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I just came back after a relaxing, yet exhilarating weeklong vacation in the Wear Valley region of the Smoky Mountains. Besides taking in the beautiful views of the mountains, the hikes to various waterfalls, and the sightings of of wildlife including a bear exploring the deck of our cabin; I also was able to do 4 plein air paintings.

My first painting was done of a small trail near the cabin we rented for the week. It was a hot, sunny day and I loved the dappled late morning sunlight shining on the ground and sides of the tree trunks. This is an 11"x14" oil on panel painted solely with painting knives.

I did two paintings the next day of the extraordinary view from our back deck of the Smoky Mountains. Unfortunately, it was an overcast day, so I wasn’t able to paint the effects of sun and shadows on the sides of the mountains. Still, I found it quite a challenge to capture the different greens and to try to establish depth with the atmospheric effects I saw. This first one is a 14"x11" oil on panel painting solely with painting knives.

The second painting that day was of the same scene, except I did a smaller version with brushes, using the thumb easel I made from a cigar box (which I affectionately named Ashton since that's the name already stamped on the cover of the box). The slick surface of the gesso board made it difficult for me to apply the paint, and it seems I need to practice painting with brush more. I also found it more difficult to establish depth painting with a brush. This is a 7"x5" oil on panel painted with brushes.

Near the end of our trip, I drove into Smoky Mountain National Park and pulled over onto one of their side viewing openings. I set up my easel alongside the Little River, which wound along the northern edge of the park. I loved the movement of the water in the small rapids breaking through the rocky stream. I've painted rapids before and always find them a challenge. I think this is is the best painting I’ve done so far of moving water. This is an 11"x14" oil on panel painted with knives.

Plein air painting is one of my favorite things to do on a vacation, but I didn't have the time to be able to do as many as I’d like. But I did take a lot of photos to use as reference for future studio paintings. I look very forward to working on them soon.