. Enjoy!

     Mountain Trail painting was done in my studio because I was riding my horse Curly on this trail taking pictures. It was so cool with the shadows coming across the path plus the feld trees and stumps left behind. If anyone knowns Curly she is not fond of shadows and snorts as we ride along. Keeping her pointed in the right direction. I looked forward and enjoyed the blue of the distant mountains against the variety of grasses on the forest floor. 

       In Rocky Mountain National Park is a secluded trail head that leads a hiker to Fern Lake and other high altitude lakes. The vehicle parking is small. One is very lucky to get a spot, and we were!
So excited to paint the river at this trail head my friend and I set up our easels right along the river bank on the waters edge. A beautiful clear day, with the bluest sky only Colorado is known for. The river is a quiet river with small rocks and a gentle flow. Large massive  pine trees, healthy still, without beetle kill that is taking over the Park Forest. Tall grass and bushes frame the banks.
    I had trouble with my unbrella  that shades my canvas and pallet.  Struggleing holding the unbrella with one hand and painting with the other was the only distraction on this peaceful enjoyable painting day.  Luckily a modern day MacGyver came a long  and fixed the unbrella for me  and I was able to paint and enjoy the experience.
     God’s creation provides so much beauty, color, texture, contrast, harmony and so much more. It is impossible to copy  but each painting time spent outdoors He reveals something new for me to learn, He opens my eye and reveals newness.

Joe and I trail rode in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area with some friends. We took a lunch break and played with the horses in the river. My photographing skills need improvement, the painting is much better in person, with rich colors and sunshine. Prince thought the water was cold. HAHA

Driving to work I had my camera with me. These two were Sooo cute had to paint them for me.

  Mountain Magic Trail Diamond C. ‘Magic’ for short, is our foundation stallion here at the ranch. We have several of his offspring. Each summer he shines like a new penny.

Jasper was a dear freind of Bonnie T’s. This commission portrait gives lasting memories that a photograph can not provide.

I was looking through my book by James Rynolds and wanted to learn how to paint sunlight in a blue sky without turning the color to green. I copied his background as a learning experience. Putting my own horses Bay Bea C. and Prince in the picture. I learned a lot! Thanks James for publishing your book of paintings. I hope to become as skilled as you.