The bottom line is....

The spring was very eventful with  great paint outs (the best so war), perspective  plans for future  classes,  private circumstances leaded to a few serious decisions ( very right ones) and smart,  much needed, art business steps .
I'm happy to report that Gorge trip resulted in few  successful paintings, with one has been  already sold. The rest of it is going to Seaside Gallery Invitation Show in La Conner.
My romantic fevers  are curing pretty fast this days, injecting my creativity , enhancing  experience and giving me a deeper understanding of my own needs.
 Every "paint out", or "paint in" bring more friends into my life and more  students.
 It feels like economy is turning around a bit , since I sold 4 pieces this month.
 I feel that, in the midst of this crazy busy creative and personal  life, 3 things are never failed me : Meditation,  Artistic Impuls, and Friends. What else can I ask for? :)))

The Gorge Paint out was incredible, relaxing and fun. Also a great experience on how to make a compositional  decision quick while  fighting a wind. And, of course,  importance of a good, understanding, supportive company of  painting buddies .
There were many open vistas, valleys, endless hills and mountain ranges. It's a personal choice how to treat the design. For myself, I realized I need to stop cutting the composition and painting close ups.

Cle Elum trip conclusion is never underestimate the weather forecast :) Always have a set of thermals and a good wind-braker in your car.  And second - prepare your canvases right!!!!
I'm good at giving this advise to my students, but failing at it myself sometime. This time,  I had several canvases with me, which I forgot to sand and put 3rd layer of gesso - the result you will never see, as it's a disastrous painting and complete waste of 3 hours of precious time

So here are several studies I like, all of it you can see at La Conner Seaside Gallery invitational show.

"Six o'clock Sky" oil on linen board, 9x12 - SOLD!

"Quiet Noon" oil on linen, 9x12 

"Teanaway" oil on linen , 8x10

"Columbia bank" oil on linen , 9x12

"Iron Horse Park" oil on linen , 9x12

"Murmur of the Creek" oil on linen, 9x12

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"Chasing the Light" oil on linen, 16x20 SOLD

Rising Waters - oil on board , 9x12