More Fun With the Camera

I was recently in Central Oregon and got some fantastic pictures. The mule deer were everywhere - we counted 167 in one day! We also found an alfalfa field where hundreds of mallard and Canada geese came in, and kept coming in, to feed.

My Website

Pancake Pear and Gambel's

American Miniatures at Settler's West Galleries is fast approaching and here is one of my paintings that is going to be included in this year's show. It's called Pancake Pear and Gambel's and measures 10"x8". I am madly working on my second painting which is a desert landscape and I will post it when it is finished. The show is February 14th at the gallery in Tucson, AZ. This year I will be in attendance and am looking forward to seeing this spectacular event in person.

My Website

New Camera

For my birthday, my wife, her side of the family, and my siblings all chipped in and bought me a Nikon D60. This is an incredible upgrade from my last camera and has already shown that it can get better reference photos. I am looking forward to the effects it has on my work. Below are some examples....

American Wigeon

Northern Pintail and Cackling Canada Geese

Northern Shovelers

My Website

Magazine Article

Here's some exciting news. Ducks Unlimited has published an article in their January/February issue about my art and the International Artist of the Year honor. If you would like to read it, you can click here.

Snow Goose Painting in Progress

About a week and a half ago I stopped by the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge on my way back from the Peppertree Art Show (which was an amazing end to one of the best shows in the country). Many species were numerous on the refuge including white-fronted geese and snow geese. This group of geese was one of many to come into the refuge while we were there. At times, tens of thousands would get up and swirl around like a massive tornado then set back down.

This painting is in progress. My goal is to give the geese a smooth, soft, realistic appearance. Other than that, you can get the idea of what it will look like.

Peppertree Art Show Grand Finale!

Currently I am on the road heading to Santa Ynez for the final installment of the Peppertree Art Show. This 32-year old show is coming to an end of a long and prestigious run. At this last show they will have 100 artists, who have been involved with the Peppertree through the years, in attendance with each showing four of their best paintings. It should be quite an extravaganza and jam packed with Bob Eubanks hosting the festivities. The show, which is by invitation only, is this Saturday and Sunday at the Peppertree Ranch. To obtain an invitation you can visit their website or call (805) 688-6205.
My Website

Fern Ridge Redhead

This painting has been selected as the new 2009 Oregon Ducks Unlimited Sponsor print. A lone drake redhead rockets into the marsh at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I saw this scene during the Spring, which is why the drakes colors are so striking - it's breeding season. More information and the artist proof prints are available here.
My Website
My Daily Paintings Blog

Preening Egret

This cattle egret is in it's breeding plumage. Normally, it is a pure white bird, but the orange tinge and wispy feathering shows up during the Spring to help attract a mate. The dark background helps highlight the subtle color differences of this elegant bird.

More Information

Bewick's Wren

I saw this wren flitting and darting amongst a brush pile and thought he might look good against some reeds. The purpose of the reeds is not only to provide some natural habitat but to give the painting direction most of the movement follows the birds gaze. To see more information regarding this painting you can follow this link - Bewick's Wren.

My Website
My Daily Paintings

Mule Deer

A group of alert mule deer stand under a juniper tree in the fading evening light as the last rays of sun brush across the landscape. This is high desert country and these deer are located in the saddle of a butte. They are naturally wary because of their main predator in the area - the mountain lion. Their large ears focus for any unusual sound that may mean they could be in trouble.

This painting is 12"x24" and is an acrylic on board.

My Website