Convergent Paths

Convergent Paths

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

This morning I went out again to a local park--the sun was shining as I set up and did my thumbnail sketches.  As soon as I began painting, however, it hid behind cloud cover and peeked out maybe twice the whole time.  I felt so misled!

I ended up snapping a photo or two when the sun was out; it was the light, after all, that drew me to this scene, and I packed up and went home to the studio to finish up.  Did I mention it was muggy and buggy?  I was able to focus pretty well inside and really like what I ended up with.

-julie davis

Trail at Lost Creek

Trail at Lost Creek, 12 x 16 in.

sold

Austin has many preserved green spaces--greenbelts, and there are so many wonderful walking/running trails that wind through them. This one follows a small cliff for a while and is so peaceful--it can make me feel instantly like I'm out of the city.

-julie davis

Mt. Bonnell Trail

Mt. Bonnell Trail, 10 x 8

Our last plein air class met at Mt. Bonnell Park overlooking Lake Austin. It's hard to be up there and not paint the water, but the shadow on this trail was too compelling.

I'll write more about this later, but for those of you in Austin, a good portion of my work will be on display and for sale at Wendow Fine Living on 38th as of Dec. 1.

-julie davis

Trail Through the Canyon

Trail Through the Canyon, 6 x 8

I painted this over the weekend from a photo I'd taken while out with Laurel last week.  There are a number of places I could visit every day because they're so full of painting opportunities. Lost Creek is one of them.  

And as far as painting a single area multiple times goes, one of my favorite area artists, V....Vaughan, did just that with her "Last Year on the Farm" series.  You really should see the body of work.  Her family sold their farm near Austin in 2007, and anticipating the move from a place she loved so dearly, she committed to a painting a day (and sometimes more) of the land-- a labor of love.  Check it out if you have the time (click here to go to her blog).

-julie davis

Lost Creek Trail

Lost Creek Trail, 6 x 8

Today was a gorgeous Monday in Austin--a day when I feel lucky to live here (most days I do, actually). I ended up in a shady spot with my friend and mentor, Laurel Daniel, whose post today you should really see--she's an amazing painter, but an even more amazing person. (You'll also see where I edited some cliffs out in the interest of time). This is a spot near a lovely creek and really stunning cliffs that is very near my girls' school. What a good day.

-julie davis