This is the painting I had been building to with my 10″ studies of the Kootenai Valley. There is a mighty and powerful river there but I was entranced with the small trickling streams and ditches. Cold but amazing place. I wanted to stay until dark but when we nearly got the car stuck leaving seemed like a pretty good idea!
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!
I thought I would share a WIP on this Friday morning. The smooth sparkle of the water is feeling pretty good here.
The winter arrived late but with serious intent. Mornings dream like with mist lifting from the waves and through the forest. The water revealed as the color of dawn warms the sky if not the air.
I have been working on this large painting for some time now. I thought I would post a preview of it!
The third painting inspired by the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. I am currently working on an 18″x24″ piece in the same vein.
Apparently it is mid February. The sun is bright on our snow today. The lake is frozen but it doesn’t stop my love of water. The water froze just like your heart, I’m the only thing I can be.
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.
My solo show is ongoing at Elliott Fouts Gallery in Sacramento, CA. It will run the month of February.
I went down for the second Saturday art opening! It was fun to talk to art enthusiasts and buyers. It was a very successful show for the gallery and myself. So much work goes into such an event, you never know what will happen. I keep my mind focused on the art… it’s all there is to do.
As a painter I tend to be very solitary, in my own head. Funny how much I find myself talking at these shows…
Last weekend we took a little road trip to the Kootenai National wildlife refuge. We didn’t arrive until the evening but the lighting and views were magnificent! The main loop drive was closed for the winter, but worth the trek regardless!
I have done a few little winter scenes inspired by the evening. I hope to paint a larger image next.
brian sostrom 