OPB Oregon Art Beat segment

Oregon Art Beat

I had the good fortune to be interviewed by KC Cowan from OPB for Oregon Art Beat last spring and the segment aired last week.

It was very strange seeing and hearing myself onscreen, but in the end I felt it was a good portrayal of my work and thoughts about what's important to me about doing art. So, I just feel thankful to have had the opportunity!

To see the segment go to:

http://www.opb.org/programs/artbeat

Summer on the Lower Deschutes River

Summer on the Deschutes

18 x 24 unframed Soft Pastel

The photo I worked from for this painting was taken last summer by my nephew David James Higdon on a fishing trip to the lower Deschutes river with my husband Tim and son Jackson. I asked him to take some photos showing the warm reflections of the surrounding canyon walls in the water. Tim informed me that the poplars on the right are not indigenous, but were planted near a homestead. There is nothing like the canyons of the Deschutes on a warm summer day...and this brings back that feeling.

Large Trout Art

"Big Boy"

36 x 18 Acrylic on Canvas/wrapped sides

$975

This nice, fat rainbow is from a couple of photos that photographer Tim Pask sent me. Crystal clear water and incredible reflections combined with the pebbles in the streambed frame the fish and create lots of interesting things to paint. The fish has lots of spots. Spots are the hardest part of the fish to render. I'm not going for a photographic image, but an impression, so I dab them on, wait a minute and then wipe them off. This seems to give the best indication without getting tight and obsessive.

High Cascade Creek

"Under"

revise of "Cascade Zen"

Creative block is not a fun thing. It often happens around the holidays. My studio is full of wrapping paper, my head is full of lists and the bank account is dwindling. Not really conducive to spending time at the easel.

But now...it's time. I get my body into my studio and sit on a stool. I get out photos that have inspired me, consider mediums and substrates. I decide "Cascade Zen" really should be painted over because I need the canvas. But, I've always loved one part of that otherwise somewhat problematic painting—the reflection of the trees on the right hand side. All of the sudden the light goes on and I wonder if I can turn it over and let those trees be at the top. I flip the canvas. It could work. My paints came out. It's fun. It's the most fun I've had in a long time. The block has a hole in it and I can see light.

Trout Swimming Upstream

"In the Current"

20" x 10" Acrylic on canvas with wrapped painted sides

$350

This was a really fun painting to do. It's pretty small. The goal—to keep it loose and let it be atmospheric...in a watery way. Detail on the fish is limited. I like the focal point fish being cut-off. Most of the color comes from the fins with the light shining through.

Rainbow Trout Art

"Rainbow Magic"

Acrylic on canvas w/museum-wrapped painted 2.5" sides

60" x 27"

$2500

Well...it's taken a bit, life has been pretty crazy since my last post, but I think this painting is finished. I wanted it to be pretty loose and so am resisting the urge to keep adding detail. Once again, thanks to Tim Pask for his stunning photo from an Alaskan fishing trip to paint from.

Beginning Rainbow Trout Painting

Finally started on a new, large underwater painting....this photo shows it about halfway done. I actually really like this stage—between the hurdle of getting starting and laying down a layer or two of paint and the point where everything goes downhill and I'm not sure I can pull it out.

This amazing trout in a crystal clear stream is from a photo Tim Pask took recently on a fishing trip in Alaska. I am very taken with the brilliant color of the fish, looking like molten gold and the deep turquoise, indigo of the water. Stay posted for the next progress report.