Olympic National Park

"Hiking Among Giants"   12"x8"   pastel

"Hiking Among Giants" is my studio drawing of my husband hiking while on our vacation at Olympic National Park. This piece is 12" x 8" but needs to be very large to help convey the size of these enormous and beautiful trees.


I think sometimes it just takes a photograph to convey the details but I plan on trying this one again. The next time I draw this image the hiker will be even smaller and contrast of light and darks stronger. A good reference photo can be used more than once and offer multiple possibilities for new drawings. I could focus on just a section of the image, or change the composition to a horizontal instead of vertical. The artist needs to keep in mind what was the inspiration for taking the photograph in the first place. 

"Glenn on Pony Bridge Trail, Lake Quinault, WA

Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill Again

Yes, I really love this place and the atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation where everyone is friendly and I feel completely safe when out hiking and drawing alone. Some of my pieces during the latest trip were quick studies of the clouds especially with the sound of thunder in the distance I knew I may have to make a run for the car.

My en plein air trip lasted from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and I started to run out of sanded paper. I've always told my students not to use just plain white paper but the 20 minute hike back to the car to get more paper was not appealing especially in 90 degree heat. 
Well, why not try the white sketchbook paper. It won't be a big loss if it doesn't work and I was pleasantly surprised.

In last month's blog I told you about taking photos of the completed pieces while I was still out in the field to show my customers. Yes, the customers were interested and the first 2 pieces I sold were from the Shakertown trip with the photos of the completed pieces along with the scenes.

Next week I'll have some photographs of Olympic National Park with the most glorious trees I've ever seen.