Power Outages, Oh My!

Painting #1 Temptest 11 x 14 inches

I struggled getting this photo uploaded, I am not surprised because these past several weeks have been a trial.

This latest shutoff was our 6th of an average length about 2-3 days long. Out most recent (restored today) was five days long. Interesting how I was getting used to dealing with it all, never take your electricity for granted!

Prior to our current property, we lived a further 8 miles up the road and at about 3400 feet. We had to deal with quite a few outages and one was a good 19 days long, can you imagine that! Our generator wasn’t working and the pipes leading from our 1,000 gallon water tower were completely frozen solid. I melted snow day in and day out on the wood stove. To help deal with it all, I read Laura Ignalls Wilder’s book, The Long Winter.

Painting #2 Freedom

The reason for the power shut-off has been due to our extremely dry and windy conditions here in northern California. Last November our electric power company was found to be the cause of the Camp fire in Paradise where 85 people lost their lives. To ensure safety for their customers, the decision to cut power has been made on windy and dry conditions. We have been told that this will be our new normal for the next 10 years. Yep

Painting #3 Yuba Shenanigans

I haven’t been able to paint during these outages because of how dark my art room is. I took this opportunity to do more hiking, outdoor work and reading. My grandson Rollin was over during the majority of this time and he took it in stride. We played many games of Crazy 8’s, he was a happy camper.

Rollin, my 11 year old grandson

We had so much fun regardless if we had power or not, we folks make do! Until next time, count your blessings.

Fall, My Favorite Season!

Painting #1

How blessed are those who long for Him – Isaiah 30:18

This past few weeks I have been very busy dealing with getting prepared for the change of weather. Fall is my favorite season. We were out of power for three days and I wasn’t able to paint so I cleaned my art studio.

The painting above was painted rather quickly. I am finding that I love the color combination of Piemontite Genuine and French Ultramarine Blue. I also used Yellow Ochre and Burnt Umber.

Painting #2

Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Psalm 55:6

I started this painting while the power was out. I reached for a paint tube that I thought was an earth color but it actually was Quin. Magenta, yikes! I decided at that moment that I should wait until I could see to paint.

When the power returned, I continued with trying to see what I could salvage and I am now very happy with it. I was determined to make it work. Sometimes my paintings start out elusive and ends up being something I would never have envisioned. This one is painted on Arches hotpress which I am surprised that I could build up dimension quite well.

Painting #3

Have No Fear

An absolutely fun one to paint. It seemed to come out of pure obscurity.

Painting #4 – abstract

The Perfection of Beauty – Psalm 50:2

I think that the colors in this photo is rather dull compared to the actual painting but you get the general idea.

That is enough for now. I will be having my 11 year old grandson over for several days and I probably won’t be painting. I have several days of hiking planned for him. Perhaps I will post about our adventures. I have been taking him hiking with me since he was about 5 or 6 years old. I have made him promise to continue to hike throughout his life and in particular to take his own children on hikes. I hope that I can see that in my lifetime. Until next time, enjoy your week!

Mendocino and More

“Within” 11 x 14 inches – semi abstract imaginescape

Amazing that I can post this while camping in the redwoods. I finished the painting above a few days before leaving for Anderson Valley in Mendocino county. This post will be a short one.

My favorite tree, coastal redwood

If you ever get a chance to see the redwoods person, do it! Nothing like it, believe me. Tomorrow we will be hiking a redwood grove at Hendy Woods state park.

“Brilliance” – 11 x 14 inches

This painting is based on a photo taken by my daughter while on her job with the Forest Service in the high country in Nevada county.

Our ride, the Indian Chief Classic 2014

Isn’t she a beaut! So fun riding it especially in the redwoods.

See you on the other side!

Fall Paintings

Painting #1 “When Hope Reigns” 11 x 14 inches – imaginescape

I have had a wonderful few painting sessions, perhaps it has to do with the good aftermath of the art show in my little community.

I had no idea how successful it would be. I am not talking about sales but rather interest and a good turnout. I had the wonderful experience of speaking to several people about art and creativity. I did sale an unframed tree painting and a watercolor mounted onto a cradled board.

Painting #2 Untitled – 11 x 14 inches – semi-abstract of the Sierra Buttes

The painting above was a quick one exploring texture and color.

Painting #3 “Manzanita Lake ” – 11 x 14 inches

I wanted to see how minimal I could paint this. The far back edge of the treeline appears to descend but in actuality the photo makes it appear that way.

Painting #4 Bullards – 11 x 14 inches

I think that I enjoy trying to capture light on my paintings, a delight indeed!

Painting #5 “Forest of My Dreams” 11 x 14 inches – semi-abstract

My goal was to give you an essence of the woods, a visual forest bathing experience. I prefer to abstract my subjects, more exciting to me.

Painting #6 “Glory” 11 x 14 inches

Again, the light in the sky is the focus. My husband and I will be going on another motorcycle camping trip this weekend to Anderson Valley in Mendocino county. I plan on hiking in the redwoods and to go to Fort Bragg to explore.

Have a wonderful rest of the week. Thank you for stopping by and reading!