September 01st, 2014

Thirty Painting in Thirty Days

I've decided to try something new and take the Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge, hosted by Leslie Saeta, that begins September 1st .   You  can see artwork by all the participants at Slices of Life.  


For my theme, I've chosen to paint mostly landscapes of hills and mountains from places I have visited,  with perhaps a few flower compositions scattered in.  I love a challenge and I'm looking forward to this one with excitment.

Day 1

View Near Alt Pölla
Oil on canvas board,  9" x 12"

One day this summer, while visiting with friends in the Austrian countryside, we passed by this lovely field  on our walk.  We had just come out of a forested stretch of road when suddenly this scene opened before us.  Perhaps it was the contrast between forest and fields,  the element of surprise, and the beautiful and peaceful view into the  surrounding countryside  that  moved me.  Naturally, it was the first  thing from my trip which I had to paint and a good way to begin this challenge.