LUNCHTIME PAINTING AT BULL CREEK

This painting of Bull Creek in Austin is one of my 45 minute "lunchtime paintings." I keep coming back to this same area because it's close to my office (about 10 minutes), and if I work quickly, I can get back to work in a little more than an hour. We had several days of rain, and the creek was full.

2012-03-21 Bull Creek 10x8"

I've circled the place where I painted. I stood in the shade, just under the bridge.

BERTRAM, TX

On Saturday, I drove up to Bertram, TX to paint with Ronnie Williford. We each got two studies done. Setting up for my first painting of a barn was interrupted by a curious pair of cows, who stood right in front of the barn I wanted to paint. After they left I was able to get to work.

"I'm ready for my Closeup, Mr. DeMille."

Bertram Barn, 11x14"

Next, we set up to paint the a cactus and wildflowers right next to some railroad tracks. By that time we had midday sun and the light was horrible, but we decided to go for it. When the gravel train went past, my easel fell over and the glass palette shattered. It was time to abandon work on it anyway.

Cactus and Wildflowers, 11x14"

DRIFTWOOD, TEXAS

On Saturday, I went out with members of Plein Air Austin to the Bridges family ranch in Driftwood, TX. They have a ton of things to paint, including longhorns and curious horses. This was my first time painting with the group, which I joined at the beginning of the year. I stood up on a hill, next to their driveway, which gave me a commanding view of when Laurel Daniel's easel did a header as a gust of wind took it. The fields were pretty green, but it threatened rain the entire time... very appropriate for Irish Day.

2012-03-17 Bridges Ranch 9x12

On Sunday, I drove back out to Driftwood, and set up on the side of the road to paint some trees and wildflowers. Again, the sky threatened rain the entire time, but I only felt a few drops.

2012-03-18 Driftwood, TX 9x12