Monday, January 11, 2010

When the Snow Doesn't Come to YOU...



Following all my 'grousing' about not having any snow, my husband decided we would make a trek north to a place that is near and dear to my heart.  Pend Oreille County, Washington is the northeastern most county in the State of Washington.  In another life, I was the Coordinator for The North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, which later became a part of the International Selkirk Loop (which I also worked on).  I will tell you more about this experience sometime later.  For now, simply know that this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life.  Through the trees in the center you get a hazy view of the Pend Oreille River, which flows north into Canada.  Canada, by the way is only a step or two north of Metaline Falls, which is where we visit.  A life-long artist friend of mine, Lee McGowan, owns and operates the Historic Washington Hotel.  She maintains her artist studio in the main part of the hotel and many workshops are held there.  So, this weekend my wonderful husband was rewarded by two days of glorious snow shoeing and I painted with Lee.  Lee is a well-known oil painter and is doing some exceptional work these days.  I chose to work with watercolors.  Thought you might be interested in seeing my FINAL Candied Apple, which I played with and finished this weekend.  I'm putting up both the first version and this final version which is now matted (this means I will leave it alone!).



As always, I would love to hear what you all think about the two versions.  It helps me to know if I am seeing and painting what others like.

I am currently working on a blue painting which I will surprise you with (hopefully this week) and a landscape.  Our outing served to jump-start my lagging creativity and I was sorry to see it end.  For now I will say "Thanks" to all who comment on my blog and Wish You All a Very Happy Day!

4 comments:

  1. I prefer the second version. As I haven't got a "painter's eye" I see no difference between the two apples but there's difference in the colour of the table or tablecloth and the frame of the pictures. I like more the color and frame of the final painting.

    Have a Happy Day too!

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  2. Hi Coni,
    Great painting and I especially like the composition. Am enjoying reading your posts as I have spent much time exploring and riding in Washington State.

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  3. Elise, Duta & Barb,

    I do so appreciate hearing from you all. My blogging time has been shortened as we prepare for next week. I'm trying to finish a couple of paintings that I want to post before then.

    Barb, have your visited North Pend Oreille County? If not, it would be worthwhile. There are such wonderful vistas and wildlife is so abundant. I have always found it to be very enchanting.

    Wishing you all a great day.

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