The Rusty Easel

Standing near the remnants of Old Baylor College in independence Tx, this old Texaco gas pump sits as a reminder of our past. I have watched this old 1930’s era pump slowly fade from what must have had been a bright beautiful red to its now dull rusty orange. The old store leans on its footings while the pump has settled with a slight lean in the opposite direction. Each spring, the bluebonnets bloom in scattered patches around the base - a reminder of the renewal of life amid the echoes of the past.

“Echoes of the Past”
WS oils on 24” x 12’ canvas on board

I was in the Louise Hayes Park in Kerrville, Tx a couple of years ago - before the devastating flood that tore through the park.
Those old trees seem to invite you in and stay awhile. When the trees sway with the breeze, shadows dance across the pathways and the light shimmers on the grass.

“Memory of the Trees”
WS oils on 12” x 24” canvas board

Several years ago, I did a photo trip with a local guide from Taos, NM. We went on the High Road Art Tour and visited the most amazing adobe churches. While all the churches were amazing, the Nuestra Senora de la Asunción church in the village of Placita really captured my attention. It was built (according to the sign) in 1863 and is still active from what I can see. I toned my canvas using raw umber and then did a tonal sketch using the same raw umber. I am trying to paint looser using larger shapes, I will let this set for a few days and see what I need to add, fix and leave alone..

“Nuestra Senora de las Asunción”
WS oils on 12 x 16 oil primed canvas

I am finally back at my easel after a bit of a break. My 1st effort is headed to the garbage can - a real dud!!
This was painted from several photos and a sprinkle of imagination tossed in.

“Plum Creek”
WS oils on 12” x 12” canvas panel