Year: 2016

In August 2016 we had our family reunion in Glacier, Washington near Mt. Baker. “When the Fog Rolls Down the Valley” was painted from a photograph taken the morning we visited Artists’ Point which marks the end of the road to the top of the mountain. The fog shrouded the mountain creating a mysterious atmosphere and the contrast between the warm and cool give the scene added interest. The early morning sunlight penetrating the fog gives the sky a glow and brightens the rocks in the foreground
When the Fog Rolls Down the Valley 18 x 24″ Oil on Linen

Stepping into the Light    18 x 24″  Oil on Linen
I began this painting to commemorate an evening when my husband and I walked along the service road next to a railroad track a mile or so from our house. We went there to photograph the shadows created by the late day winter sun. I was struck by the contrast between golden sunlight and the coolness of the shadows. When I began painting the figure represented my husband, but later as I became more immersed in the scene, it morphed into me. The colors of “Stepping into the Light” are deep and vibrant and resonate with all 7 chakras.

The best part of painting portraits is the connection I feel with my subjects. I become a channel receiving and recording the light emanating from the model. Jeanne has a beautiful spirit. I hope the painting has captured for the viewer her loving and peaceful essence. Namaste.

The last two photos are of the final version of Jeanne’s portrait.
In the final version I softened some edges, warmed the highlights on the nose, changed the mouth, added more curls to the hair, deepened the shadow at the hairline, moved the signature, etc. etc.

A poem is never finished, only abandoned. It could be said the same is true of a painting. It is always best to keep things simple and to allow the viewer to add their own information.