Having new eyes

The voyage of discovery

is not in seeking new landscapes

but in having new eyes.

– Marcel Proust

My recent works for the Colorado Pathways show are once again glimpses from my playground, the western Colorado landscape. This quote rings so true as I look with new eyes at the views around home and continue my explorations of the pathways through the rural landscape. What one day appears mundane with no interest, the next day reveals a stunning view with dramatic color and drama.

I am painting like crazy to prepare for "Colorado Pathways," my upcoming July show at Around the Corner Art Gallery in Montrose, Colorado. Here is a recent painting reminiscent of our adobe landscape from a paint out that Dan Deuter and his wife, Ellie, so kindly hosted. This scene is an 18x14 original oil painting on panel. I'm using the palette knife more frequently these days. The painting knife creates a luscious, thick paint surface that you can carve and create textures on. The drawback is that the thick paint dries ever so slowly which gets concerning when you need to wait for the painting to dry before adding more effects.