River Rock and Reflections is "hot off the easel."  I have been traveling the last few weeks and just couldn't wait to get out and paint again.  This painting is of the Rio Ruidoso in Ruidoso, NM.  Because of the drought it looks more like a creek, but it is fun to look down into the water and see the bottom.  I know you probably won't believe me because I forgot to bring my camera, but there was a bull elk about 35 yards from me the entire time I was painting.  He was munching on the green grasses growing along the stream.  We had an unspoken understanding that I wouldn't bother him, if he didn't bother me!

Breakfast Prep is my entry in the DPW Challenge for the week.  The point is to do a cool/warm painting where either cool predominates or warm.  I have also been trying to paint looser and use more paint.

Glass Vases is a study in shapes, color, reflections and shadows.

Red Reflections was painted in front of the Chinese Restaurant - The Great Wall of China in Ruidoso, NM.

Mountain Stream was painted on location in Ruidoso, NM.  It is nice to be able to get out and paint again.

Early Spring is another plein air painting from yesterday.  Now I'm thinking I may have overdone it on the color.  When I go out again I may have to really mute some of the color, but it is New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.

Winter Yellow and Spring Green was painted on location in Ruidoso, NM.  The dried grass is a beautiful yellow with hints of amber and gold.  Such a nice contrast with the green juniper and purple hills.  I tried the clayboard again.  It dries fast, especially out doors.  What I like is that it forces me to paint fast and loose.  I haven't quite mastered that either, but I do like the expressive strokes. I used a limited palatte and a 5x7 Gorilla Thumbox.  It is aptly named - I felt like I was all thumbs painting with it.  I don't give up easily so will try it again.