Thursday, September 11, 2008

Fun in Elkins, WV


My life is almost back to normal after five days in Elkins, WV, home of Davis & Elkins College. On the first day, after a 4 1/2 hour drive through the winding narrow mountain roads, I judged the Randolph County Community Arts Council 7th Annual Gala Art Exhibition. For the next two days, I gave a workshop on the basics of painting classical still life. There were twelve workshop participants at all levels, working in oil and watercolor.

On the fourth day, I went painting with my host and several other painters from the workshop and the RCCAC. It was a gorgeous day, slight breeze, and lots of sun. Early mornings in the mountains tend to be very foggy, so we didn't get to our location until 9:30 a.m. We were in Montrose, a little crossroads about eight miles north of Elkins. According to the map, the Appalachian Trail goes right by where we painted.

On the fifth day, I drove home, again on those treacherous mountain roads and battling Hurricane Hanna.

The above painting is 12 x 16, and entitled Montrose Valley. I was unable to finish it on location, so I finished it today in the studio with the help of some photos that I took. I like the painting and it was fun to do! Lots of contrast and rich colors!