This is not the final painting! I will post one more since I removed the abstract painting that I posted early in this process. So, to have an even 30 Montana landscapes I will post the last one in the next day or so. Stay tuned!
Day 29 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. I'll post one more tomorrow.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this venture for so many reasons. First, it has served to focus my painting. The painting has to be done and posted daily. It hast to be small. It will be either oil or pastel. It will be a Montana subject and if possible, the Helena area and if possible an area that Prickly Pear Land Trust has acquired or is working on acquiring for public use. These parameters lighten the load of decisions I have to make each morning in my studio and makes it easier to get to work.
In addition, it's been fun to post them and get immediate feedback from people seeing them on Facebook, Daily Paintworks, my blog and website. I've enjoyed meeting new friends and feeling a shared value of these beautiful locations. I feel more in touch with other people in the Helena area who are actively using the land PPLT has preserved - skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or just enjoying it as part of our common landscape.
Buyers have spanned the continent from Maine and Massachusetts to California and many in the Helena area. I expected support from Montanans but am surprised by the buyers from the east coast and California who signed up. So thank you all!
I think these trees are a species of willow because even though they lose their leaves in winter the branches are a pinkish orange and when the sun hits them they glow.
People ask me if I miss the ocean. No, I don't. What the ocean is for me as a painter is a horizontal plane that reflects light. Here in Montana the fields of grass and snow serve that purpose. They are all horizontal planes that reflect the light. The snow this winter is especially beautiful on the fields. It is rarely white.
This is turning out to be a very fun and worthwhile project. I love hearing every day from people who are viewing the paintings and it's very gratifying that so many have sold. Thank you! I'm behind by a few so will try to catch up in the next few days.
A Cold Day But Sunny, oil on board, 6 x 6 $100, unframed, free shipping
This is what I saw cross country skiing on the Bill Roberts Golf Course looking toward Mt. Helena
