Swampy Winter Sunset

Today was snowy, so I decided to paint something appropriate to the weather. Somewhere far from the big cities, the sun sets in fiery colors beyond a soggy marshland, the reflected light the only real warmth on this cold day.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Aurora in Winter

I decided to go with something unusual for this painting - a scene in the frozen north, near the point where the trees fade away, of the aurora borealis in winter. It was an interesting challenge to paint since it's a nocturne with strangely colored, glowing ribbons across the sky, but I think it turned out reasonably well given the challenges.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Christmas Sequoias

High in the Sierra Nevada mountains, snow falls across a landscape of ancient giant sequoias, bringing needed water to this fragile ecosystem. In the valleys below, humanity prepares to celebrate Christmas and other holidays near the winter solstice; here, in the mountains, the years tick by far slower amid towering trees that stand strong for millennia.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17" (SOLD)

Autumn Aspen Climb

Aspen trees are a symbol of the mountain west in America; these beautiful pioneer trees form massive groves across middle elevations and cooler climates. The root systems can live for centuries, and they turn a distinctive golden color in the fall. Aspens are also rather challenging to paint. Their bright golden leaves risk disappearing against the sky, hence the need for strong blues and darker mountains, and the pale bark of the trees offers little contrast against the yellow foliage. Finally, the bark patterns are distinctive and the technically white bark really reflects colors around it and should never be painted stark white. In all, they are beautiful, symbolic, and tough trees to paint well; I hope this painting has captured their majesty accurately.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Autumn Cinders

This isn't the prettiest or happiest of paintings, but not everything in life is beautiful, as we all know. This painting is one of quiet persistence; a scattered few maple trees turning their usual crimson colors, as they do every year. Despite the endless rain and clouds, amid the mud and brown-leaved trees everywhere, these few cinders spark and glow, reminding us of better times and the endless cycles of nature. I know it has been a rough year for many people, and for everyone who needs a sunnier tomorrow, I hope it arrives soon.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Death Valley at Night

On my trip to the West in June, the first national park we saw was Death Valley. At first, one would think there would be nothing of beauty in a barren desert, but that was not the case. Death Valley is an alien inferno for much of the year, and yet its stark landscapes, vast views, and craggy rocks provide a wonder of their own. The most astounding aspect of the park isn't seen until nightfall, however. Then, as the sun slowly sets, you stand beneath one of the darkest skies in the nation, and indeed the world. Above you, the Milky Way fades into view, clearly cut through by dark clouds and rifts, and countless stars glimmer and shine. Indeed, the stars themselves feel within reach, as if there is nothing between you and infinity. This is only a painting, and nocturnes are notoriously difficult to create and photograph - one must see the night sky as it truly is to understand.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Yosemite Tunnel View - OLD

This is another painting of the stunning landscapes I saw out west early this summer as I toured the national parks of California. The Tunnel View Overlook is one of the most famous overlooks in Yosemite National Park, a classic scene for painters and photographers alike. There is no way to capture the overwhelming scale and beauty of Yosemite, or really any of the mountainous west. All I can do is to try and depict the immense spaces, towering cliffs, and stunning light as I saw them, but to truly understand this place, you must go there yourself and see it.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"