Salmon River Hike

Yesterday I went on a little hike along the Salmon River near Welches, Oregon. The hike wasn't a loop, it was a "there and back" with it being 5 miles for the "round trip." The funny thing was that it didn't even seem like 5 miles, it was so easy and peaceful and definitely cooler than the 82 degree weather in Portland.

I think this hike would be a good one for families, but not for strollers since there is a section of large steps and you need to be able to pick a path over rocks to cross small creeks that feed into the river.

This time I brought my tripod since I as anticipating to take long exposure shots of the river.  I have three lens, but I decided to leave my 70-210mm lens at home since I wanted some wide angle shots and didn't want to carry unnecessary weight.

There was a place I set up with some higher ground and looked down on the river; I like that perspective. I used my 18-135mm lens to get the wide shots. Also, along one of the creeks was a cool stack of rocks, so I got a photo of that as well, I switched to my 85mm 1.8 lens because I really wanted blurred out background. It was an overcast day up there, so the wide aperture on my 85 was very handy with all the trees along the creek.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the photos!

Newborn Drum Horse

Tonight I got to meet the newest HyTyme Drum Horse. Star, a Shire mare, gave birth to this "little guy" this morning. I went over this evening and spent two hours with this cutie. Most of the time he napped, but he did get up and stretch his long, slender legs.

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them.

Goats

This weekend I enjoyed some time on my grandparents' farm and a month or so ago they had some baby goats.

The sun was out, the grass was green, and the goats were curious. Enjoy! :-)

Kate, the big sister goat

One of the twin buck kids

Original Watercolors Available

Howdy! Are you looking for something extra special, one-of-a-kind and unique? Then take a gander at my online shop! There are not only original watercolor paintings available, but also greeting cards, giclée fine art prints, and magnets.

If you like this, please share with your friends. 

Thanks!

Backyard Chicks | Watercolor Commission

"Backyard Chicks" 

5" x 7" 

Watercolor 

2015 

This little painting was a commission for the owner of this chickens that used to hang out on the back deck of a cabin near Tillamook, Oregon. I was told that there are many fond memories on that property.

Who doesn't love a couple good ole girls?

Sleepy Swishy | Watercolor

"Sleepy Swishy" 

5.5" x 10" 

Watercolor 

2015 

This month I took part in Kimberly Santini's May pARTy and painted Swish, a very comfy and sleepy Border Collie.

I had a lot of fun with this one, infusing lots of color and not getting too attached to it. Because when I get really attached, I usually overwork it trying to make it perfect. I think this one turned out fresh and not overworked.

What do you think of this one?

Team Gold | Watercolor

"Team Gold" 

11" x 14" 

Watercolor 

2015 

Last year at the Oregon State Fair I took some photos of a draft horse competition. One of the photos I took is the reference I used for this painting. I'm still working on my new sketchy style watercolor. Usually I'd work a lot more in layers and smooth blending, but part of the sketchy style it to let the paint just be .... but it's still hard to stop myself.

Anywho, enjoy! 

And thanks for following along with my art! :-)

Trillium Lake Hike

It was so beautiful out on Saturday, that I just had to get out and about. When I was really young my parents used to take me and my siblings to Trillium Lake to camp, hike, and fish. So, I went on the short 2 mile loop around the lake. I took my time and saw so many different things. I went with one of my brother-in-laws and he helped me find the ducks and I showed him all trilliums.

I hope you enjoy the pictures that I chose to share with you.

Dog Mountain Hike

I've read about Dog Mountain on my favorite website to look for hikes in the Portland area. I've seen a lot of photos of all the wildflowers and I know that summer came early and they are in bloom now. So, after work on Friday my hiking buddy, Laura, and I went to Dog Mountain with the intent of going up to the viewpoint which is half way to the summit.

It's such a steep hike through many, many switchbacks in a forest of Douglas Firs, Oak scrub, and various bushes. Then we emerged to the viewpoint, and BAM! It was worth all the water loss in perspiration and heavy breathing. Our end of the summer goal is to make it to the top of Dog Mountain, we just need to build up to it.

Enjoy some of the photos I took while I was on the hike.

Latourell Falls Hike

I took a mid-week hike this past week. My friend, Laura, and I headed out to the Columbia River Gorge on Wednesday after work to enjoy the beautiful day.

We went to Latourell Falls and did the short loop hike (approx. 2.5 miles) and of course I brought along my camera!

The Upper Latourell Falls twists down a rock face into a little pool below. Below is a photo of it with Laura gazing at its beauty. You have to hike the loop to see this one.

The other two photos are of the classic Latourell Falls view which is easily accessible with a paved hike from the parking lot. I really love this one because there is the contrast of the sharp, jagged, basalt cliff and the smooth, flowing water. I also had a lot of fun playing with the manual camera settings; altering the exposure to get the blurred movement of the water.

Enjoy!