Day Trip to the mountains

I didn't get to paint today. Instead, I drove 2 1/2 hours to the mountains to deliver 5 paintings that will be hanging for the next 3 months at the Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, in Franklin, NC. What a gorgeous building and what a gorgeous drive. I was also picking up 5 paintings that have been hanging there since October. Thanks to artist John Houglum for the invitation to join him and other artists from Western NC in showing my art there.
I love the drive and so I am happy to have an excuse to take a trip up there for the day. Since moving to South Carolina 2 years ago this February, I really haven't had much opportunity to explre my new surroundings except for the trips I've made for my art, and I am grateful for these opportunities that allow me to get to know this wonderful area that is now my home.

Front Range, SOLD

Today, with the help of my friend Cheryl, I had a great viewpoint of Colorado Springs to paint from. When we got there, Pikes Peak was in full site, but by the time I came back from using the gas station restroom down the street, Pikes Peak was hidden behind clouds. I hadn't taken photos of the peak, so just had to go ahead and paint it obscured, not what i wanted to do, but what could i do? I painted this while sitting in my truck because of the sun and wind. My sun umbrella would never have stayed in place with the way the wind was blowing. I've only painted from my vehicle a few times, but should do it more often, when the wind is blowing and there is no shade, it was comfortable.

I painted this exclusively with the pallete knife.

View of Colorado Springs

10x8 oil on gessoed board

SOLD