Tag Archive | gray

Siletz Bay October Morning

Oct17
“Siletz Bay, October Morning” 9.5″ x 12.5″, Schmincke soft pastels on Sennelier 170lb pastel card, 2026

This piece was inspired by the changing landscape of Siletz Bay on an October morning of plein air painting on the fourth floor balcony of my hotel room. I delight at the sight of faint clouds of pastel dust floating away on the breeze. It was moody and misty as the day began. The lighting shifted quickly towards sunshine, sparkling off the surface of the water. I did my best to keep up.

The pastel card is wonderful as a pastel surface, but the coarser grit (compared to Ampersand Pastelbord) really tears through the pastels themselves.

A Pond in the Slough

Oct10
“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.

July

Sep22
“July” soft pastel on Pastelmat, 7″ x 9.5″, 2026

Inspired by the dread and destruction of western wildfires during dry summer months. This piece is painted using Blue Earth, Sennelier, and Henr Roche pastels, on Claire Fontaine Pastelmat.

Oaks in the Mist

Aug13
“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”).

Summer Silhouette

Jul27
“Summer Silhouette” pastel on Pastelmat, 2026, 7″ x 9.5″

Inspired by a summer morning walk along a trail at the edge of Basket Slough, a stormy sky, and dry grass and meadow flowers. This painting uses Sennelier and Blue Earth pastels.

Stormy Weather

Jul10
“Stormy Weather” pastel on Pastelmat, 2026, 7″ x 9.5″

Inspired by the night-dark clouds of a storm moving in, and rain falling as a misty curtain over distant hills. This piece makes use of Henri Roche’s “Feu d’artifice” selection of dark pigments enhanced with sparkles.

Bald Peak Viewpoint Misty Morning

Apr2

I sought out this location with some plein air painting in mind, but what I actually got was a rainy day with muddy trails and mist-obscured views. It was beautiful in its own way, and worth the trip. I’ll go back again, when the weather is fair and try to get a look at the view this spot is known for. There are lovely spots with picnic tables convenient for lingering awhile, and I can see this location becoming a favorite spot to paint.

“Bald Peak Viewpoint Misty Morning” pastel on pastelbord 7.5″ x 9″, 2025

This piece was done using a combination of Blue Earth and Sennelier soft pastels, and inspired by the dense mist, and rain-drenched early spring landscape of grassy slopes and mature hemlock trees.

Spring on the Clackamas River

Mar26

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