Evening on the Links

I'm not much of a golfer, but I do enjoy the occasional outing. I have painted several commissioned golf scenes in the past and really enjoyed the color palette that I was able to use. The deep greens and vivid light make this scene jump right off of the canvas. I tried to keep it in a complementary scheme to accentuate the contrasting light conditions and the peaceful nature of an evening round of golf. Acrylic on canvas (24" x 18") 

Cornu's Haven

I recently met some new friends and discovered that we were actually in Queenstown, New Zealand last year at the same time, in the same hotel, just a couple of rooms away from each other! Michael and Sarah own a wonderful property along the Upper Weber River here in the Wasatch Back Mountains of Utah and have recently invited me to fish that stretch of river a couple of times. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, Michael and I ran across some fresh mountain lion tracks in the snow right in this very spot ... made me be a little extra alert that day!

In honor of their kindness and generosity, I painted this little piece for their home. Since I love the fall of the year, I painted it all lit up in autumn colors. I really wanted to convey the softness and peaceful nature of the experience there. Thank you, Michael and Sarah! Acrylic on canvas (gallery wrapped) 24" x 18"

Magpies

When my wife first moved to Utah she Magpies saw for the first time and thought they were such beautiful birds ... that is until she got you know them better! They really are beautiful in their appearance, but their attitudes and behavior really confirm the phrase ... their beauty is only skin (feather) deep!

While fly fishing the Weber River last spring, these two characters were my companions for nearly an hour. They had found an old deer carcass and one of them had scrounged up a tiny morsel for himself. Instead of doing the same, the other guy spent the next hour trying to steal it from the first! It was hilarious to watch them fight over such a tiny morsel of food! I am certain that there was more where that had come from!

The thief (the have not) would land several feet away on the fence wire, then hop toward the feeding bird (the have). When it got too close for comfort, the "have" would squawk and flap its wings, then fly a little ways off to continue feeding. The whole scene would then replay itself over and over until the morsel was finally stolen. The roles would then be reversed, but the script was the same.

I vowed to paint them someday ... someday finally came! They are really beautiful birds to paint ... hope I captured their personality as well! Enjoy ...

Acrylic on canvas (24" x 18")

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls, located in Provo Canyon, is perhaps the most famous of the waterfalls in Utah. It is a very tall waterfall, although from this view it does not appear so. This vantage point is taken from the Provo River ... thought there might be a big Brown Trout lurking in the pool below the falls!

This is the latest in my body of work about waterfalls. It has been a blast learning how to paint these spectacular icons in nature. Hope you enjoy them, too! Acrylic on canvas (20" x 28")

Multnomah Falls

My eldest son and his family love to visit this area in Oregon. This is one of the most recognizable water falls in the west, Multnomah Falls, near Portland and the Columbia River. They sent me several photos of the falls when they returned from their trip. They thought I my like to paint it ... imagine that!

I have been working on a body of work about waterfalls that have special meaning to members of our family. After studying this beautiful falls, I finally settled on this composition. I hope to be able to see it in person someday, but for now, this will have to do! Acrylic on canvas (18" x 24")

The Uintah Experience

Growing up in Utah provided me many different types of "nature" opportunities. Within a couple of hours in any direction, we have the gamete of venues ... from high mountain alpine to arid desert; from warm water bass to high mountain trout.

One of my favorite memories from my youth was the many high Uintah experiences my dad and I shared. I have painted several scenes of the Lakes of the High Uintahs over the years ... here is the latest. When I paint scenes like this, I can still smell the trees, and feel the crisp mountain air. I almost can't wait for my fly to "alight" upon the water! Acrylic on canvas (18" x 24")

Are we there yet?

I did a scene like this in a class setting with the Yarnell School of Fine Art. I adapted it in this effort to represent the Island Park area of N/E Idaho near West Yellowstone. For me, it has always been an inviting place to spend some time with nature. The dynamics of the scenery, the weather and the opportunities for recreation make this a place I want to be!

Though this is a fairly dark painting, the softness of the light and the multitude of subtle colors underwrite this piece. Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas (24"x 18")

Ross Falls

Maureen has really been working hard on her forthcoming family history book of the Ross family. In fact, she just received a draft copy from her co-author to proof before it goes to press ... pretty exciting!

In her honor, I painted this scene of Ross Falls, located in the Ottawa Valley (Cananda), named after her ancestor Arthur Ross, the original settler. Acrylic on hardboard (12"x16")

The Green River Gorge

One can see forever it seems in this BIG country near the Flaming Gorge reservior and the Green River below. The scenery is stunning! Though this is one of my very favorite areas to fish, it is worth the drive just to experience the vistas and breath-taking landscapes ... and a river runs through it! Acrylic on canvas 30" x 15".