Archives

A Pond in the Slough

“A Pond in the Slough” 9.5″ x 12.5″, Sennelier soft pastels on Sennelier 170lb pastel card, 2026

Inspired by treks across various savannahs and sloughs in Oregon, and particularly a recent visit to Basket Slough, looking down from the hillside towards a number of ponds and small lakes.

This piece was done using a selection of Schmincke pastels which recently entered my rotation. I’m very pleased with them.

This piece is available for sale.

When All Other Lights Go Out

“When All Other Lights Go Out” soft pastel on Pastelmat, 7″ x 9.5″, 2026

Inspired by the daily meditation practice that helps me “fight off the darkness”. This is a piece about peace, and finding a path.

I used a combination of Sennelier and Blue Earth pastels, as well as a bit of glow powder and gold dust to bring a soft luminous highlight to the silhouetted figure.

Oaks in the Mist

“Oaks in the Mist” pastel on Pastelmat, 2026, 7″ x 9.5″

This piece was inspired by a misty morning hike down an oak lined trail. This piece was done using Blue Earth pastels, listening to Downliners Sekt (an old album, “Statement of Purpose”).

View of the Willamette River

“View of the Willamette River” pastel on Pastelmat, 2026, 7″ x 9.5″

Inspired by a favorite trail along the Willamette River, and the springtime view at a favorite spot along the way. This piece uses a combination of Henri Roche, Blue Earth, and Sennelier soft pastels.

Spring on the Clackamas River

My week scouting inspiring locations for a bit of plein air work took me out to the Clackamas River. I enjoyed a chilly morning of hiking new trails, and scouting likely spots to sit alongside the river somewhere taking in the view. I finally found “my spot”, and I know I’ll be going back there. The chilly gray day threatened rain, but I did manage to get a bit of painting done before heading for home.

This piece was painted with Sennelier and Blue Earth pastels, on Ampersand Pastelbord.

“Spring on the Clackamas River”
7″ x 9″ pastel on pastelbord, 2025

Hand of Fatima

A look back a piece from 2019.

“Hand of Fatima” 8″ x 10″ acrylic mixed-media on canvas w/glitter and glow

This piece still gives me a feeling of peace and hope. It relies on a lot of glow, and one prominent “googly eye”.

“Hand of Fatima” seen in darkness after being charged under UV light.

September Morning

“September Morning” 5″ x 7″, pastel on Pastelbord, 2024

The hikes are different as the seasons change. The autumn foliage takes on hues of gold, rusty reds, and hints of orange. The skies are grayer and the chilly breeze directs the migrating birds to warmer climates.

Autumn Breeze

“Autumn Breeze” 5″ x 7″, pastel on Pastelbord, 2024

Autumn has long been my favorite season. Maybe it’s the colors, or the leaves falling? It could be the crisp air and chilly breezes. This piece recalls an autumn walk on a favorite trail, trees turning, leaves on the breeze, and migrating birds making their journeys to far off places.

Into the Sunset

“Into the Sunset” 5″ x 7″, pastel on Pastelbord, 2024

Reflecting on the recent drive to the coast on my last painting getaway, I worked from the recollection of the drive, similar other sunset drives, and the view of a sunset in-progress from the balcony of my hotel room. It was a fun quick piece that I did while the sunset flared to full vividness, and finished as it faded.