Rain Break

Rain Break, copyright 2015 Betsy McPhaden, watercolor

We awoke this morning to glorious sun and a bit of fresh snow on the mountains. I couldn't resist!
Will bring this to the Art Stall Gallery soon!

Morning Bliss

The Duck Pond, oil on panel

This morning I was lucky enough to sketch at Golden Gardens with a friend.  Painting in public is like working at the Art Stall -- people stop to talk from all over the world!  I came away with this little 7" x 5" sketch.  I did not paint the heron because I was sure he would leave if I started!  But he stayed the whole time.

Flower Field, Methow Valley

                                         

When I saw this flower field while walking along a dirt road at a ranch in the Methow Valley,  I knew I had found the site I wanted to paint!

Abstract Waterfall

While setting up my gear to paint a lovely waterfall in Bellevue Botanical Gardens, I discovered my tripod was broken.  Luckily, I spotted a flat rock next to the waterfall to sit on and propped my paint box against a bush.  After blocking in the big shapes and values, I decided to stop there.........my first landscape abstract.  Fun!

"The Little House," oil pastel by Marsha Lippert

The Little House, © 2014 Marsha Lippert, oil pastel

The first time I painted the little house plein air, it was 90+ degrees! Located on one of the last pieces of acreage within the city limits of Portland, Oregon; the plein air painting process was so enjoyable, I barely noticed the high temperature.

Snoqualmie River, Olalie State Park

Sent by Lanie Franza on Wednesday, July 9:

I texted this to my husband, Bob, yesterday, when he texted me...."how's it going?"

Lopez Island view

Spent a couple of days on Lopez Island in June, sat on the beach on a still, shimmery morning and painted this view of the Preserve.