A new venture
Nothing ventured nothing gained, right? An opportunity of sorts came my way recently and after much deliberation, worry, and hesitation, I decided to go for it. Just as we head into a dark-looking winter, with a new shutdown looming and infection numbers rising, our local daily paper pitched me an advertising spot in their revamped arts and entertainment weekly: “GO!” Having reached the point where I’d like to share my work with a larger audience, ideally by applying to galleries, residencies, and more juried shows, the pandemic is essentially shutting everything down again. So online appears to be my best venue for the time being. I’ve spent hours updating my website and beginning my very first campaign, which will feature different paintings each week.
I paint landscapes. I paint places I love and know well from years of wandering Central Oregon and the coast. I paint places I visit again and again, because they bring me joy and peace, and because I have a deep love for the land and the water and the trees and the rocks – this place that we are privileged to call home. I hope my paintings remind you of the beauty around you. I hope my paintings remind you how important it is to respect it and care for it. I hope my paintings remind you to preserve it for our children and theirs. And I hope my paintings bring you joy too. If you find one that speaks to you, let me know. (I can deliver to your front porch anywhere within 50 miles of Bend or figure out packing and shipping for those further afield.)
This week I featured Benham Races. In November 2019, we hiked down to the falls to watch kayakers race this class IV and V (depending on flow) series of rapids. It was one of those cold but dazzling autumn days. There was ice on the branches down near the river and the sky was a deep indigo blue. My son’s experience paddling this and other white water in Oregon and Washington always enhances my appreciation of the sport and the place.
Benham Races, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 24, $2,000 (or as low as $1,200 when you show me your donation screenshot – see “Where my heART is” blog for details)