Paintings from the Mountains of Montana

Three Sisters, Beartooth Mountains

2010-09-08T10:20:00.002-06:00

Three Sisters, Beartooth Mountains, Oil on Canvas, 24"x30"

Two miles down the road from East Rosebud Lake are these mountains called the Three Sisters. I love driving past them at this time of the day.

Christy in the Canoe

2010-04-12T07:46:00.002-06:00

Christy in the Canoe 11”x14” o/c

One day Christy stopped by and asked me if I would like to go out in the canoe. I was right in the middle of painting but it was such a beautiful day I decided to take a break. It was so peaceful out on the lake we made our way around a couple times before she dropped me back at the dock. As she rowed away, I saw a painting appearing before my eyes. The next day I stood in the same spot and started the under-painting for this painting. I found the painting leaning up against the wall the other day and pulled it out to finish it. What lovely memories this painting brought back to me.

Shaving Brush

2010-04-08T21:24:00.002-06:00

Shaving Brush 8"x6" Oil on Linen on Panel $130.

Memories of my father in the bathroom standing in front of a mirror lathering up his face. Later listening as he drug the razor across the stubble of his beard. My fear that he might cut himself as he tipped his chin up to shave his neck. My pride when he made it through the process. The aroma of Old Spice? For my dad shaving was a morning practice with an extra evening shave for special occasions.

Grand Marnier

2010-04-03T18:21:00.005-06:00

Grand Marnier 10”x8” o/l $225.

One of my favorite liqueurs. The orange flavor is smooth and aroma crisp. I think they have also done a very nice job with the bottle.

Engel's View Morning - East Rosebud Lake

2010-04-03T16:58:00.003-06:00

Engle’s View Morning – East Rosebud Lake 40”x52” o/c $5640.
Yellow and peach creeps over the mountain tops early in the morning, once again proving that there is a high price for sleeping in.

This is a large palette knife painting. Make arrangements to stop by and see it.

Bumpus Butte, Yellowstone National Park

2009-10-10T17:39:00.004-06:00

Bumpus Butte, Yellowstone National Park
16" X 8", oil on canvas on panel
Copyright: Laura Marie Anderson 2009

First painted in August and then revisited on September 2nd, I spent the night in Yellowstone waiting for the sun to rise. In the morning, I made the climb up the hill. The trail is very steep to begin with, but levels out and the view from the top is spectacular. About a mile on the trail and I was almost stopped by the blue mountains to the North. One ridge after another, fading off into the distance. I will paint here again one day. I found my perch, high above the river on an outcropping. This kind of painting reminds me of Thomas Moran, in the day before there were so many signs and fences. "Don't walk here. Don't step there." Barriers, barriers and more barriers. Off the beaten path in Yellowstone is the way to go.

Painting across and passed Calcite Springs, looking back down the canyon, the morning sun steadily climbs its way up the canyon wall. About mid-morning a hiker came and stood on the grassy null above the basalt columns on the right side of my painting. I couldn't resist putting him in. The scale he adds to this Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is wonderful.

Linda in the Boat, East Rosebud Lake

2009-04-25T21:05:00.007-06:00

"Linda in the Boat, East Rosebud Lake

8"x10", Oil on Panel,

$100.

I am sending out a post today. It has been such a long time. I want to start with a painting I did last fall, shortly after my last post. I have been trying to find a way to save my blog entries on my own computer, not just on cyberspace. I have decided to do it through The Journal, a software that I have used since 1998. My length of use of this software should say enough about its reliability. Some years back, the man that developed and has since updated this software regularly, added this blogging feature. Back then I wasn't interested in blogging, so I ignored this function.

This is a painting entitled "Linda in the Boat." The day of this fun snow was October 12, 2008. We got about 40" of snow. Some of it drifted much higher. I called Linda Reynolds that day to see how she was doing and mentioned that she might try to get into this one cabin which was near hers and retrieve a glass jar and some cans of food that I thought would freeze and make a mess. Instead she dug her boat out of the snow and then pushed it down the bank and into the lake. She rowed over to get me. My mission, to retrieve a glass jar of Spaghetti sauce. I had been at this cabin while the snow was coming down, but at that time we only had about 18". I was turning off and draining the water from this cabin. I did see the jar, but didn't give it much thought until later. Anyway, it was a great excuse to get out of the house and play in the snow.

Now I am a tall girl, about 5'10" and when I pushed my way through the snow it was nearly chest high, but still fluffy enough to be able to move it with great effort. I made my way down to the boat dock in front of the lodge and waited for Linda to become visible. I was hoping that nothing happened on her way over and I would be forced to kick my way back through the snow and without the jar. Soon, I saw her come around the shoreline and into view. I started taking pictures of her as she paddled her way over to pick me up. The lake was quite still and the sun was trying to peek through the clouds. There as a wonderful quietness that enveloped the shore in its new white blanket.

Our trip was successful and we got to enjoy the beauty of East Rosebud Lake from a wonderful vantage point. Thank you Linda.

The Artist's Mother

2008-09-18T17:27:00.001-06:00

The Holy City

2008-04-03T09:19:00.006-06:00

"The Holy City"
8"x16" oil on canvas mounted on panel
#080328
© Laura Marie Anderson

I went to Cody, WY today to drop off some photographs for a photography show. That done I drove out the the Cody Armory to see the other Bears for the Cody library fund raiser. I have been honored to paint/decorate one of those bears. See their progress as http://www.grizgathering.com/. The bears are coming along, and some of them are finished already. Mine is going to be a Circus bear and since the circus is coming to town this week, I'm waiting to see it before beginning the character paintings. Right now it is great big yellow bear. I will make a separate post for the bear.

After visiting with the other artists and stopping into the museum, I drove out towards Yellowstone to what I call the Red Rocks. The tourist sign calls then "The Holy City". On my way out there I saw and photographed two herds of Mountain Sheep, females and young males. The day was partly cloudy and the sun shone sporadically throughout the painting process. This was a beautiful spot. As soon as the sunset a chill filled the air that forced me to clean up quickly. Suddenly, the warmth and friendliness turned to chilling cold and memories of the town folks saying "be careful the grizzly are out already". Having my faithful dog, Sam with me there was little fear, until I noticed him tucked down in the snow napping. We got out of there quickly as he let out his tell tale growl looking just down the canyon. See a grizzly from the car with my camera in hand had been a thought earlier in the day, but seeing one with my equipment spread out on the snow was not my idea of a great moment. the drive back was a fun one, seeing many deer along the road (not hitting any and having the heater turned up full blast, to thaw out those parts of me that I didn't even notice where cold while I was possessed by the painting magic.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting please email me at ArtistLauraMarieAnderson@gmail.com

Bird's Eye Inlet

2007-05-10T16:39:00.001-06:00

“Bird’s Eye Inlet”
8”x10” Unframed – Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © May 10, 2007

I crawled back up on the rocks yesterday and again today by the inlet. Both days I saw the scrawny moose with the hurt leg and a goat that had tucked himself up behind the rock and out of sight of the trail traffic. Today when I was finished painting I was walking down the trail feeling quite free as I could see from my perch that there were no wild animals around. About half way back down the trail I notice something dark off to my right. I looked up and less than ten feet from the trail and myself was the moose. This is two days is a row that this moose and I have surprised each other. Yesterday, she stood up when I was passing and scared the wits right out of me and I let out a scream. She freaked out Sam also, who came a running at me. Today, Sam wasn’t even bothered by her. He just kept walking. I on the other hand, I backed up decided to take some photos and then not wanting to take the long way around again, walked slowly past her, trying not to make eye contact. On the other side of her I stopped to take another photo. She was close enough you cab see her eyelashes in the photo.

Hell Roaring Falls #4

2007-05-06T16:37:00.001-06:00

“Hell Roaring Falls #4”
22”x28” Unframed – Oil on Canvas

Laura Marie Anderson © May 6, 2007

I started this painting on April 14. I loved the icicles that hung from all the different places and decided to make this painting about the vast size of the canyon dwarfing the falls. Visually they are about 20’ tall, but in the canyon which is much taller they can seem dwarfed. I went back to this spot three different days and then the snow was melted. Today I went back there to lighten up the rocks. In comparison to the bright snow, the rocks seemed very dark but in the house they seemed too dark. I can back this morning and turned my easel so that it was out of the direct sunlight. This made a huge difference. This painting seems to have sort of a surreal quality about it, but I like it.

Morning Glory

2007-04-30T16:35:00.001-06:00

“Morning Glory”
15”x30” Unframed - Oil on Canvas on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 30, 2007

I started this painting last summer, but the water rose up onto the sand bar before I could get it done, so it has been patiently waiting leaned up against the wall. I went down a couple mornings this week and finished the painting. And what a lovely one it is.

Upper East Rosebud Lake Falls

2007-04-29T16:33:00.001-06:00

“Upper East Rosebud Lake Falls”
10”x8” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 29, 2007

Yesterday, after dinner most of the Morledge family hiked up to the head of the lake and saw one large black bear and a goat. The bear was across the inlet and large enough to look like a moose at first. I wanted to have a birds eye view of the lake so I headed up the rocks. On the second level Karl and Riley were scoping for goats. Sam and I continued up. Over the edge of the third ledge Sam stopped. Twenty feet ahead of us lay a goat. The wind was perfect and he had not clue we were there. I didn’t have my camera. Bringing Sam down a level I motioned to Riley to get Karl up there as he had brought his camera. The goat soon took off. Shocked that we had gotten so close he nearly tripped and fell. Anyway, so Karl, his parents and I, went back up again this morning looking for more goats. I brought along my pack so I could stay a the falls above the main falls and paint. It’s about 200 feet from the trail down to this little falls. As the day heated up the water increased and before I left was painting in a fine mist that kept me cool on this very warm day.

Elk Lake

2007-04-27T16:31:00.001-06:00

“Elk Lake”
8”x10” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 27, 2007

Two days ago Karl, Sam and I made our way up to Elk Lake. We saw 9 goats and found the skull of one dead one. I was planning on going back up and continuing to Broadwater Pond the next day, so I stashed my painting pack we came back down. Yesterday the weather was rainy, so I took Sam to the vet to have his toenail fixed. He’s such a goat he must have slipped on a rock and hurt himself. Anyway, this morning Sam and I headed up to Broadwater Pond with the painting of the same name #2 that I finished on January 23. The rocks in the painting were bothering me and I wanted to see if anything could be done to satisfy myself. Sam ands I walked for about twenty minutes past Elk Lake when we ran into quite a bit of snow. I stashed my painting, which I was packing in a cardboard box, in a trash bag and then under a big rock. The forecast for the next two days was nearly 80, so I figured the snow would melt. I didn’t want to pack that 24”x30” box again, as it was I was feeling more like a pack horse than a painter. Freed up, we headed back to Elk Lake. I was happy to be carrying an extra panel, just incase. What a lovely sunny spot we found. Sam busied himself with a duck. The duck liked to be chased and kept coming back and teasing the dog. Just when Sammy would swim close enough to almost grab him the duck would fly off.

April Showers

2007-04-24T16:29:00.001-06:00

“April Showers”
6”x12” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 24, 2007

Unable to stay inside anymore, I ventured outside to paint this afternoon. Before I was able to finish the rain started. I painted until my palette soaked in the rain, no to mention me.

Elk Lake

2007-04-23T16:27:00.001-06:00

“Elk Lake”
8”x10” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 23, 2007

Looking forward to those sunny blue sky days I went to my computer for a slide show of pictures I have taken. Also, being in the mood to hike and unable to because of the snow, I picked this photo to paint from today.

Trio at Two Mile Bridge

2007-04-20T16:26:00.002-06:00

Laura Marie Anderson © April 20, 2007

“Trio at Two Mile Bridge”
12”x16” Unframed - Oil on Canvas

A beautiful day the fog was hanging high in the mountain tops. This is actually a portrait of the middle sister in the mountains that are called The Three Sisters.

The Good Shepherd

2007-04-18T16:24:00.001-06:00

“The Good Shepherd”
11”x14” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 18, 2007

My mom asked me to paint her one of these. Quite a compliment, as my mother used to be a painter, before she became ill and has never asked me for a painting. It was interesting, the painting sort of painted itself. I think I’ll paint more Jesus pictures.

Karl Reading Newspaper

2007-04-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

“Karl Reading the Newspaper” 1 hour Sketch
20x16” Unframed - Oil on Canvas

Laura Marie Anderson © April 13, 2007

I wish I would do this more often. What fun. If I could get Karl to hold still it would have been a lot easier. Not available for sale.

Sunset over Shepherd

2007-04-13T16:17:00.001-06:00

“Sunset over Shepherd Mountain”
6x12” Unframed - Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Laura Marie Anderson © April 13, 2007

Karl and I drove the snow mobile down to Helen’s and had this wonderful view on the way back.

Bird Island from Rodeo Cove

2007-04-12T16:16:00.001-06:00

“Bird Island from Rodeo Cove”
8x19 3/4” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 12, 2007

I’m getting a little tired of the fog and cold. I decided to stay inside and paint from a photograph I took last year in Sausalito, CA, where it was pleasantly warm and sunny most of the time I was there.

Fogged-in Beaver Pond

2007-04-06T16:14:00.001-06:00

“Fogged in Beaver Pond”
11x14” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 6, 2007

Another foggy day, no sense staying inside. I walked over to the beaver pond and found this lovely site.

Inlet - East Rosebud Lake

2007-04-06T16:07:00.001-06:00

“Inlet East Rosebud Lake”
8”x10” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

SOLD

Laura Marie Anderson © April 6, 2007

The water was so shallow you can see the colors that are usually in the bottom of the inlet, that rusty color that makes the inlet so special when the green grass starts coming through.

Fog - Lodge Beach

2007-04-05T16:13:00.001-06:00

“Fog Lodge Beach”
10x8” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 5, 2007

It was so fogged in today that at times I could only see a few feet in front of my face.

Troll

2007-03-30T16:11:00.001-06:00

“Troll”
8”x6” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

SOLD

Laura Marie Anderson © March 30, 2007

My sister and I used to play with these little gems for hours. This one is a boy. We used to be able to tell because girl trolls have longer hair. If the troll is a girl you could pull it’s hair up between it’s legs and if it would reach it’s nose it was a girl, if not it was a boy.

Vanilla Bottle

2007-03-27T09:06:00.001-06:00

“Vanilla Bottle”
8”x6”
Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

SOLD

Laura Marie Anderson © March 27, 2007

So many memories and scents are brought back by this one bottle.

Daisy Serving Tray

2007-01-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

Daisy Serving Tray
10 1/4" x 13 3/4"
Oil on Wood Serving Tray
Laura M. Anderson © January 29, 2007

I am back from my trip to Miles City. I haven't posted to this blog for sometime as I have just been posting to my website. I have been tired, so no day better than today to start posting here again. I will be back another day to update this blog on those that I have missed.

This is for the Carbon County Arts Guild Fund raiser and will be auctioned during February in Red Lodge. This is down the valley looking out over a hay field. I painted it from a photograph and was trying for an impressionistic feel. I have decided to put my Cactus flower painting from November 20, 2006 in their February Flower Show. Follow this link to see the cactus flowers http://www.lauramarieanderson.com/CactusFlowers.jpg

Broadwater Pond #2 - Oil - Day 1

2007-01-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

“Broadwater Pond #2” Day 1 - Oil
22”x28”
Unframed - Oil on Canvas
Laura Marie Anderson © January 5, 2007

Today I got started on Broadwater Pond #2. This one will concentrate on that lovely turquoise water. Note the fisherman – Karl and the dog – Sam near the center of the painting. Usually, I take all signs of human existence out of my paintings, but am touched by our ability to share these times hiking while stopping to fish and paint as we do.

Yesterday Karl, Sam and I hiked up to Snow Creek Bridge. Sam led the way marking the trail and Karl followed behind breaking the trail. I brought up the rear fighting with my snow pants trying to get them to stay down over my favorite hiking boots that are not high-top enough. Up past the falls the snow started to get deeper and deeper. We went from 8-10” to about 15-30”. Since fishing in steams is illegal in the winter, it was a short hike. We sat down and shared some peanut butter and honey sandwiches that Sam was kind enough to carry in his pack. He loves peanut butter. And a Frappicino that I slipped into my pocket on the way out the door. A great slushy it made as Karl put some of that fresh snow in the bottle. Karl is always surprised by what I might pack with me on a hike. One overnight hike to Sylvan, a fairly easy break in hike, (about 10 miles round trip and 5000 feet up) I brought along the hardcover book “Rembrandt’s Eyes”, 751 delicious pages, because I was in the middle of reading it. A wonderful book to have to read at Sylvan Lake.

We brought back with us memories and a few photographs in my camera. The photographs wash out so, it is amazing just to make a few color notes, like the green that graced the side of one of the Pinnacles, and then to get home and be able to see none of that green. A wonderful example of why I prefer Plein Air painting.

Since starting this painting with these undercolors, I have decided that perhaps I do paint like a watercolorist and have decided to squash the fear and take out my watercolors and paint two almost identical paintings of Broadwater Pond. One in oil and on in watercolor. A grand experiment with nothing to lose except my fear. I have painted about 4 watercolors in my adult life. I would like to be able to be able to do them well enough to take them to Arch and Froze to Death and… all the really high hikes where carrying an extra ten pounds for oil paint seems ridicules. Normally I carry about 15, unless I carry the French easel for a larger painting, like Hell Roaring Falls #2 and then I carry about 33 pounds. I think with watercolor I could slim the weight down to 2-3 pounds.

Technical notes for the day: Medium for this painting Stand Oil and Gamsol, each day increasing the Stand Oil. Colors, Phthalo Turquoise Blue (B15:4 & G7) Ultramarine Blue, Transparent Red Iron Oxide, Quinacridone Violet, Anthraquinone Red (R177). All transparent colors. Ground two thin coats of Gamblin Traditional Ground rolled on with a foam roller and sanded.

"Broadwater Pond" Revisited

2007-01-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

“Broadwater Pond” Revisited
10”x8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © January 3, 2007

I plan to start a larger version, 28”x22”, of this painting tomorrow. I made some changes from the November 11th work day. I am fighting the rocks near the falls in the background. They are so tiny at this point, the size of a pencil eraser and smaller, it is hard to adjust them. I am hoping the values will now work for the larger version.

"Flowers" Day 2

2007-01-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

“Flowers”
10”x8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © January 3, 2007

The flowers have begun to wilt; so much of this additional color is just made up, as one might deal with an abstract painting. I was painting this for the Carbon County Arts Guild February Flowers show; it doesn’t seen good enough to even leave my house. I am a strange moody painter. If I were in the mood to paint flowers, if this were my idea, the spark of passion would be there. Since it is another’s idea, it lacks passion – emotion - spark. Tomorrow I am planning on starting a 22”x28” of Broadwater Pond.

"Flowers" Day 1

2007-01-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

“Flowers” Day 1
10”x8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © January 2, 2007

I worked on this today after a holiday break. It is hard to get back into the swing of thing. The colors started to mix and make muddy colors to I have stopped for today. I am trying to loosen up my style. What a challenge. We’ll see how that goes.

Silk Ball

2006-12-29T00:07:00.001-07:00

“Silk Ball”
5”x7”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 29, 2006

Have you ever wonder, who was the first person to make a satin ball? I bet it was someone who didn’t have enough money to buy Christmas decorations. Or were they even sold back then? I remember our tree, as children, our mom seemed to make most if not all of the decorations. My favorite was the small yarn red octopus. I am not sure where all those decorations are today, but they sure were special. I also remember my grandmothers tree, it had these about 3” diameter lights, they were glass and covered with tiny chunks of colored glass, each bulb a different color. I think they quit making then because some people couldn’t seem to remember that they get hot and need to be turned off from time to time so that they won’t burn down the entire house. They were wonderful. Childhood Christmas memories: write and share some of yours with me.

Technical notes: The Titanium white was too much for this painting. Flake White Replacement by Gamblin is supposed to be more opalescent. I had a tube. I buy these supplies and then wait for the day that I finally try them. It was superb, very creamy and not pasty. I used it for the ball. I then used the zinc white for the surface. My colors, cobalt blue, Quinacridone Red, Azo Yellow, and Copper with Galkyd Lite for my medium.

Gus #3

2006-12-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

“Gus #3”
8”x6”
Collection of Jennifer Stensland
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 28, 2006

Finally, a Gus that sings of his personality. This one I will let out of my possession and now it belongs to Jennifer. Gus #1 stunk, I worked on it and worked on it and then threw it in the fireplace. See December 5th painting. The proportions were all off. Drove me crazy. I decided it was better to just start over. I like this one. I like Gus #2 also, but this one is more like Gus. He’s a standoffish fellow, not very trusting, until he knows you for a long time, and then although he’s in charge, he’ll allow you to be friendly with him.

Sally AKA The Princess

2006-12-27T23:14:00.001-07:00

“Sally AKA The Princess”
20” x 15”
Collection of Mary Anderson
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 27, 2006

Meet Sally. This is my little sister’s dog. Sally is a companion extraordinaire. She is always there to please and loves my sister, as my sister loves her, unconditionally. I was painting this for Christmas, but didn’t get it done in time. Sometime I think art is like fine wine, “I will sell no wine before its time.” Anyway, Mary gets this daily email, so I am thinking this is a great way to present the gift. The odd size belongs to a lovely frame that I found in a thrift store. I made a panel to fit it and waited for the perfect subject to fit its narrowed size.

Day 4 - Finished - "Hell Roaring Falls #3"

2006-12-27T23:11:00.001-07:00

Day 4 –Finished – “Hell Roaring Falls #3”
40” x 30”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 27, 2006

I went back and forth on what to paint today. I wanted to finish my sister’s Christmas present, but also wanted to get this done. The space that I paint in a quite small and cluttered, so moving this painting out became imperative. I started my morning out painting on this painting. By mid afternoon I was signing it and moving it into the kitchen so that I could finish Sally. I am so happy to live so near to this beautiful falls and to think I used to drive into Yellowstone to see something as beautiful as this.

Head of East Rosebud Lake

2006-12-21T22:54:00.001-07:00

“Head of East Rosebud Lake”
6”x8”
Unframed - Oil on Linen on Wood Panel
Laura Marie Anderson © December 21, 2006

Change is the only thing that is constant. Yesterday Karl, Sam and I walked up to this spot and it was lovely. Today Sam and I made our way up to this promising spot and as I was setting up decided to place some rocks in my easel in case the winds came up. After about ten minutes the winds were up and I was holding on the to easel with my left hand and attempting to paint with my right. The wind was strong enough to actually blow my hand. This made for some tiring painting.

There up on the granite rocks with the world all to myself, Painter John Potter and his family came by. They are back for Christmas out hiking and taking pictures. It was nice to see some humans out enjoying this beautiful country.

Shortly, there after Karl came across the ice on the four wheeler, pulling the wagon behind him. He wanted to know if I wanted a ride. Not close to being done I declined and he went to cut some wood. After fighting the wind for another hour, I gave it up and descended down the granite rocks into the inlet walking past the beautiful trees that blew over during the November winds. There is yet another large green tree down in the inlet. Change is the only thing constant here.

Technical notes: Medium Gamblin Neo Megilp. The wind was so strong nothing was able to make the paint stay creamy in this cold weather. It was a fight from the first stroke to the last. Colors UM Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt, Yellow Ochre, and Burnt Sienna.

Man in the Snow

2006-12-20T22:59:00.001-07:00

“Man in the Snow”
8”x6”
Unframed - Oil on Linen on Wood Panel
Laura Marie Anderson © December 20, 2006

This Man in the Snow has been there for a long time. Day after day he remains there looking out for the creek. Today was another beautiful day, so I had to get out there and paint in the sun.

Rocking Horse

2006-12-19T23:47:00.001-07:00

“Rocking Horse”
6”x8”
Unframed - Oil on Linen on Wood Panel
Laura Marie Anderson © December 19, 2006

I couldn’t resist this little horse.

Day 3 - Work in Progress "Hell Roaring Falls #3"

2006-12-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

“Day 3 -Work in Progress, Hell Roaring Falls #3”
40” x 30”
Available at ?
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 19, 2006

Lots of hours standing today. I feel this is nearly done. It is starting to please me. I see some things that I will work on tomorrow. All in all a productive day.

There are no new technical notes for this painting. There is a painting process note. Today the weather was spectacular. No wind and that lovely snow fall. The ice is almost solid again across the lake. At this point there is some fine ice skating to be had if the lake keep freezing and nothing changes. HA! Anyway, since I promised myself to make this small painting today and then work on this big one, there was no time for any plein air painting. What a shame. I did get in two nice walks, but many hours outside today would have been pleasant. Next time the weather is pleasant I am going to drop all plans and head out doors with my easel. I found some great new vantage points today.

Day 2 -Work in Progress - "Hellroaring Falls #3"

2006-12-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

“Work in Progress, Hell Roaring Falls #3”
40” x 30”
Available at ?
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 18, 2006

I’m almost proud to say that I took the weekend off. The house has been in need of a cleaning and getting some things put away. I’m sort of a scatter girl.

I put in almost full day on this painting today. It seems to be coming along nicely. Tomorrow morning I am planning on painting a small painting. I’ve come across something I just can’t resist. The “almost a full day” is because it was a windless morning, so about eleven I went for a walk taking pictures hoping to come upon one that would serve as this years Christmas card. Although it was a lovely walk, the pictures were less that I hoped for, so I planned on going out during the sunset however it seemed to drop away without any color today. Perhaps tomorrow the opportunity will avail itself to a shot that sings of Christmas Time at East Rosebud.

On the technical end of this painting: I’ve added Viridian Green and gotten rid of the Burnt Umber. My medium now until the end of this painting will be Gamblin, Neo Megilp with poppy seed oil to slow down the drying process. Today I put 1-12 parts poppy seed/Neo Megilp. I have mixed up the medium for tomorrow already, it will be 2-12, and each succeeding day one more part oil, keeping with the fat over lean oil paint. This makes with archival. I have been concerned with archival since I before I was first commissioned to paint portraits. Who would want a portrait that would chip, peel or crack off the board or canvas in 5-10 years? It is always best for a artist to make works that will out live them and since I am planning to make it to at least 100, I best know what I am doing. I am taking these notes, because this is what is said to be archival. If in 50 years I find my painting not up to snuff, I’ll know what to blame.

Day 1-Work in Progress - "Hellroaring Falls #3"

2006-12-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

“Day 1 - Work in Progress, Hell Roaring Falls #3”
40” x 30”
Available at ?
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 15, 2006

This is a work in progress. I have two completed Hell Roaring paintings. Both plein air, (painted on location), one is a 10”x8” the other 24”x18”, the first painted with a brush, the second with a palette knife. They can be seen by following this link: Hell Roaring Falls

I am going to share some technical notes here, for you and for me. I gessoed this hardboard with an acrylic gesso applying it with a foam roller. I then lightly sanded the board. I love the texture this provides. It is soft yet has some tooth about it. I then toned the board with Burnt Sienna and turpentine. When toning I use my brush dipped in turpentine to pull out the whites by wiping off the color with a rag. I then started the under painting in Brunt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, touches of Cadmium Yellow and Phthalo Turquoise Blue. I put in the darks and then put in the under color with the lights. I used a medium of ½ turpentine and ½ Galkyd, by Gamblin. I covered the surface, so now I am stopping for the day. My plan is to take this painting to the Falls next week and place it on this great easel my dad made for me. It was made exactly for this purpose. The wind shouldn’t be a problem there as the area is well sheltered, let’s hope the temperatures don’t drop dramatically.

Fall Day, September 10, 2006

2006-12-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

“Fall Day, September 10, 2006”
9” x 9”
Available at $175.
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 14, 2006

This is Tuesday’s painting that I painted from a photo but was not satisfied with. I worked on it this evening when I got back from Billings. I am satisfied with it. It was good to paint something with color. Gray today with maximum wind speeds again of 68mph.

Beaver Pond, December 13, 2006

2006-12-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

“Beaver Pond, December 13, 2006”
8”x10”
Available at $200.
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 13, 2006

Today I had an appointment in Billings, so no new paintings. However, yesterday I was in the dark so I went to bed early. So I am posting for yesterday and the following painting which I finished today.

Yesterday, I sat in my car while the winds were howling. The beaver pond is tuck in a bit, so with the car window facing opposite the direct wind, I could open the passenger side window and while sitting in the car, painting box on my lap, paint while not freezing to death. Aha! I have learned something new. Anyway about 5pm the trees were bending down from the wind and quite frankly it was getting a bit creepy. Just them a flash of light, just like in a sci-fi movie and this weird electrical noise. That creeped me out completely, so I packed it up and headed back to the house. It was now almost completely dark. I got back to the house, took a hold of the back door, give it a pull and the wind is so strong, for a moment. I thought it might not open. I stepped into the house hit the light switch and there were no lights. I stumbled around in the dark, wondering where I put that lantern, found a candle and call my sweet neighbors, they had power. So I figured I was the only one. I call the power company, Beartooth Electric, and to my surprise within two hours they were out moving the tree that caused that arch of electricity and got my power going. How sweet is that?

Fall Day, September 10, 2006

2006-12-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

“Fall Day, September 10, 2006”
9” x 9”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 12, 2006

The weather was windy and gray again (40-50mph, my weather station said). In the mood for some color I went through my photos until I came to this one. Since I got a late start on it, I will start with it again tomorrow.

Shannon Cicles

2006-12-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

“Shannon Cicles”
8” x 6”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © December 11, 2006

I went out in search of something to painting today. I made my way back to Shannon Creek hoping to catch the sun in one of it’s splendid moments. Being straight over head it was nearly blinding as it spread itself over the ice. I turned around to find this splendid spot.

As for those Pinecones yesterday: Painting is like running, and drawing and cycling for that matter, some days you just sort of plod ahead knowing that even though its not the best run and you certainly aren’t exceeding your personal best and it feels bad, at least you are doing it. While hundreds of others are being couch potatoes at least the effort is there. From personal running experience, these less than wonderful days are the days that set the level of commitment, the days that set me apart as a runner. These days make running in the rain seem not only possible, but pleasant in comparison. Today was a great paint day. Not only did I finish this one, but prepared about 20 panels for more paintings.

Pinecones

2006-12-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

“Pinecones”
6” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Not For Sale
Laura Marie Anderson © December 10, 2006

Christopher, one of my grandchildren gathered these up and saved them in the pocket of my coat yesterday. So I thought, what could be so hard about painting pinecones? I’m not sure, they reminded me of a bunch of grapes, but I am just not with it today. I’ll try again another day to paint a pile of pinecones. For now, I’ve no idea what to do with them to make them work. Such is life.

Gus #2

2006-12-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

“Gus #2”
6” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Not For Sale
Laura Marie Anderson © December 6, 2006

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again

Gus

2006-12-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

“Gus”
8” x 6”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Not For Sale
Laura Marie Anderson © December 5, 2006

This is one of Jen’s three cats. This one is Gus. He is very shy and hides almost all of the time. I am still not pleased with this painting, which is why I painted Gus 2. I like Gus #2. As they say try, try again.

Sun Setting, Moon Rising

2006-12-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

“Sun Setting, Moon Rising”
8”x6”
Oil on Linen in Wood Panel

Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © December 3, 2006

This was irresistible on my drive to Rapid City. The sun setting on one side of me throwing color on the moon while it was rising.

No way to Post Pictures :(

2006-12-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am in Rapid City helping my friend make it through a court proceeding. I have been painting but have no way to post my pictures. I will post when I get home. As a preview: The sun was setting as the moon was rising on my way to Rapid. I couldn't help but stop to paint.

Laura

Hot Chocolate Snowman

2006-12-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

“Hot Chocolate Snowman”
8”x6”
Oil on Linen in Wood Panel
Laura Marie Anderson © December 1, 2006

December, the time for Christmas. I hope this put you all in the mood. What a fun painting.

Shannon Creek at Sunrise

2006-11-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

“Shannon Creek at Sunrise”
10” x8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $200.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 30, 2006

What a beautiful spot this is. No matter what time of day I go by it seems there is a painting there, just waiting to be painted.

Sculpture in Progress - Day 2

2006-11-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

“Sculpture in Progress – Day 2
32”x11”x 9”
Unfired clay
Laura Marie Anderson © November 30, 2006

I’m just trying to build this form up without adding too much clay at once. There is only one pipe in this piece that goes up about 4/5 of the way. The neck and head will be the most endangered part during this process. I add clay then wait a few days for the clay to stabilize. The fresh clay becomes drier, and the old and the new equalize, leaving me with, hopefully, a wonderful clay body to work with. I store this sculpture with towel damp with water wrapped around it and then put a huge garbage bag over it.
My little sister, Mary wins the contest on guessing what it is. It is a skeleton sitting on it’s hunches. It will be more of a person, but since I work from the inside out, good guess Mary.

Gala

2006-11-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

“Gala”
5” x 7”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 29, 2006

The cold has moved into my chest and some days are just very busy and no matter how one tries there doesn’t seem to be time for doing the one thing that I love, so after dinner and a day spend bookkeeping and doing office work, I sit down to paint. Might I say my enthusiasm was less than desirable? I looked at this apple turned it round and stopped in this position and began to paint. Self doubts creeping in and got pushed out. Van Gogh said something like - Paint every day to silence the negative voices. So I continued, committed to portraying the beauty that God has placed before me. When I was finished and came out of my zone, I was brought almost to tears by the beauty on this little piece of wood. There are days when I am so amazed, and feel so pleased with what “I” little ole’ me, has been able to do, blessed with this ability to share God’s beauty, that I feel these tears of joy and appreciation for such a wonderful gift.

Orange, Day 2

2006-11-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

“Orange, Day 2”
6” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 28, 2006

This is the same orange I painted on the 25th, now it has begun losing it’s skin. What a fun day, making art all day.

Sculpture in Progress

2006-11-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

Side

Front
Sculpture in Progress – Day 1
32”x11”x 6”
Unfired clay
Laura Marie Anderson © November 28, 2006

Finally, after a long wait, I am ready to sculpt again. I started this today. Some of you have heard me talk about what this is going to be, all others are free to guess along the way. Hint: It belongs with my Dark Night of the Soul Series. If you are unfamiliar with this series check out in my Dark Night gallery on my website. The first one to guess the correctly wins. Wins what? I don’t know, I’ll think of something.

The Sun That Thought It Could

2006-11-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

“The Sun That Thought It Could”
11” x 14”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Not for Sale
Laura Marie Anderson © November 27, 2006

When I first saw this scene I thought, “Wow, what an easy, colorful thing to paint.” Not!

I started with a bad support. Some time back I had been experimenting with different gessoes, (the coating that covers the surface that you are painting, so that the oil in the paint won’t hurt the surface and so that the surface acids, for example, won’t hurt the paint.)

This batch turn out extremely slick and with deep grooves in the paint from the brush I used to apply it. After sanding it was still a problem.

I decided not to fight it and to use a stand oil medium (it is self-leveling) and goes with the slick surface. After two rounds with the paintbrush, I decided to use the palette knife for round number three and see if I could actually get some paint to stick. Round four and I was back to the brush and knife. After the boxing match, this is what I came up with. I’m not sure about this painting. But it is the painting of the day.

I got some disappointing news today. My show at the Toad n Willow in Billings, Friday night, December 1st, is for only one night. I am thinking to make the best of it and try inviting as many people as I can think of. It is at 2202 1st Ave N, in Billings, next to CTA Architects. The reception is from 5-9pm. The last show they had there had a great turn out, so I am hoping for the best.

Shannon Creek

2006-11-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

“Shannon Creek”
12” x 9”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $150.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 26, 2006

This is one of my favorite spots when walking the rounds in the morning. Everyday it looks different.
My cold is better, I think. It seems to have dropped back down in to my throat.

Orange and Baby Spoon

2006-11-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

“Orange and Baby Spoon”
6” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 25, 2006

I am starting to feel better. While I wanted to paint something simple today, I found the orange by itself to be less than challenging. So, I tried to add an egg, but instead of adding to the composition, it competed for the space and attention. Then I tried this baby spoon. The spoon I found long ago at a junk store. It is engraved “Donald, April 21, 1967.” Donald would be 39 years old this year. When I found it I thought about being born with a silver spoon in your mouth and then I thought about what it would be like to have been born with one and then to have lost it. I wonder what Donald’s life is like now? I couldn't resist bringing the spoon home or putting it in this painting. I find this to be a delightful little painting.

Oil Can

2006-11-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

“Oil Can”
8” x 6”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © November 24, 2006

I have been sick for some days now, a very bad head cold. Wednesday I got up the energy to set up my paints and a small silver teapot. This morning it was still sitting there. I switched it out this afternoon with:

This Oil Can brings back memories of the old treadle Singer sewing machine I used as a child. Every now and then it needed some oil as did dad’s hair clippers. That sewing machine brought us many hours of entertainment, as well as pride in the pieces of clothing that we would make. I remember my red, black and white pinstriped plaid hip hugger bell bottom pants, now those were styling.

Cactus Flowers

2006-11-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Old

New

“Cactus Flowers”
11” x 14”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $300.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 20, 2006

The “Cactus Flowers” is another painting that I have not been satisfied with. Today I repainted it, also. Actually I applied many glazes of different colors trying to achieve these rich colors. I believe this painting is finished.

East Rosebud Lake Falls

2006-11-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Old
New- Not Finished
“East Rosebud Lake Falls”
8” x 10”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite

Laura Marie Anderson © November 20, 2006

I painted this painting this past summer. It had to be the most boring painting. Since I have a cold, my energy is drained and it seemed easier to try to fix than to start from scratch. I changed the color scheme thinking I could go with the complementary colors, blue and orange and purple and yellow. Still it was a boring painting. I tried adding this goat. I got the best pictures to work from this fall when I came upon three goats. They were bright white from a recent rain and fat from a hardy summer. I would like to add some yellow to the fur but the paint is to thick and wants to blend with the blue/purple color underneath. I will leave this painting again for yet another day. As for today, it remains unfinished.

Blue Heron #2

2006-11-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

“Blue Heron #2”
20” x 16”
Unframed - Oil on Canvas
Available at $800.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 16, 2006

I have been painting on this for three days now. Each and every time I call it finished and photograph it I return it to the easel for more paint. It is driving e crazy. For now I call it finished. Perhaps I will return to it one day.

Tomorrow I have to go to Billings and take down a show I have had up at McCormick Café, teach a cycling class at the YMCA, and happily visit with my eldest daughter, Karie, and grandchildren, Marcus and Christopher. Follow that link and see a painting I painted of them when they were both one year old. They are three years apart in age.

Sentinels - November 14, 2006

2006-11-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

“Sentinels -November 14, 2006”
8” x 10”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $150.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 14, 2006

This painting describes the majority of the day, snowing with the sun trying to find its way out of the clouds.

Great Blue Heron

2006-11-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

“Great Blue Heron”
16” x 16”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Available at $750.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 13, 2006

I started this yesterday and finished it today. Quite honestly I don’t know for a few days if I have actually finished something not. Paintings are like brand new love affairs it takes a while to be able to see their faults.

This was painted from a photo that Karl took in Shark Valley, Florida. While I was painting he was touring.

I forgot to tell what happened while I was painting in Shark Valley. I was positioned behind a wood railing that was about two feet tall. There was an older gentleman watching me paint and chatting with me. There were many other people near a building not to far away. Before the fellow came along, I watched an alligator skim across the water and try to take a non suspecting bird. I’m not sure if he got the bird, it was so quick and them he was gone. I was sitting there thinking about how stupid the bird was to have held still for so long. Then I started thinking about how long I had been sitting there painting. How stupid it might prove to be. Then this older man came by and while we were talking I forgot all about the alligators. Suddenly an alligator flopped himself up on the grass about two feet in front of me. I flew back out of my chair, saying one of the most familiar four letter words. When it was over the old man and I laughed at the language that had sprung from my mouth. The alligator moved on. I think he was like my old rottweiler, Carma; he just got some sort of thrill in watching the humans scatter.

Hibiscus

2006-11-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

“Hibiscus”
6” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on Linen on Board
Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 12, 2006

The first time I saw this flower was at Treasure Harbor in the Florida Keys. Pam and Pete Anderson are the owners of this wonderful marina. While staying on one of there beautiful ships Pam made everything special. Each day in the breezeway there were several of these beautiful flowers resting in a fresh bowl of water. I commented to her that I thought they were too beautiful to pick and she told me that they only live for 24 hours so we might as well enjoy them.
Now living in Montana, one would think that these sun lovers would be hard to come by, but I found a plant at a local nursery this past summer and brought it home to the mountains. It is only about two and a half feet high, but produces a flower every now and again. The last time it blossomed I mistakenly thought, I’ll have to paint that one tomorrow. By the next day it was dying, limp and shriveled.

As I was painting this today I thought about the idea of what if we only had one more day to live, how would we spend it? If we could be beautiful and vibrant for only one day, would we reach towards the sun and thank God for the opportunity to beautify his world?

Broadwater Pond

2006-11-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

“Broadwater Pond”
10” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Available at $150.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 11, 2006

This is a plein air painting that I started on August 18 and finished today. Broadwater Pond is 4 miles up the trail from here. It seems to be nothing more than a wide spot in the river, but it is crystal clear and a wonderful turquoise color. Without seeing it these colors in person they are hard to believe.

Gumby Rides Pokey

2006-11-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

“Gumby Rides Pokey”
10” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared masonite
Available at $150.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 10, 2006

Another fun painting. I can’t begin to say how much I enjoy painting these childhood memories. If you enjoy these two, check out their solo portraits, the November 3rd and 4th paintings.

Windy Day

2006-11-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

“Windy Day”
11” x 14”
Unframed - Oil on Canvas
Available at $125.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 10, 2006

I started this painting on the 8th, when it was very windy. The wind blows so hard here, it will actually pick the water up off the lake. Today the winds have picked up again, so I decided to finish it.

Autumn Love

2006-11-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

(Full Painting)

(Detail of - Moose a 5" tall in Painting)

“Autumn Love”
24” x 36”
Unframed - Oil on Canvas
Available at $1,900.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 5, 2006

Autumn Love is a painting celebrating the mating rituals of moose. As part of their foreplay, the bull stands behind the cow, and then tips his head back so that his horns almost lay upon his back. He then snorts in, curling his upper lip back and rotates his head in an arch from left to right. It seems to be an endorphin inducing practice; the bull intoxicated.
I had the opportunity to sit in a canoe and photograph these two. He was definitely head over heels for this cow, but since she was limping she would have nothing to do with him and just turned and walked away.

Buffalo Hot Springs

2006-11-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

“Buffalo Hot Springs”
18” x 24”
Unframed - Oil on Canvas
Available at $800.
Laura Marie Anderson © November 5, 2006

I have been working on this painting for sometime now. I started reworking it this past summer in the lodge while working in the store. Last week I took it out for some more paint and then again today; I am finally satisfied with it.

Pokey

2006-11-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

“Pokey”
6” x 8”
Unframed - Oil on Linen on Board
Laura Marie Anderson © November 4, 2006

Where would Gumby be without Pokey? The same place as Roy Rogers would be without Trigger and The Lone Ranger without Silver. Ah, those were the days. Again, painted on linen.

Gumby

2006-11-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Gumby was another one of my favorite toys. All the childhood memories that came flooding back while painting this little gem, made me laugh and smile from ear to ear, many times while I was painting this. I intentionally painted this on linen.

Flowers

2006-11-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Old

One of my, against the wall, paintings. I decided to rework this one. This one had such potential; I couldn’t resist taking it to the other side. I started this painting while the flowers were fresh and finished it when they were nothing but a memory.

Lost Peaks

2006-11-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

I was in the house working on another flower painting. After an early lunch, I noticed how lovely it looked outside. The sun was shining and the atmosphere was as clear as a clean sheet of glass. The lake is already freezing over and so far, since we haven’t had any wind, it looks like there will be some great ice skating this year. I decided to bundle up and go out for a walk, in spite of the temperatures nearing 10 degrees. I had on my darkest sunglasses and yet it was still incredibly bright out. I walked around the lake, past the beaver pond and about half way down to the Links, when I decided to turn back and get my paints. I followed some wonderful moose tracks back toward the house around the lake side of the lodge and then down the road, right in front of our house. I decided to go down canyon a bit and try to paint the Lost Peaks, as I call them. Lost Lake is right behind the peaks that are on the right side of the painting. I hope you all enjoy. Back to those flowers tomorrow.

Rodney - Carnival Cruise Musician

2006-10-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

“Rodney- Carnival Cruise Musician

”6” x 8”

Unframed - Oil on Linen on Gatorfoam

Not For Sale

This fine young man was the lead singer in a Jamaican band that played on our cruise ship during the same vacation this past February. I had him write down his information but can’t seem to find it. His full name, country and email address are in an older journal or sketch book, but I haven’t been able to find it. If and when I do I’ll email him and send him the painting.
The band played one set of Jamaican music and then came back in the afternoon for – believe it or not – a set of country music. They did both very well, and their accents added something special to the second set. I painted this while sitting on the deck. It was very cool and windy that day. Most anything that wasn’t weighed down on deck that day was blowing about. I like the painting, but knew something wasn’t quite right. Today, I checked photograph I had taken on the ship and added just a touch of paint under his chin.

Shark Valley

2006-10-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

“Shark Valley, Florida”

6” x 12”

Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Available at $150.

This painting I did plein air at Shark Valley National Park in Florida, while in vacation last February. I was so blinded by the lighting that the painting was very dark and the birds were not even close to white. Anyway, I had to look up the name of the place so I found this site with pictures. (Do come back to my page :>))
http://www.great-florida-vacations.com/shark-valley-gallery-1.html
I think the painting is just about right now and I found a bunch of other photos I took on our trip of lovely exotic birds that I may paint sometime this winter.

Red Lodge Ponds - Fall

2006-10-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

“Red Lodge Ponds – Fall”

14” x 11”

Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite Panel

Available at $140.

I painted this a long time ago, perhaps two years now. I never liked it, but had no idea what to do with it. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I never photographed it, so there’s nothing to compare it to.

Hubbard Squash #2 Reworked

2006-10-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

Reworked Paintings: I spent the day working on five paintings that I didn’t like for one reason or another. Most of them have been facing the wall for sometime now, expect for the Hubbard Squash #2 that I painted on October 20.

Old
New

“Hubbard Squash #2”
9” x 12”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Available at $175.
Laura Marie Anderson © October 31, 2006

Wood Toy Airplane

2006-10-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

"Wood Toy Airplane”
6”x8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Available at $100.
Laura Marie Anderson © October 26, 2006

I am posting the Wood Toy Airplane I at the conference in Helena. Another great toy that brings back many great memories.

Wood Toy Train - Sold

2006-10-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

This little train is the partner to the wooden airplane I painted while in Helena that I have yet to post. These wood toys remind me of the hours of fun my sisters and I used to have at our Grandma Anderson’s. Nothing but our imaginations and someone’s creation and we had hours of fun. Much more creative than the video games of today.

Due to bad roads and bad timing, I have cancelled my trip Rapid City. I have a solo show December 1, at the Toad and Willow in Billings, Montana.

Trip to Helena

2006-10-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I was traveling to and working in Helena, Montana. For the past two years I have coordinated and ran an art show in conjunction with the Montana Conference on Mental Health. This year there were 108 entries from Montana artists all who suffer from some type of mental illness. The show was great and it is quite a rewarding process, for me as well as the artists.

I did manage to get one painting done on Thursday, October 26 as I had some volunteer gallery sitters that day. Unfortunately, the other days I did not. It is a 6x8” painting of a toy wooden airplane. I will be painting another toy tomorrow: a small wooden train.

The airplane painting is in my car down in Roscoe. I have been leaving my car down there as it does not like the snow. Tomorrow I will carry with me, my mini office and try to get to the pictures sent out from some destination on my way to Rapid City. My friend is ill and I am going to help her for a few days.

I had access to WIFI in Helena, but since I am using Outlook, I would have had to change my POP setting to send out and receive mail. I am learning how to do that. I will try my best in Rapid City. Wish me luck, Laura

Beaver Pond #2

2006-10-22T23:37:00.000-06:00

The beaver has been busy plugging up the culvert that passes under the dirt road. Karl, my husband and Lake Caretaker has been busy removing the dam sticks (literally and figuratively). The ice has started to form. The thin ice skin causes the colors underneath to be opaque. The beaver never showed his face today, probably because Sammy, my dog, was busy fishing. He can stand and wait for hours in the freezing cold water waiting to make his move.

Ripe Tomato

2006-10-22T11:34:00.000-06:00

This tomato was given to us by our friend Bret who lives in Joliet and prides himself in his abilities to care for his family, raise a garden and bake bread. The tomato has been patiently waiting for me in the line up of object to paint. It was so ripe that the skin had begun to thin and it was quite transparent and tasty. We ate it for lunch.

Hubbard Squash #2

2006-10-21T01:05:00.000-06:00

"Hubbard Squash #2”
9”x12”
Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Unframed and Available at $175.
Laura Marie Anderson © October 20, 2006

First, I must say what a surprise this squash was. In my attempt to slice it open I had to use two very sharp knives. Once it finally went it sort of split itself. As I studied this squash today, I was thinking about how beauty really is in the eyes of the beholder. What we choose to appreciate becomes beautiful.

Karl Petersen's Cabin

2006-10-19T22:56:00.000-06:00

5”x7”Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Available at $100.

I started this painting on October 14th when I had the flu. I just didn’t have enough energy to finish it. I finished it today. A fun little painting.

Hubbard Squash

2006-10-19T22:45:00.000-06:00

9”x12” Oil on prepared Masonite Panel

I picked up this beauty while I was in Rapid City at the Farmer’s Market. I have been waiting to paint to. Tomorrow I’ll make use of that knife and slice it open to paint.

Windy Sunny Day

2006-10-19T00:26:00.000-06:00

16x20" oil on canvas

Available at $800.

The forecast was for 48-50 degrees. I waited with anticipation.

I started this painting on October 10th. The first day for me to miss a painting, but it wasn’t close to being finished. I had to wait for the perfect day. A sunny day when the snow was somewhat melted compared to yesterday.

At this time of the year the sun comes over the mountain and hit the other side of the lake around 9am finally making its way to this side about 11am. By the time the sun made it, the winds had picked up to about 55mph, and the lake white capping for most of the day. About 2:30 the winds died down. I was going to change my position and move myself out more into the sun, but decided to wait for one hour and see if the winds were still down. About fifteen minutes later, gusty winds blew across the lake and the blue waters stirred until long after the sun set.

Also, check out the changes to yesterdays painting. I woke up in the middle of the night wondering if the icicles had fallen of during the course of the day or if I had somehow just failed to paint them in. They were the item that made yesterday special. Our first icicles of the winter.

I looked this morning and sure enough the icicles were still there. Wow, makes me wonder where my brain was. I think the icicles improve it 100%.

Icy Cold

2006-10-17T23:43:00.000-06:00

9"x12" oil on prepared masonite

Available at $125.

Today was cold, but there was no wind. I waited for the sun to appear, but it never made it’s way out from behind the thick clouds. So, I decided to paint this chilly scene.

The snow that came down yesterday lay in wait for the sun to melt it.

Gourd #2

2006-10-17T23:34:00.000-06:00

6"x8" oil on prepared masonite

Availabel at $100.

I got up this morning and took another look at this gourd. What a beauty. After turning it this way and that, I decided upon this position.

I love it’s knurly bumps. Tomorrow I must give it up and move on to the Hubbard squash, so that we can then eat it for dinner.

View from the Porch

2006-10-16T20:24:00.000-06:00

10x8" Oil on Prepared Masonite

Available - Click above

This morning I was painting a gourd - see below. When I came out of my zone, about noon, I turned around to see huge snowflakes coming down. About one o’clock, I finished the gourd painting and proceeded to sit down to a lunch in front of the window. The trees were accumulating snow and the view across the lake was almost totally obscured. I was thinking about a lovely painting I came across yesterday where most of the edges were lost. I thought this would be another perfect opportunity to try that sort of painting, again.

“View from the Porch” will make a wonderful addition to your collection.

Gourd

2006-10-16T20:23:00.000-06:00

6x8" oil on prepared masonite

Available - click above

I found this wonderful gourd at a Farmer’s Market in Rapid City, SD. I love the way it is shaped. I think it is deserving of being repainted over and over again. It reminds me of a piece of driftwood we used to draw in my favorite drawing class at MSU-B with Professor John Pollock about ten years ago when I had returned back to college to finish my degree. The driftwood and this gourd could both be turn in a million directions and be something different each time. Check for my painting tomorrow to see if it has moved me again.

“Gourd” will make a wonderful addition to your collection.

Blue Day

2006-10-13T17:46:00.000-06:00

6"x8" Oil on prepared Masonite

Available at $100.

Most generally up here in the mountains, we miss this atmospheric bluing. It is caused by particles in the air. The air is so pure up here, especially in the morning, that there is no hazy. Today was an exception, so I decided to paint it.

Beaver Pond - Fall

2006-10-12T21:42:00.000-06:00

5" x 7" Oil on prepared masonite.

Available at $100.

After lunch I headed up the road towards the mountains. I spotted a place to paint the other day when I had no time. As I passed the beaver pond, it yelled out at me, paint me, paint me, but I was destine to paint my prearranged place. So I continued up the road, climbed over some rocks, and downed tree, to get to my spot. I held nothing for me today. I went back to the pond swearing I'd never do that again. Instead, paint the first thing that moves me.

I set up my paints and began. I had my trusty guard dog with me, my golden retriever, Sam. He will be 2 years old on Jan. 15. I need him as I space out while painting, thus making me a meal for the wild animals, that doesn't even run. ( While alone, I have been startled several times by wild animals - deer mostly, a few gigantic moose, and a bear once.)

About twenty minutes into the painting the beaver surfaced. Sam noticing stepped down into the water and then just stood there, the most patient hunter I know. He surfaced again, but in another spot. Sam stood in wait.

I put some of the leaves back onto the bushes for this painting. The recent snow and wind has almost stripped them naked. When I was down with the painting, Sam stepped out of the water and we walked home. I with a lovely little painting, Sam with visions of himself as the great hunter.

Family of Sugar Pears -SOLD

2006-10-12T20:32:00.000-06:00

8" x 6" Oil on Prepared Masonite

SOLD

I got up this morning an pretty much started painting, then I continued that way until the sun went down. It was a good day. I painted two small paintings.

I wanted to paint these little Sugar Pears that some friends of ours grew and then brought all the way out to Montana from Kansas City. So I got up and set myself up to paint them. In my mind I see a Daddy Pear a Mommy Pear and a Baby Pear. The Mom bend over and sort of protecting the little one. Anyway that's where my creative mind went while I was painting this painting. The little family has been split up now and the big bad people of the house ate the Mommy and Daddy. :>(

Snow on the Mountain

2006-10-11T19:56:00.000-06:00

6"x12" Oil on Canvas

Available on eBay Starting November 8th,
check back for link to bid

This afternoon the skies went from completely gray to a spotty blue sky. When I walked outside it felt almost warm. This painting seemed to paint itself. I was happy with the medium I used, the brushes and the surface. Some days are just like that.

First Snow

2006-10-09T22:26:00.000-06:00

6"x8" Oil on archivally prepared Masonite

Finally, I am caught up. Last night about 9:30 it began to snow. At 4 o'clock this afternoon it finally slowed way down. Still having not figured out blogging yet, but getting closer, I put on my Carhartts and headed out into the snow. Being just under 30, it seemed fairly brisk, but there was no wind, so it was a good time to go out. What a change from yesterday. I wanted to find something special about the day. Heading towards the walk bridge, on the path now covered with ten inches of snow, I passed this willow, still full of leaves and weighed down with snow.

The Scott's Last Day

2006-10-09T22:09:00.000-06:00

5"x7" Oil on archivally prepared Masonite

Available on eBay Starting November 8th,

check back for link to bid

Still playing catch up. Yesterday, Sunday, Oct. 8, I walked out of the house and down to the lake carrying with me a comfortable but heavy wood chair. I sat on the shore looking across the lake towards the Scott's. They would be leaving the next day, for the season, so this would be the last day that our United States flag would be flying. During these warring times, it reminds me of how lucky we are to live in the land of the free.

Elk Lake Inlet

2006-10-09T21:27:00.000-06:00

5"x7" Oil on archivally prepared Masonite - available at $100.
Please email me if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

Saturday, after finishing the previous painting I continued up to Elk Lake. Since I have painted there before but from the other end I decided this time to paint sitting near the outlet looking towards the inlet. As I neared the end of my painting, thunder started to rumble behind the distant mountain. I packed it up and headed back home. I arrived at home a little wet, but refreshed from a good hike and the fresh rain.

Hike to Elk Lake

2006-10-09T21:12:00.000-06:00

5"x7" Oil on archivally prepared Masonite - available at $100.

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

This is my first post. As with everything else, it took longer than I could have ever dreamed. I made the commitment to paint these little paintings, but had no idea how to blog. So I am learning. I believe these daily mini's can only improve my paintings. I took this hike on Saturday, Oct 7. About a mile from Elk Lake I stopped to paint this little gem. The weather was cool, the sky gray, but the colors were deep and full of life.