Snowstorm Update

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Paul

Still snowing and accumulating.

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Finished an abstract painting based on the algae mats around the hot pools.

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Paul

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Surprise!

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Paul

It is snowing and blowing this morning in Yellowstone. Perhaps that will bring the elk, bison, wolves, etc. out of the woods and into the warm geyser basins.

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Paul

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First Day In Yellowstone

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Paul

Our first day in Yellowstone we decided to visit the Madison River Valley, and the Lower, Middle, and Upper Geyser Basins. Here are a few photos.

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You will notice the conspicuous absence of wildlife. Once again on this Rocky Mountain trip elk, bison, bear, and other large mammals have eluded us. It appears that the warm weather has convinced them that it’s not yet time to seek the shelter of the geyser basins. Snow is due tomorrow, so maybe the animals will begin to move.

We did take many photos for art reference. There were many opportunities to study light and shadow. With the weather prediction for tomorrow we may stay in and paint.

Paul

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On To Yellowstone

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Paul

Yesterday we traveled from Canmore, Alberta to Great Falls, Montana. Other than a 45 minute wait at the border (only 9 cars in front of us), the trip was uneventful and picturesque. This is a route on which we have never ventured. High plains land. Shortly after crossing the border we passed the Sweet Grass Hills, sacred lands for the Blackfoot people.

Today we left Great Falls and stopped in Helena to shop at Costco. Food supplies can be limited and expensive near Yellowstone, so we stocked up on meat, wine, and some vegetables. Along the way we followed the Missouri, Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. All were filled with drift boaters and waders going after late season trout. The towns are filled with fly shops and fishermen looking for a hot bait. Our day’s travel ended with a drive down the Gallatin River valley on the west edge of Yellowstone. This is another first for us and it was quite beautiful.

As of today we have traveled about 1400 miles, mostly in the Rocky Mountains and high country, including several National Parks and preserves in Canada. The unusual fact we must report is that we have seen no animals. In all our past autumn trips elk, bear, deer, wolves, fox, etc. have been frequent sightings. What is happening?

Dinner in our condo was chicken filets accompanied by my signature pasta with anchovy, caper, and sundried tomato sauce. Tomorrow we venture into the heart of Yellowstone and hope to see some of the elusive wildlife.

Ciao!

Paul

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October in the Canadian Rockies

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Paul

My painting class with Liz Wiltzen has ended and I once again have time and energy to get back online. It was an intense three days of learning methods and skills to use in designing a painting. I have always planned my paintings, but learned that I didn’t really design them. An analogy that occurred to me this week is that I have become a fairly competent carpenter (painter) and could build a house (painting), but I didn’t have the architectural (design) skills to make that house (painting) as strong and beautiful as it could be. Liz is a great teacher whom I would recommend to any artists. Visit her website at www.mountainartist.com

The workshop didn’t involve making competed paintings, so I have none to share. However, prior to the class we did have a great day at Vermillion Lakes near Banff. Here are some photos and a couple of the sketches I did that day, and a photo of Jean painting. Enjoy!

Paul

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On the Road Again

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Paul

The Rocky Mountains in October and November? Sure! We each wanted to attend a painting class, mine in Canmore, Alberta and Jean’s in Denver, Colorado. Therefore we decided to join them with a week in Yellowstone, 4 days in Jackson Hole, and end with a couple of weeks with Pat, Jean’s sister, in Colorado Springs. Six weeks in the mountains!

Our first mountain crossing was uneventful…just a little sleet on the windows. We arrived in Canmore to blue skies and sunshine. It is nice to be on the east side of the rockies. Here are a few photos from around Canmore.

 

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The Edge of the World

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Paul

Yesterday the edge of the world wafted to our doorstep on the feathers of fog. It is eery to look toward the sea and hear its roar, but to see only a gray curtain beyond the shrubs across the road. James Island and other seastacks didn’t exist. Yesterday’s edge of the world was only a memory. Our world had shrunk over night.

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This morning the edge of our world is back in its proper place and all islands are visible.
Paul

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Second Beach

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Paul

We hiked over the hill to Second Beach to explore. The trail has improved and the beach has more people than our first visit 25 years ago, but it’s still beautiful.

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As you can see, the weather has changed.
Paul

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First Beach…La Push, Washington

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Paul

We arrived at La Push Friday afternoon. This is Picasso’s first trip of 2014.  It has been sunny, warm, and sublime. Hiking, sketching, and painting during the three longest days of the year. Today a sunbow was an omen for weather changes. Here are some photos.

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More to come.
Paul

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Overnight to Tofino

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Paul

Tofino proved to be a beautiful area that will definitely go onto our list of places to which we want to return. It is more remote than our own Olympic coast in terms of getting there, but the beaches, islands, and shoreline are more accessible once you’re there. The scenery is overwhelming.

Our first stop was Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. A trail loops through the forest, crossing a bridge over the upper falls and descending to another bridge over the lower falls.

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Our next stop was Cathedral Grove. Although a 1997 wind storm downed many trees this 800 year old rain forest still impresses. Someone has placed carved masks on some trees that give these venerable giants personalities. Don’t miss this if you are on your way to Tofino.

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Finally we arrived at Tin Wis Resort, a Best Western operated by the local First Nations people. It sits on MacKenzie Beach, a beautiful crescent just south of Tofino. Islands protect the bay. Tin Wis means calm waters and they certainly are.

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Yesterday we returned to Victoria. This morning the sun is shining and it will be warm enough for painting in Beacon Hill Park.

Later

Paul

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