Exploring Idaho

Driving north, we took a weekend trip to Lowman, Idaho. We enjoyed the private hot springs in the hotel and did not try out the pool.  I was sad to see all the damage from the wildfires in the past. Some trees are growing back, but it take a long time and there is a lot of soil erosion too. The streams and rivers were running very rapidly, I assume from the snow melting in the mountains.

On the way back, we took Route 21, very windy, curvy and scenic, lots of canyons.

The next weekend we took a long (2 1/2 hour) drive south to Shoshone Falls.  That was beautiful too.

I am still struggling with hills so we did not do any hiking although there was a trail there I would like to explore when (and if) my knee heals.

I'm working on a couple of paintings and experimenting with materials. More on that next time. I am enjoying my new home in Idaho and there are many places to explore. We even found some easy trails not too far from our house along the Boise River.

Light and shadow

I'm still not sure if this painting is done yet.  I was working from my photo of Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. We toured there with my late brother a few years ago. It was a beastly hot day (over 100 degrees F) and I was amazed at the cliffs and rocks.After living in New England for so long, it seemed strange to see an environment like this.

I tried to convey that sense of heat with the shadows and colors. I've set the painting aside to dry and I'll think about it some more. Meanwhile, I'm going to try some different techniques and learn more about painting with oils.  This painting is 11" X 14" on stretched canvas, water mixable oils. 

As I've been experimenting I also bought some new brushes and more paint.  I'm enjoying my quiet studio in Idaho, but I need to tidy up and put away paintings now.  I brought back the paintings that were on exhibit and now I have to find a place for them, probably in storage in my garage except for a few I will hang up.