In the life of a Painter

I've lived in the Yosemite Sierra for 53 years and am absolutely still hooked on it.  Not just Yosemite Valley but the entire mountain range continues to knock my socks off.  I am grateful for this mountain life as it's brought me good health from walking, many friends, and a continued desire to BE OUTSIDE!!!  So I paint, I camp, and still delight in it's gifts of calm, connection, and my deepest spirit.  Painting and drawing come to me easily outdoors. 

I love being a "plein air" painter, but also enjoy the quiet of my studio for exploration of my materials.  This piece was done from a drawing in ink onto a 30x24" canvas done outdoors and painted in the studio.  It's leaning abstract which is where I seem to be going these days.  At the same time, I paint more realistically whenever I can to make sure I've still got the eye for seeing well.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.  New beginnings, new challenges, and lots of laughter on the journey!!!