Winter Light, 6x6 oil on Raymar Panel

Last year I went to an area of the Salt River called Water Users, where the views of the tall Bulldog Rocks are magnificent.  It was the end of a winter day in January, with long shadows and the beautiful golden light reflecting off the rocks and foliage.  I painted this from a photo I took that day, looking southeast toward the Usery Mountains.  I'm so glad I took all those photos last winter because sadly, Water Users is closed for the season this year by the Forest Service, due to budget cuts.

Last Light, 8x10 oil on canvas panel

Today I painted at the Salt River, in the Phon D. Sutton recreation area.  This is a scenic spot right by the river, with many beautiful vistas.  If you're lucky, the Salt River wild horses will come by to visit.  I went there this afternoon, since the light is so good at this time of year.  I found a nice shady spot to set up, and although I had originally intended to paint a scene looking east, when I looked toward the west and saw the light on the mountains and the rocks, and the beautiful Fall foliage lit by the setting sun, I quickly changed my mind!