Bus Stop Moms

It's been a long time since I participated in one of the Daily Paintworks challenges, but today was the day! The theme is "Back to School" and I found a photo reference from the Paint my Photo website that excited me and I could hardly wait to get started. This piece ended up being much more tedious to paint, but still, the process was enjoyable and time flew by as I worked. The finished painting turned out just the way I imagined it, which is saying something. Lots of times my paintings go in surprising directions, but this one became just what I wanted it to be. I love the clothing and postures of these "bus stop moms" and the colorful bus and construction signs behind them. I love how the trees turned out and I love the rim of bright light that shines through the painting.

Bus Stop Moms, 6x6 inch acrylic on canvas

Smoky Sunset

We've had some terrible wildfires here in the state of Washington this summer. Lives lost, homes lost, and lots of smoke throughout the state. Just terrible. Some of our sunsets during that period were also blazing with a bright red sun amid the hazy, smoky landscape. Standing on my back porch I can watch the sun go down over a large meadow and forest lands beyond. Today's painting is my colorful interpretation of one of those sunsets.

 

Smoky Sunset, 6 x 6 inch acrylic on canvas

West Coast Fog

About a year ago I was walking the beach in Neskowin, Oregon, and snapped a quick photo of the rising fog. Lots of things about the photo appealed to me, so when Daily Paintworks issued a challenge last week to paint fog, I knew it was time to give this one a try. I love the layers on the distant hills and the figures along the shoreline. Almost like being there again.

West Coast Fog, 6 x 6 inch acrylic on canvas

Daisies on the Hill

This summer as we settled into our new home in the country I couldn't have been more delighted when I discovered that the fields around our landscape were covered with wild daisies for a couple months! You may see daisies pop up in my paintings more often, I think. :)

Daisies on the Hill

6 x 6 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas, varnished

Morning Run

I am not a runner, but I do like walking. One morning I was enjoying the dike road trail that parallels the Columbia River in Washington and got a quick reference photo of one of the local runners who like to use this trail. That reference photo became today's small painting.

 

Morning Run, 6 x 6 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas