Small Paintings

Juniper Shadows 6x8 Oil

There is cool shade in the high desert come summertime, and you’ll find it beneath the junipers.

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Morning Cliff Shadow 8x6 Oil

I enjoy making small color studies of the stupendous cliffs of Inscription Rock at El Morro National Monument.  Here is a section of the southeastern wall, about mid-morning.

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Entrance 8x10 Oil

The El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area are home to a volcanic events dating from 115,000 years ago to as recently as only 2000 years ago!  Besides lava flows, cinder cones and great views, they also feature lava tubes.  Cavers (and spelunkers) can go into these caves to hike and explore.  Here is a sketch of the entrance to one of the lava tubes.

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Up the Lake 5.5 x 10.75 Oil

I like broad views of lakes.  Here is my own Ramah Lake on a quiet day.  This is a work on paper.

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Rock Top 2 6x8 Oil

El Morro National Monument in New Mexico.  Lately, I’ve been drawn to these more abstract paintings, featuring close-ups of the cliffs 200 feet above.

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Rock Top 1 6x8 Oil

El Morro National Monument is a fantastic location in which to paint.  I often paint the vista, but sometimes I get to paint more intimate scenes.  This is one of two pieces I painted recently which focus in on the tops of the rocks as seen from 200 feet below.  They have an enticing, abstract feeling.

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Spring on the River 9x12 Oil

The Verde River is one of Arizona’s few remaining flowing rivers. Along with its tributaries, it offers lush corridors for many species of birds, fish and other wildlife.  I love to paint along its banks at the Tuzigoot River Access Point (TuziRAP) in Clarkdale.  Here’s the river in all its springtime glory.

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Mountain Study 9x12 Oil

Thunder Mountain – also known as Greyback Mountain and Capitol Butte – dominates the Sedona, Arizona, skyline.  I love to make color studies of it.  It has such lovely hues, from creamy yellow to cool pinks to deep blues.

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How I See It 9x12 Pastel

Oak Creek in Sedona, Arizona, winds all the way from Flagstaff to the north to the Verde River to the south.  On its way, it passes through Red Rock Crossing.  Beloved by photographers, painters, yoga enthusiasts and the lone hiker, this spot affords a classic, iconic view of Cathedral Rock as reflected in the clear waters.  It was a hot day when I painted this in the spring, and I think you get some idea of the heat in this painting.

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Lakeside Peace 9x12 Pastel

Ramah Lake in Ramah, New Mexico, offers many vistas for the painter — including this “layer cake” cliff featuring red-and-white walls.  This is a seldom-seen viewpoint, from a private location.

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