Enlarging my studies

 Gathering of Elks, 16 X 20. Oil on board. I had a hard time with this painting. I had made an 8 X 10 earlier, but enlarging it and painting it was difficult. 

Warm winter's day. This one was also difficult. 11" X 14" enlarged from my plein air paintings last week.  I changed some of the buildings and added them (from my photos). I wanted to include the hawk that was in the tree too.

I found it easier to work on canvas than board in top painting. I guess I need to practice more. I noticed a big difference in color palette. The Elks photo was taken in Alberta in early summer. The cattle were observed in early winter in Idaho. 

Warm sunny winter day

 I joined a group of plein air painters today at Eagle Island State Park (Idaho). It was warm enough to take off my coat. Much better than the last time I went out with them and had cold hands and feet. The cold weather is coming soon so this is probably my last time outdoor painting for a while.  

I like my two little studies enough that I am going to make a bigger painting and include the hawk from the first photo.  I was too busy figuring out colors, shapes and how to put in background and foreground to spend time adding the hawk, plus my canvas was very small.  I'm looking forward to working on the larger canvas this weekend.

Happy Chanukah.  Just a few days left of the holiday. We have been enjoying it.

I also got to talk to some of the horses and dogs who were heading out on the trails. Fun!