In the life of a Painter

I've been painting in Yosemite Valley this past two months appreciating the sounds and scenes of spring.  I don't know of anything finer than spring green meadows, graceful dogwoods under the pines, the full Merced River along with the roar of waterfalls everywhere.  Wild rose, cow parsnips, shooting stars to name a few of the wildflowers greeting me on each trip.  

It's cool early in the morning and I can get my first impression down on the canvas.  By mid-morning, visitors surround my easel to see what's happening.  I'm happy to talk to folks when I take a break to look at the painting from far away and I find it is good to stop, rest a bit, and then get back to it.  Lately, I bring the canvas home for some studio tuning.  But all the important stuff is done - the design, the shapes, the values and color notes.  Painting en plein air brings me new ideas every time!  Spring in full force inspires my work -- songbirds singing, the early morning quiet, and then the roar of Yosemite Fall!

Folks always ask about my color -- it's about how I feel about this place.  My paint values are my guide to how light is moving across forms and the color shares my joy.  NEW CHANGE:  Starting May 21 --If you are coming to Yosemite -- make day-use reservations here   recreation.gov

Have a great and healthy summer!

Penny