The drought is ended
My slump is over. I just spent four days at Pacific Northwest Plein Air 2025, a plein air event in Columbia River Gorge. I painted seven watercolors over four days and entered three of them in the exhibition at Maryhill Museum near The Dalles, Oregon. I’m glad to say that my painting skills and enthusiasm returned. My brush is alive again!
My son, Guy, joined me as my driver and support team. He’s been a great companion and lots of help. We’re very fortunate to be able to stay with Katy’s sister, Margo, who lives in Stevenson, WA, in the Gorge.
On Monday, I met with the other artists, about 40 of us, to get our information packets, then we all spread out to paint the Gorge. Guy and I happened to find a scenic meadow underneath a looming mountain, where I made a painting. There was a herd of several dozen goats grazing the pasture. Afterwards I met the owner, who said the property has been in his wife’s family for over 60 years, and their daughter is preparing to take over the operation. Here’s the painting I made:
Afterward we drove to the Portland Women’s Forum Scenic Viewpoint near Trout Lake. From here you can see the iconic view of the Columbia River stretching out to the east. Unfortunately, my painting was too labored and tight.
On Tuesday, I attempted two paintings near Hood River, but both were clunkers. In the evening we attended a potluck with the other artists which was great fun, but I was exhausted afterward.
On Wednesday, I found an abandoned sawmill and made a painting, but the subject was too complicated and I lost my focus. After lunch we found a lovely farm above the Gorge with three red barns at interesting angles. This is a familiar subject for me, and I felt comfortable enough to loosen up, and I was happy with the result. Here it is:
it was late in the afternoon, but I was on a roll, so I painted a farm on Columbia Crest with Mt. Hood in the background. Score! Here it is:
I was happy with these three paintings, so I signed them and put them into the frames that I had brought with me.
On Thursday we drove to The Dalles Mountain Ranch, a historic ranch east of the Dalles that is now a state park. When I tried to paint a hillside of yellow flowers in front of the old ranch buildings, my powers failed me. Too complicated.
Later in the afternoon we drove to Maryhill Museum, the sponsor of the event, and turned in my three paintings along with all the other artists. It was great to visit with them and see some of their beautiful paintings. There are some very good artists here, and it’s quite humbling to be among them.
Friday was a day off, which I badly needed. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the opening reception for the show which will stay up for a month. I’m excited to see all the paintings and talk with the other artists. It’s been a great week!
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