Here's a larger version of the small study below (8"x 10"). There are some things that are working well, and some things that will need to be resolved in a larger piece.

I'm beginning a series of farm paintings from reference I gathered while on a recent trip to Utah. The top two pieces will be a companion set with the field before and after irrigation. I intend to do them semi-large, perhaps four feet or so (that's as big as I can fit in my patio studio currently!) I'm looking forward to experimenting with sky/field colors more before I progress on to the final canvases. The bottom piece will be 2-3'. I have a medium-size study I have already completed of this small piece which I'll post in the next few days. Enjoy!

Each week at Blue Sky Studios, a group of 'Lunchtime Painters' do a plein air piece around the studio. There are extensive grounds, and it has been really great. The piece above I did yesterday, and it's included because it's the most recent, not because I particularly care for it. The first piece is one I did of my co-worker Ron, who is a fantastic painter.

This is a larger piece (18"x24" on linen panel) that just got shipped off to the Hollis Gallery in Pasadena (www.hollisfineart.com). The photo has a little glare, and the foreground shadow relationship to the distant cloud/mountaintop seems a bit drastic from the original, but other than that it's pretty true. The painting depicts the Utah mountains right above Farmington. I took some liberties with, well, a lot of things, but the essence is there. My last three large paintings have had a foreground shadow added to enhance focal point, so I'm going to have to start using some other tricks or else I'll get typecast!

Here are a few quick studies that have been lying around for a few months. The bottom winter piece was done on a snowy morning from the kitchen window, and the Indian corn was hanging on the wall by the stove one night and I couldn't resist. The baler and winter nocturne are from photos. All are roughly 5"x7". Enjoy!

How it works (the condensed version)

So, here are the highlights of the "Needles Peak Illustrated Life History", complete with pithy, but actual, thoughts along the way. Remember, if your initial thought is that it looks like a garden gnome, chances are someone else will too. Some good thoughts to keep in mind with logo design and painting alike:
A) Always have impartial eyes take a look at it and tell you WHAT THEY SEE (not what they think/like...at least not at first).
B) Never settle for the first solutions, they are rarely the most successful.

Coming Soon: Paintings!

Needles Peak Ski and Bike

This is a logo that I just completed for a new ski/bike shop in Utah. Needles Peak Ski and Bike is the official name, and they're just getting started. They are really committed to being a great shop, and I'm really excited about where the logo is going. We did a lot of versions, and I'll try and post some 'process' versions later so you can how it came together. I'm excited to get some paintings up soon! (All images are copyrighted)