99. Lakeside Grain & Seed

'Lakeside Grain & Seed'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another scene from our drive home through rural Oregon.

An indulgence in my elevator obsession. :)

sold

98. Red Roofs

'Red Roofs'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hey all, I'm back!

Hope you had a great holiday weekend - we totally did. 

Our little gang went camping in southern Oregon - by a lake - yay! -- and spent an afternoon oohing over the redwoods in northern California. I've always wanted to see them and was not disappointed. Crazy awesome.

Our trip was busy, warm, sunny, exhausting and wonderful. 

My husband and I both like roadtrips - or even just driving around locally to places I've never seen. I love my spot in shotgun shooting the passing scenery and rural architecture. It just makes me happy. 

This sunlit scene was captured on our way home as we drove through Carlton, Oregon. Summer in a small town - love it.

sold

97. Evening Round Bales

'Evening Round Bales'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another scene from rural Minnesota in the summer. 

This trip home will always be one of my favorites - right near the end of it, my now-husband and I became a 'thing'. :)

That was nearly ten years ago, and, last week, we celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. Love that guy. :)

Anyway, back to the painting. I'm a bit surprised that I haven't painted round bales before, what with my obsession and all. I'm sure I have dozens of photos of them, and fond memories of running across the tops when they're all lined up in their tidy rows. We always called this kind 'big round bales' because we had a neighbor that made 'little round bales'. I haven't seen the smaller version since I was a kid, -- they sure were cute.

sold

96. Heading Home

'Heading Home'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ah, August in rural Minnesota. :)

Even though we all know summer doesn't officially start in the northwest until the 4th of July, some years the wait seems longer than others. 

So, in order to beat another rainy, gray day, I thought I'd paint myself a little sunshine. 

This is a photo my sister took a few summers ago in Minnesota - it transports me back there in ways I can't quite explain. 

The memories it evokes are unending; even the marks on the tar road make me homesick. (My husband gets a good laugh out of that one -- apparently the proper term is 'paved road'.) The hay rack, the fields, the telephone poles, the gentle hills...buzzing insects, humidity -- yeah, well, nobody's perfect. ;)  

Anyway, miss you, Minnesota, and hurry up and get here, sunshine. :)

sold

95. Banner and Horn

'Banner and Horn'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Yay, the weekend is here.

Enjoy. :)

sold

94. Star and Stripes

'Star and Stripes'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Same pinwheel, with the addition of a vintage flag.

I did a little painting of another sort with my boys this afternoon.

I have fond memories of finger painting when I was their age - great fun!

(I'm 'noraellen23' on instagram)

93. Pinwheel

'Pinwheel'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Red, white and blue all over my palette this week;

 hope you're feeling as patriotic as I am. :)

sold

92. Back Porch Evening

'Back Porch Evening'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is the back view of the Historic Borst Home in Centralia, WA. 

Its front side is beautiful and a little fancier, but I just love the simple architecture of the back porch. 

The long shadows and warm light of evening seal the deal. 

I want to go to there. :)

sold

91. Snapdragon a Day

'Snapdragon a Day'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ok, I'm head over heels for this one. 

It helps that the last several attempts were complete duds. :)

I enjoyed it from start to finish, and, I'm so glad I planted these gorgeous dwarf snapdragons this year. I just love how they look against the bright blue of my 5-year-old's favorite Angry Birds t-shirt. ;)

In other news, school's out for summer! Whee! We made it.

Bring on the sun and swimming lessons.

sold

90. Doors

'Doors'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Wooden shop doors on a sunny day in Astoria, Oregon. :)

sold

You may have noticed that my painting has really dropped off in the past few months, and I guess I'd like to share what's what. Forgive me if this is TMI for a painting blog, just let me get it out there once and for all, and then I'll get back to the paintings. :) 

In early March, we learned that I was pregnant, and I spent most of my free time hanging out on my couch with afternoon/evening sickness. In mid-April, a first trimester ultrasound showed some abnormalities, and further testing revealed a severe heart defect and Down syndrome. The specialists were very concerned, and, sadly, in mid-May, another ultrasound showed that our tiny little boy no longer had a heartbeat. (Sixteen weeks gestation.) 

Needless to say, we've experienced nearly every emotion possible in the past few months, but, through it all, we've been so blessed and overwhelmed by the love and prayers of the friends and family that God has given us. 

We are humbled and grateful. 

In late May, I turned forty. (Um, what? Ok, still in denial, a bit.) As surreal as that seems, it's another reminder to stop and be thankful; to hug my three busy boys (7, 5, and 2) and my fantastic husband a little more often; and to appreciate once again that no matter how hard things are, one doesn't have to look far to find another with a greater struggle. I've gained a little empathy, a little compassion, and hopefully, I'll be able to give a little more to others as we were so blessed to receive.

Even though it's not the most important part of my life, painting is a big part of who I am, and I have missed it terribly. I'm so looking forward to getting back up to a few a week if I can ever remember how. ;) It's challenging and therapeutic (mostly), and when I'm not busy caring for my family, I'll be tucked into my corner, pushing around some paint.

Thanks for indulging me the sharing of this very personal information - it's better for me to just have everything out there -- and thanks for following my work.

 I hope I have many more paintings to share with you this summer. :)

89. Trophy Tower

'Trophy Tower'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Thanks to a neighborhood yard sale, I'm the new owner of these circa 1970 silver trophies. Love 'em! I stacked them on top of my vintage 'Derby Foods' box and had a great time painting them. 

I'm sure you'll see them again - old, shiny... what's not to love?

sold

88. Sunday in Seaview

'Sunday in Seaview'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This past Sunday, we took our three boys to the beach for the day.

It was glorious! 

Even though the weather app was telling us it was going to be 80°, I couldn't quite wrap my brain around it. Normally, a trip to a Washington beach (especially in May!) requires extra layers and rain boots - this was so the opposite and I loved every minute. Well, except the few seconds I attempted to walk in the dry, hot sand. ;)

We had such a wonderful time - warm sunshine with a steady wind to keep us from getting too hot, and plenty of shallow tide pools to keep the boys entertained. Summer Love.

sold

87. Cougar Pride

'Cougar Pride'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Sometimes I just love getting lost in the details. :)

This is my first grader's school and I thoroughly enjoyed painting it.
'Specially that American flag - love, love to paint the flag. 

And, I'm very glad I spent some time staring at it after calling it quits last night - something wasn't quite right. I finally realized that the stripes were paying tribute to two extra colonies! Considering this is a donation to the school's fundraiser auction, I should probably get the flag right. 

Well, almost right, - don't try counting those stars. ;)

86. Camellia in Canning Jar

'Camellia in Canning Jar'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hooray, it's May! My favorite month.

Mother's Day, my birthday (it's a big one this year - yikes!), and the long, wet winter is truly and finally over. We'll still see plenty of rain, but at least we won't be shivering in it. :)

And May flowers! Or, in my neighborhood, May deer appetizers. 

I planted some annuals with my sons on Sunday afternoon and the local pests have left them alone so far, but I'm sure it won't be long. I'll have to try some of those homemade anti-deer concoctions. Any suggestions?

Happy May!

sold

85. Downstairs

'Downstairs'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another cute house in north Portland. 

SO green! 

I've lived in the PNW for almost 15 years, and I'm still amazed by how green it is year-round. (I took this photo in January.) Love it.

We're enjoying a similarly sunny day today, -- so great. 

Keep it coming, Spring!

sold

84. Stems

'Stems'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It's my anniversary! My oil painting anniversary, that is. 

One year ago today, I painted and posted my very first small painting in oils!

I've had the time of my life, and I've learned so, so much. 

I haven't painted many flowers, or what I should say is, I haven't completed many paintings of flowers, because, well, they're tough! 

These little lovelies came home with me yesterday thanks to my sweet mother-in-law, and after seeing the roundy vase I knew I had to try painting them. To take the pressure off, I put the focus on my favorite parts -- the vase and stems. I gotta say, I'm diggin' those stems.  

Thanks for watching my progress this past year - I can't wait to see what the next one brings. :)

sold

83. Minnesota Morning

'Minnesota Morning'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

First off, I will apologize to those of you actually in Minnesota right now, -- I know you've seen more than your share of the white stuff this year -- sorry to bring you a little more.

This sunrise was on the day we left MN on our most recent winter trip to the area - it was January 2, 2010. And, it was a balmy -31°F. 

It's always sad to leave after visiting my parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, friends, etc., -- but, temperatures like that make heading back to Oregon just a little easier. :)

sold

82. Highway Ten

'Highway Ten'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is another one I've tried before -- they're so much more fun now!

I took this photo a couple of summers ago in Minnesota. This is Wadena, the nearest 'big' town to our small town. We went to school in our beloved Sebeka; for everything else, we went to Wadena. I couldn't begin to count the weekend hours I spent with friends, cruising endlessly over these streets. Even now, a couple of decades years later, I find myself looking at the passengers in other cars, expecting to see high school pals. 

My all-time fave DQ graces this shot, but right now, I'm really wishing I had my hands on a Hardee's Hot Ham n' Cheese. :)

sold

81. Haystack Six

'Haystack Six'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

'Twas August in Oregon, so one guy went shirtless on the beach. ;)

It was actually hot inland, but ocean breezes keep the coastal towns misty and air-conditioned. Still, a beautiful, bright day. 

Beachcombers and sunbathers enjoy the warm sand in front of Haystock Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

sold

80. Charred

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Whew! Over a week since I last posted - sorry 'bout that! 

We've been a little under the weather around here - hopefully everyone'll be on the mend soon.

I've been itching to paint something gold or brassy, and my father-in-law supplied the perfect thing - his old trumpet. It lived through a fire last year, and if you know me at all, you know I love it this way!  

All those extra colors and the green and blue patina - just so expressive.

Sold

79. Summer Red

'Summer Red'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I painted a little Summer today - I am so ready for it! 

Also, it's been too long since I painted something red. :)

This handsome barn is snuggled into the foothills of Mt. St. Helens in WA.

I am so envious of its rolling fields and southern exposure. 

Also, this is one of the first barns I've seen that doesn't have a 'face'.

That's all right - it still looks cheerful to me.

And warm! :)

sold

78. Monday Morning

'Monday Morning'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Our morning commute. Or, the six block drive home from school. :)

Dense fog settled low in distant canyons; sunbeams pointing long shadows towards beaming porches, and the lingering overnight frost giving spring lawns an extra glow.

Pretty loosey-goosy on this one --  I know, I spell that different every time, -- but that's usually what I need on a Monday. :) 

The sun actually stayed with us all day long, so I opened my window wide and enjoyed the smell of freshly cut grass and the sounds of kids playing outdoors. 

Ah, Spring. :)

sold

77. Small Drink of Water

'Small Drink of Water'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This tiny little pitcher -- the 0.25L mark is just visible near the top -- was a fun little exercise in gray. 

A little more subtle than I usually am - or at least it seems to me! :)

sold

76. September Sun

'September Sun'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is another 'do-over' from last fall. 

Much better this time. :)

This lovely church sits near the tree lined shore of Lake Sacajawea in Longview, WA. 

It was so warm and sunny that day - perfect September weather.

sold

75. Three Elevators

'Three Elevators'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Somewhere in eastern Oregon, these lovely ladies stand tall and proud in their little brown valley.

I have attempted them before, in fact, more than once - hours and hours on something I *thought* would be so simple! (That seems to happen often.)

Well, thankfully, I've learned a thing or two in the last few months, and I finally got them to a happy place, and in a fraction of the time I spent before. Thank God for progress. :)

sold

74. My Smallest Fan

'My Smallest Fan'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I have three of these Zero vintage fans - this one is my smallest. ;)

I've painted one of them before, and thought it was high time I gave it another shot. Whew! The misshapen blade guards were quite the humdinger! 

Blade guards? Ok, just asked my husband - he said it's a 'shroud'. 

Anyway, the shiny, wiry frame that goes around the blades was a challenge to paint! :)

Thanks for stopping by - have a great weekend!

sold

73. Greener Grass

'Greener Grass'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This farmhouse is in lovely Yamhill County, OR, - a couple of relaxing, rural hours south of me.  

Driving through Yamhill County is always beautiful, but seeing this house on  its hilltop perch is always the highlight for me.

And the sheep...so bucolic.

I want to go to there. :)

sold

72. Sun Hat

'Sun Hat'

6" x 6" 

oil on gessoboard

Ah, summertime. :) 

I took this photo last summer while visiting my family in Minnesota. 

A blue-shirted farmer under a yellow sun-brella atop a vintage red swather? 

No way could I just drive on by that little scene!

 Btw, pronounced 'swatter', at least by all the farmers I know. ;) 

I've tried painting this before without success, but today my approach was rather loosey-goosey, as I like to say, and I'm much happier with the end result.

sold

71. Bug Light

'Bug Light'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Something new for me, a night scene. 

I snapped this photo last night as my husband and I were leaving a restaurant - I loved how the street light and all the other lights around really made this little bug glow. :) 

sold

70. Two Forks In A Jar

'Two forks in a Jar'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Isn't it romantic? ;) 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I prefer to photograph my paintings in natural light, so it was a mad dash to finish this before daylight disappeared, but I think I made it. :)

I could easily tinker on this for several more hours, but it feels good to walk away, to keep plenty of those imperfections around. 

sold

69. Window Shade

'Window Shade'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I took the photo of this lovely little scene while I waited at the drive-thru window of my bank. :) It was a gorgeous October day, and the geraniums were glorious. 

I can't complain about our current weather - it's been practically tropical compared to some parts of the country, -- but aren't we all about ready for some sunshine and overflowing flowerpots? 

Painting this was like looking at my own version of a SAD light. :)

sold

68. Seattle Sky

'Seattle Sky'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

We spent the weekend with family just north of Seattle. 

It's always a treat for the boys when we drive through downtown - they get such a kick out of the skyscrapers, and of course, the Space Needle. 

Ok, it's not only the kids in the car that love seeing the sights. ;)

I snapped this photo on our way home -- it had been a beautiful, sunny day, but by the time we hit the city, clouds were rolling in and everything was as it should be. :) 

sold

67. Memories of Mom

'Memories of Mom'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This was a commission I did last week for a dear family member.

The kitchen tools were used for years and years by her mother.

You know I just can't get enough of that beaten-up sifting cup -- all the dents and dings -- the character of memories. :)

'Twas an honor to paint.

sold

66. Jar O Junk

'Jar O Junk'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I painted it like I found it. 

Ok, so I wiped off a little dust. 

And, I placed it just so on my shiny turquoise table.

I'm kinda lovin' it!

I'm so thankful for all the kind comments I rec'd for my DPW interview - I feel so blessed! 

And, another sweet little highlight today - I won some notecards from the super-talented Elizabeth Floyd. She has a beautiful website and blog to go along with her amazing art. Check it out!

Have a great weekend everyone!

sold

65. Upstairs and some really great news!

'Upstairs'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another north Portland sunny street scene. 

This was just down the street from 'Overshadowed'.

I had a little extra fun with the shadows on this one. :)

Ok, on to the really great news!

Daily Paintworks, the site where I sell my paintings and where I learned almost everything I know about oil painting, is featuring me and my art for the coming week! As part of the feature, they interviewed me for their blog,
 they'll post about me on their Facebook page, and they'll give one of my paintings away on their site.

I'm so excited! And, not gonna lie, a little nervous about folks reading my interview. I've gotten over the fear of throwing my paintings at you every week, but talking about myself and why I paint? Yikes! 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to pass it along!

And just a little more about DPW  -- they post new paintings every day by daily painters from all over the world. I really love it. And, if you're interested in learning more about painting, check out their ArtBytes - they're inexpensive (some free) little tutorials packed full of great information. 

*Update* Click here to read my interview on the DPW blog.  

Thanks for stopping by!

sold

64. Tassled

'Tassled'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A fun little Minnesota summer sunset to start off my week. :)

Happy Monday!

sold

63. Thursday Morning

"Thursday Morning"

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

My son was so disappointed when he realized he wouldn't get to ride the bus to school every day. We live too close. Instead, he's a 'walker', which means I'm a 'dropper-offer'. :)

It's not always fun to drag the younger ones out of their warm beds for the trip, but they don't seem to mind. Yesterday, I grabbed the camera and captured this scene. 

Yup, there's something about a school bus.

sold

62. Strike Over

"Strike Over"

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

So, today, I fell in love with painting again.

Yesterday, we broke up.

It wasn't that I didn't try to make it work. Believe me, I tried.

All day long, I begged, I pleaded...I gave it all I had. 

But, as my mom would say, "Nothing doing".

 *Sigh.* 

Ok, drama's over. :) 

It was a little frustrating, but really only because I thought I might make this my first five-for-five week. (Five paintings in five days.) 

It's all right though, not every day is going to be smooth sailing. 

It can be hard to walk away from the easel when you're as stubborn as me, but I'm learning that after a break, a good night's sleep, some prayer, ok, maybe lots of prayer, I will be much better off. 

And, the desire to create will come back. It always does. 

Ok, on to today's painting.

A silver-plated tray serves up some nice reflective bling, and my very favorite bowling pin shows off its numerous war wounds. 

Both were extremely enjoyable to paint, but I especially loved that bowling pin. Can't wait to paint it again. :)

A good day!

sold

61. Drive-Thru Lane

'Drive-Thru Lane'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

You may remember me mentioning a barn I wanted to paint in the Blueberry Fields post last week -- here it is! I didn't think I'd be painting it so soon because my photos of it were pretty lame. But, after perusing them once more, I found one to work with -- even though it was out of focus, extremely tilted and partially cut off. (That's drive-by shooting for ya.)

Anyway, I'm so glad I gave it a go! 

I'm really trying to push myself beyond my reference photograph - to take charge, to be the artist, to make the final result be punchy, interesting, dynamic! Those are the types of paintings I really respond to. Often, I'll get wild and crazy in the middle stages and then chicken out and bring things back to the safe zone. I think I took one small little step out of my 'boring' box on this one and it was really, really fun to paint. 

I like it a lot. :) 

This painting stuff is unbelievably addictive! 

I tell you, I just can't wait to start another one!

   

Thanks for stopping by. :)

sold

60. Old Glory

'Old Glory'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This lovely church is right around the corner from our house.

I have photographed it dozens of times, but recently I captured the late afternoon winter sun making some really great, long, shadows. 

I borrowed from one of last summer's pics for the flag - it is not currently flying. 

My almost-five-year-old astutely pointed out that it was missing from my reference photograph. That made me smile because usually he and his older brother pay very little attention to what I'm painting. :) 

sold

59. Overshadowed

'Overshadowed'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Haha - I'm not so sure about this one...! :)

But first, -- I've posted three paintings a week for three weeks now! Yay!

If I remember correctly, at least six of them were done in the course of one day.
Another yay!

Ok, about this one - it may not be exactly what I was shooting for, but this is my first attempt at painting architecture with a black ground as my starting place. And, it was so much fun! It's really kind of magical how the colors just 'pop' out of the darkness. And that tree (elm, I think), - well, it was just so crazy and mossy and all over the place, I just had to give it a try. I think the lower, simpler, portion of the painting balances out the crazy a bit. 

At least I hope it does. :)

I took this photo in north Portland earlier this week. 

It was cold, green and SUNNY. 

Have a great weekend!

sold.

58. Pipe Wrench

'Pipe Wrench'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Fabric and a tool. 

Two of my new favorite things to paint! 

I like how the white petal print on the fabric echoes the toothiness of the wrench jaws and that part on the far right, y'know, the part that moves when you turn the little dial? Got lots of bite. :)

I'm trying my hardest to paint faster - for a multitude of reasons - and this painting is one I actually started and finished today! I started like, after ten, and finished before dinner! Love it. I try to let my painting interrupt my life (instead of vice versa), so I get up from my chair a gazillion times to tend to my real job (mommy), but one of the blessings of oil paint is that if I'm away for a minute or an hour, I can pick up immediately where I left off. 

Did I mention that I love to paint with oils? :)

Anyway, considering I did this all today, I'm very happy with it. I could have easily fiddled a whole 'nother day on the thing (been there), and have the results be not a whole lot different than this. I'm learning, I'm learning! :)

Sold

57. Blueberry Fields in Winter

'Blueberry Fields in Winter'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

There is a blueberry farm near our church that I've been stalking. It's a charming place with a gorgeous red barn that I shall certainly paint one day. 

Sunday afternoon I ventured by and fell in love all over again. 

The wintering blueberry bushes were on fire! The naked red branches were set aglow in the late afternoon sun - so beautiful. 

Here's my attempt to capture it in paint. :)

sold

56. Phone Book

'Phone Book'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Day two of starting with a black ground - still fun!

sold

55. Water Valve

'Water Valve'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

My husband replaced our water heater a few months back, and the valve from the old one has been staring me down ever since. 

I mean, seriously, --  how is one expected NOT to put such a lovely, sturdy, jolly little piece of gloriously patinaed bronze hardware into a painting? 

I do not know.

(Ok, admittedly, I tend to find as much beauty in a junkyard as in a flower shop, but that's just me. Also, flowers are SUPER hard to paint. ;) ) 

I don't know if you can tell, but I used a different approach this go 'round. In the style of a couple of my favorites, Karin Jurick and Catherine Rehfeld, I started with a black background. It took a while to wrap my brain around it, but after a while I really started to enjoy myself. 

I can't wait to give it another shot! 

not for sale

54. Hammer

'Hammer'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I like this one a lot. It just feels like me. 

It was tough. In ways I didn't expect.

And rewarding. In ways I did. :)

sold

53. Stealing The Show

'Stealing The Show'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Love me a blue canning jar, love me a couple of vintage hand mirrors.

And, love me some blue and white Target/Goodwill curtains that insist on stealing the spotlight. You go, curtains. Can't keep my eyes off ya. 

I really enjoyed painting those curtains - I think I'll be dragging out some more fabric for my still lifes (lives?). 

Thanks for stopping by! 

sold

52. Lofty Ideals

'Lofty Ideals'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I'm still looking for a little sunshine in my life, so here's another scene from last summer. 

This sweet little barn is on the dikelands of the Columbia River.

For as long as I've been an observer of barns -- like, since my memories begin -- I've always thought that they have 'faces'. The fenestration on the gable end forms facial features and the gambrel roof line provides a nice frame of 'hair'. (Um, thank you, college education.) This makes barns, to me, very expressive. Some are sad, some happy, some are sticking out their great big giant tongue at me. Some like their hair flipped out, some keep it cropped short, -- you get the (very silly) idea. Anyway, I mention it because this cute little barn has been mocking me all day. With its off-centered smirk of a loft opening, it is, like McKayla Moroney, not impressed. ;)

Sold

51. Big Sky Blue

'Big Sky Blue'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hey! I'm still here! :)

The holidays are over, everyone is healthy again and I am ready to paint!

And, I'm craving me some blue sky therapy. The kind that comes with sunshine and 75 degrees. Not much of that to be found around here, so instead, I shuffled through my vacation photos from last summer and picked the bluest one I could find. (Taken somewhere in eastern Montana.) 

I also really liked that monster cumulus cloud that was taking up a lot of the frame. Oops, after wikipedia-ing that, I guess technically it's a 'cumulonimbus'; a dense, towering, vertical cloud associated with thunderstorms. Whatever it's called, it was ginormously huge and impressive, and very challenging to paint! 

Happy New Year!

sold