Green River Grandeur

Those who know me well understand my love of this part of the world! Not only is the fly fishing world renown, the scenery is simply spectacular! I have painted several scenes along the Green River through the years ... I just can't get enough of this special place!

Boulder Creek

Another little mountain waterfall scene ... can you tell I haven't fished enough this year ... I keep painting these types of scenes! Enjoy ...

Mountain Meadow Creek Falls

This is a another study using a Yarnell "plein air" painting as reference material. I used a more impressionistic approach with the sky and background ... lots of fun! Wouldn't this be a great spot to cast a fly?!!

Misty Morning Light

I had fun learning to paint this foggy, misty scene. This particular lighthouse has a graceful design that is unique among American lighthouses. This is one of my favorites in this body of work.

Evening Light

Another of my lighthouse paintings ... I wanted to create a marine sunset scene with this piece including the marine haze, low light and crashing waves.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

I have been working on some additions to my "lighthouse" body of work. This is the Pigeon Point lighthouse, one of the more elegant structures among lighthouses. I love the symbolism associated with these icons. Enjoy ...

The "end" of the rainbow

A few months ago, one of my friends asked if I could paint an incredible rainbow scene from a photograph he had taken while on a fly fishing trip down the Green River. I enjoyed the opportunity, not only to paint the beautiful double rainbow, but to also paint the surrounding landscape as it is one of my favorite places on earth!

Several weeks later, it occurred to me that I could paint another version of the "end of the rainbow" ... my version! This is my favorite view of the end of the rainbow, just after I have released it back into the river! Enjoy ...

Mourning Dove

Some of you know that I have been compiling a body of work, inspired by a granddaughter, about the little birds we see in our backyard from time to time ... this is my latest addition to this group. Some of our grandkidlings think they can hear an owl "hooting" when they are actually hearing the eery call of the Mourning Dove. These delicate birds frequent our area in the fall, and fill the air with their "sad" cries. I enjoyed learning to paint the thicket of limbs and how to create the depth of field in the background, as well as the dove itself.

Winter Glow

Our group painting class asked that we do a study that would teach them how to paint a winter scene that could be used as a personalized Christmas card. They chose one of my earlier paintings depicting a quaint little snow covered cabin as a subject. Though we are painting that particular scene, I wanted to try another approach on my own, so I came up with this composition. I enjoyed doing this peaceful scene depicting the soft glow of winter. Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

Fishing the shadows

The dramatic morning light in these high mountain lakes makes for a unique setting for a painting. I have always wanted to paint this scene, and finally took the opportunity. Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

Woody

Every spring, this little guy returns to our yard and makes his presence known by rattling every tree with a bug in it! He is relentless in his efforts and is fun to watch. This is my latest installment to my "Backyard Birds" body of work. Acrylic on canvas 12"x12"

Tetons over Jackson Lake

This is my latest installment to my Teton and Yellowstone collection. In May, we spent a couple days in the Jackson area as we returned home from our Yellowstone trip with Kris and Stephanie, and their two boys. This view of the Tetons was particularly impressive to me ... the majesty and sheer scale of this place underwrites its grandeur. It had snowed and rained almost our entire trip, but this one day for a few hours at Jackson Lake lodge, the clouds opened just a little to show off this incredible vista. It didn't last long, however ... the storms quickly rolled in once more. But it was enough to be reminded of just how beautiful God's creations are!

Booboo

Maureen recently spent some time with her friend, Missy, up in the Sierra Nevadas (see last post). They hiked a lot picking Elder berries along the way. They saw a particularly berry-laden bush, and decided to return a little later to harvest its fruit. However, when they returned just a short time later, they discovered that a black bear had beaten them to it and picked it clean!

When she told me the story, I remembered my many bear encounters and decided to paint this in their honor! I call him, "Boo boo" ...

Missy's braided bristle cone pine

My wife's friend often passes this old tree while riding and/or hiking in the Sierra Nevadas. Maureen asked if I would be willing to paint it for her ... of course, I was up for it! I had never tried to paint such a subject before ... it was challenging, yet fun! Maureen took the finished painting to her a few weeks ago. Upon her arrival, they promptly found a frame for it, hung it in her home, and then later hiked up to see the actual tree in person! Thanks, Missy, for the opportunity!

Stormy Seas

We all long for "smooth sailing" during our life's journey, but Father knew that there are some things we just can't learn from calm waters. Some life's lessons can only be learned by navigating through stormy seas. I have painted several such pieces through the years ... this is my latest representation of this principle ...

Solitude

This painting represents, for me, the solitude and grandeur of the fly fishing experience. I can't tell you where it is exactly (a cook never shares his "secret sauce" now does he!). It could be anywhere in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho or Montana ... one of my special places of solitude and relaxation. The fly fishing is legendary and the solitude extraordinary! Enjoy ...

Number Eight @ Red Ledges

This is a view of the Number Eight hole on the Red Ledges golf course in the Heber Valley here in Utah. This particular view is off of the back deck of a beautiful custom home we just completed. Its another attempt to capture a grand vista on canvas. Unfortunately, try as I may, I'm not sure that I got it exactly right, but it was fun trying!

Beautiful Bear Lake

For several years now our daughter-in-law has wanted me to do a painting of a beautiful lake in northern Utah called Bear Lake. It is located in a high mountain valley and the view from the top of the pass as you enter the valley is truly spectacular. Our grand daughter recently took a great photo from that specific spot so I could have some reference material from which to base my painting. I did my best to capture the unique turquoise color of the water and the grandeur of the vista.

Saltair Gulls

I have a body of work about the State of Utah, and my latest addition to it is of a misty morning on the Great Salt Lake. One of the early faith promoting stories of the Utah pioneers was a threat to their first crop here in the valley and an infestation of devouring crickets. They battled them to the point of exhaustion and despair in an effort to save their crops. Without this precious crop, they would surely perish during the winter months. Finally in desperation they prayed for help and within minutes thousands of seagulls descended upon the crickets. They would eat their fill, fly out to the Great Salt Lake and regurgitate them along the shore. The seagulls did this time and time again until the crickets were totally wiped out and the crops were saved. Through this miracle, those early pioneers were once again reassured that Heaven was aware of them and willing to help them in this wilderness desert. Consequently, the lowly seagull became the Utah State Bird.

During the turn of the century, a resort called "Saltair" became a very popular recreation destination. It was an amusement, dance and concert hall. It has long since been abandoned ... only a few pilings remain along the shoreline of the original old structure. "Saltair Gulls" was an easy adaptation of a study I did with Jerry Yarnell. The painting is not too technically challenging, but it was fun to figure out how to do the "misty" and "foggy" thing. Enjoy ...

Winter Pheasants

This is a little study I did with Jerry Yarnell. I customized my piece to our Utah landscape and added the birds and pheasants. It was fun to "cool off" by painting the snow in July!

Let Freedom Ring

One of my collectors asked me if I could do a patriotic painting with a background mountain resembling an American flag with an eagle perched in a foreground tree. It sounded intriguing to me so I took on the challenge!

Having never done a "masked" image before in any of my paintings, it took some effort, but I in the end I was happy with the result. Hope you like it, too!

I am always grateful to those who protect us, and who stand up for those who cannot. Let freedom ring ...

Yellowstone in May

Last month, Maureen and I were able to spend some time with our son and his family in Yellowstone. As it turned out, the weather was cold and snowy ... however, the silver lining was that we didn't have to contend with the normal "summer" crowds, and we able to see many unique and beautiful sites and animals that we would not have otherwise seen. I sketched or painted these three pieces during our trip. (Thanks to Kris and Stephanie, I have many more reference photos to paint in the coming months as well!).

The first is of Tower Falls, a stunning waterfall near the Roosevelt Towers. This is not the well known waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, but a hidden gem in the heart of the park.The second painting depicts an eagle we saw just taking off along the shore of Jackson Lake. The third piece represents the many Canandian geese we saw with their newly hatched broods of gosslings.

All in all, we had a wonderful trip! I'll get cranking on some future additions to this body of work! Enjoy ...

Tower Falls

Lift off

Canadian Care

Light in the Forest

Several years ago Maureen and I had the opportunity to visit an old growth forest in the Pacific Northwest. When the group we were with began our hike into this unique area, the mood was upbeat and jovial. As we entered deeper into the woods, our talk turned into whispers and eventually silenced reigned! The forest canopy was over 500 feet tall ... we felt quite insignificant in comparison to our surroundings.

Very little light even filtered onto the forest floor because of the dense canopy. When it did, however, it was dramatic and inspiring! The reverence there was overpowering. It was an incredible experience that we will not soon forget.

Since then, my daughter and her little family have moved near the Seattle area. When we visit them and see the surrounding beauty, I get the same feelings of awe that I felt so many years before in that old growth forest.

I have wanted to capture that feeling on canvas ... I finally had the courage to try. Here is my rendition of  "Light in the Forest".

Tuscan charm

For many years now, I have taught a group painting class on Thursday evenings here in the Bountiful area of Utah. Several of my students have now become quite accomplished ... I am very proud of them! This allows us to paint some more challeging subjects. Last month, we did a little "painting within a painting" of a charming little Tuscan villa. We did what is called a "composite", using various reference material and combinig them into a unique and original painting. This is my version of the project ... 

Hen with spring chicks

One of my little granddaughters asked me to paint a hen with chicks this spring. I have done several barnyard scenes with roosters and hens before, but had not done any with little chicks. So in honor of spring, here is my rendition of "mom and the kidlings"! Enjoy ...

Yukon Trumpeter

Several years ago, Maureen and I had the opportunity to spend some time in Alaska. We stayed at a little resort near Soldatna located on the shore of a couple of quaint little lakes. Though we spent most of our time fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, we also enjoyed the beautiful setting where we stayed.

A majestic trumpeter swan (cob) had claimed this particular lake as "his" and each morning he patrolled the shallows, grazing along the way. I'm sure he and his mate had a nest nearby, but we never saw her (pen) or the little ones (signets). Ever since, I have wanted to paint this beautiful, majestic cob ... he was huge! I finally mustered up the courage to try to paint him in the early morning hours using dramatic lighting and shadows. Hope you like it ...

Generations in Bavaria

My friend asked me if I would paint a scene for his grandfather that had reference to a recent trip they had taken to Germany as a family. Mac describes his grandfather as one of the most influential people in his life. He wanted to give him a meaningful gift that would evoke happy memories of their time together in Europe. While a young soldier in WWII, he served in this part of Germany. Through the years his grandpa never spoke much about his war experiences. However, he was anxious to return to Germany with his family on this recent vacation.

Mac gave me a DVD that had been compiled of their trip as reference material. He suggested a few thoughts about what the subject of the painting might be, but gave me total freedom to paint what I felt would bring joy to his grandpa.

As I viewed the DVD, I could tell that Grandpa and his little great grandson had not been very close previously, but that on this trip they really bonded. In one video scene, the little g-son hurrying to catch up to the group, used grandpa's cane in an affectionate, yet amusing manner. In my mind's eye I could see grandpa and g-son walking together into the black forest of Bavaria ... thence this scene was born.

Several years ago I had painted a scene of my son and g-son walking together down a mountain path in tribute to fathers who were really trying to make a difference in the lives of their children. This would be a similar type of painting. I had also recently done a study with Jerry Yarnell that used a similar setting and technique.

I appreciate so much the opportunity to create art for my friends and family! I hope this brings joy and fond memories into the lives of Mac's family through the years. Thanks, Mac, for the privilege to help with this project and for your thoughtful gift for your grandfather.

Decisions Determine Destiny

Many years ago, my dad and I went on a camping trip in the Uintah Mountains of northeastern Utah. Our plan was to join a group of scouts who had already hiked into the Pinto Lake basin a few days before, about 8 miles into the wilderness area. We asked for directions when we arrived at the trail head and were told to take the trail just over the "brink of the hill" as I recall. However, there was a "fork" in the trail and we had to make a choice ... as it turned out, we chose poorly! After hiking for several hours, the trail ran out and we ended up a long way from where we wanted to be ... lost deep in the wilderness.

I remember being pretty concerned, but my dad was remarkably calm. He reminded me that our truck was at the base of one of the prominent mountains in the distance and that we just had to make our way back to the base of that mountain. We hiked the rest of the day, exhausted, but we made it back to our truck just as it was getting dark.

We slept in the back of our truck that night and the next morning took the correct trail and found the scout troop at Pinto Lake right were they were supposed to be! I have never forgotten that experience and have applied it many times in my life since then.

Years later, I heard President Thomas S. Monson use the phrase, "Decisions Determine Destiny" in one of his talks. It brought back into my memory that fateful trip with my dad and the fork in the trail all those many years ago. It was a great object lesson for me that has had real meaning for me ever since.

The other day, I was reminded of this experience and decided to paint the scene as I remembered it, at the the fork in the trail ... decisions really do determine destiny!

The Ancient Mayan Ruins of Tikal

I received a call from a former missionary from my mission (Guatemala/El Salvador), asking if I could do a painting of one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Central America ... Tikal. His wife sent me a photo that he had taken over 35 years ago for reference. I was thrilled for the opportunity. Curiously, I have never painted anything related to my experiences in Guatemala ... a fact that I will just have to change!
Tikal is a vast ancient Mayan city that had been swallowed up by time and the jungle, and is only revealed by the many temple towers that penetrate the jungle canopy. It is a very impressive and awe inspiring place. I really enjoyed this painting experience. Thanks, Elray ...

Meadowlark

I have loved Meadowlarks since I was a boy. My mom and dad had little songs and sayings they would sing whenever we heard a Meadowlark singing that I still remember today.

In this composition, the blue-violet background compliments the yellow-orange of the lark's breast and head feathers.           

Cedar Wax Wing

While visiting my parents the other day, they had me go through some of my old stuff, mostly papers and books. I came across a report I had done on "Birds" when I was in elementary school probably 5th or 6th grade. As I browsed through it, I was impressed with my artwork ... not to brag but it was pretty good! I had totally forgotten about that report, but the memories came flooding back as I read on. One of my favorite birds back then was the Cedar Wax Wing, so it was fun to create a new version of this beautiful bird!

Cherry Blossom Cardinal

Cardinals are rare around our neck of the woods, but we saw one last year in our back yard. I have painted a few of them through the years and they never cease to amaze me with their vibrant red color!           

Curious Quail

We live in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains and have quail in our yard nearly every day during the summer. They are curious little game birds and fun to watch!           

Catch and Eat

Many times while fishing our local streams and rivers, I have the privilege of seeing and interacting with ospreys. They are fearless and very territorial. And as far as their fishing skills go, they are unmatched in their ability to put food "on the table"!

A few years ago, Maureen also had a close encounter with an osprey. She was visiting at a friend's mountain cabin and noticed an osprey's nest in a near by tree. She wanted to get a closer look at the nest and take a photo, but before she could get much closer, one of the parent ospreys came swooping down and "buzzed" her within inches. She got the message ... she had entered the "too close for comfort" zone! I have seen ospreys actually chase off a bald eagle because they were fishing in "their" stretch of the river! It looked like an F-16 attacking a cargo plane ... pretty impressive.

Anyway, I used Maureen's experience and combined that with what I had seen and came up with this painting ... hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas (gallery wrapped) 24"x18".

Sittin' on the dock of the bay ...

My students in our group painting class wanted to do something a little different this month ... something nautical, something to do with boat harbors, etc. So this is what I came up with for our subject painting.

Winter Shadows

One of my favorite things to paint is snow. The low light of winter creates these long and dense, ere shadows which seem to swallow up the brightness of the winter sun. Acrylic on canvas (24" x 18")

Balanced Rock

Arches National Park in south central Utah boasts some of the most interesting rock formations found in the US. This springtime scene is of Balanced Rock ... one of the more recognizable formations in the park. It is a fun hike and there is a lot to explore if you ever have the chance to visit. Acrylic on canvas (24"x 24" gallery wrap)

Vinny and Hammy

I was reminiscing with some of my grand kids the other day about the funny relationship between our dog and a little back yard squirrel that the kids affectionately call "Hammy". They were worried that he may not have survived the recent wind storms that took out so many of our trees. They will be looking for him come spring with hope. My dog is a little beagle named "Vinny" (short for Vincent ... we named him after Van Gogh since his mommy bit off the lower part of his right ear as a puppy! Today it is still shorter than his "normal" left ear and a bit turned up on the end) Anyway, the two of them are hilarious to watch! Hammy is the biggest tease I have ever seen (except for maybe me)! He knows Vinny can't catch him as long as he is in the trees or on the other side of the iron fence!

One time, I was playing on the lawn with Vinny and noticed that Hammy was within a couple of feet just sitting up on his hind legs looking curiously at us. Though Vinny hadn't seen him yet, he at once got wind of him and began to "bay" with enthusiasm, and run around until he located the scent of the squirrel. Hammy immediately made a dash through the iron gate and stopped just on the other side and looked back. Vinny all the while hot on his trail until he couldn't go any further, with his nose through the gate within inches of the squirrel. They both just stared at each other for the longest time. Finally, Hammy dashed up and along the top of the fence on his way to the closest tree with Vinny in hot pursuit!

I had seen them interacting like this several times before ... Hammy racing around the tree and Vinny on the ground, barking at each other only inches apart! After all the ruckus, they would seemingly call a truce and just stare at each other until one or the other wanted to play again, and the chase was on once more! So funny ...

Anyway, recalling the two of them made me want to do a painting in their honor! After the grandkids were tucked into bed, I retreated to my studio and quickly blocked in the under painting that night and finished it a couple of days later. I really tried to capture their strange little personalities ... hope you enjoy it!