I was inspired to paint a few forest scenes. I live in a heavily timbered part of the planet. This first painting is reminiscent of the view from a small window in my studio. I like the wall of trees and occasionally spot turkeys, grouse and deer passing through on their way to the water.
Another small study potentially leading to a larger work. I have worked up a few of these little waterscapes now. I am going to begin a larger painting this Memorial Monday, along these lines.
I am painting a few trout portraits to honor our aquatic friends. I caught the largest trout of my life on my birthday. I always catch and release fish but they are netting these Mackinaw trout to reduce their numbers. They are serious predators and clearly get huge! This fish was 17.85 lbs and 36″ long! It is providing a lot of meals for the family!
I have been recycling painting panels lately. Finding old paintings, removing the paint and starting new work. I dug this one out, always drawn to something about it. I put a few hours into it yesterday. Now it will live to fight another day, like me.
I had s little commission last week of the northern lights. I decided to do a second painting which I finished over the weekend!
Also I saw a moose Saturday!
Another small painting inspired by a beautiful wildlife refuge in North Idaho! The preserve is called Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is nearly to Canada in the Idaho Panhandle.
I painted this over the weekend, just a final glaze this morning.
I am doing a little series of cloudscapes with the sun concealed but still very present.
Another new painting in the studio. This one is bound for Elliott Fouts Gallery, that hour glass is draining quickly! I need to deliver these paintings in early January.
Again I find myself focusing on filtered sun and a dramatic sky with this painting. I have some exciting plans that are just a bit of a departure from my typical work… stay tuned!
I also have some paintings available at a super cool gallery in Missoula. Check out the link!
https://radius-gallery.myshopify.com/collections/brian-sostrom
This painting is mostly about the light. It does also have a regionally famous peak as its namesake. This lovely mountain is east of where I live in North Idaho. I can see the peak when I am out on Lake Pend Oreille.
Last year I took a small plane ride from Dover Bay that flew directly over the peak. At the summit a small herd of mountain goats were milling about. Now when I see Scotchman Peak I think about the goats.
Another painting inspired by Lake Pend Oreille in North Idaho. This one has some lovely and subtle color transitions. I have found it difficult to get an accurate photo of the painting but this easel shot wasn’t bad.
