Views from the Valley

Beartooth Passage

2008-10-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

A trip up the Beartooth mtns earlier this summer yielded lot's of photo ops and a few plein air's. this is from a PA study i did along one of the many lakes up on the plateau.

Beartooth Passage
24 x 20
Oil on linen

Newest paintings

2008-07-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long but i've had some time to throw some paint around this wk. I usually try to get in 2 paintings a wk but some wks' that doesn't happen

Anyhow,
I had to get up to Red Lodge, mt to check out some painting spots and had time for a painting

High Mtn Meadow
8 x 10
O/L

Clarks Fork Studio

2008-04-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Im going to attempt to take you through my painting process here. I've been thinking about letting a few of yall know how i paint a bit more, but everytime i start painting i usually forget to stop and take a picture of the progress shots. Last wk when working in the studio Jen revived the challenge in me.

Puddles of mixture that is the starting point of my color and values, warms with cools. Again, starting with a limited palet of rd, yw, blu, white. Mixing paint is ALWAYS A JOY!

Here's my plein air study that i'll be useing for color references. I had a couple issues to resolve here that i wanted to say a little differently in the studio piece. Mainly that the scene wasn't so "boxey" so i enlarged it to a 12 x 16 format. I had some other issues with it feeling "chaulky" I don't know how else to say it here other than chaulky. Kinda like that feeling in your mouth right after you eat a tums or something like that. Bad annalogy though!

Here is my basic compositional changes, a little more opened up and a better feeling and more ways to get into the painting.

After initial block in and the fun begins! Now i get to play and stick to the left side of brain instead of using the practicle right side of my brain.

Finished painting

Thanks for looking in!

Blanketed for Winters Return

2008-03-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Blanketed for Winter's Return
Oil on linen
32 x 47

To date this is my biggest painting. I've had the canvas stretched sitting in the
corner of the house for about 1 yr and everytime i'd look over at it, it would just taunt me and laugh at me. Sort of like a competion to see if I could accomplish something so big and idea oriented. I had the idea, and thanks to Jen for the challenge, of getting it out and throwing some paint around. I put it up on the easel and the easel is way tooo small for this size! It was asking me why i was doing a painting so big on it. I had to anchor it down with bungies.

To the painting... It was really fun to "get into" the painting. getting into refers to a painting this size you can really get into the painting almost like stepping into it and feeling like your really there almost like a dreamscape. I have noticed a lot of nature is a challenge to get right, that alot of times, so many values are so close to other values that it's almost forcing us painters to lean more to tonalist paintings instead of doing something that you know is pleasing to the eye, pleasing my eye is testing myself to see how close i can achieve a more tonalist approach here and using temps to speak to the eye and tell you what's a tree and what's sage, etc. etc.

I have painted this scene countless times, it's one of my favorite in Jackson, partly because it's from the Gros Ventre Junction which you take this road to get to my old cabin in Kelly. I usually set up here many eves after work just waiting for the right light and then rush to get accurate colors. Hurry up and wait kind of thing. This scene and Jackson peak were my two most painted scene's other than my dailies of the teton's.

The stuggle for this one again was the more tonalist approach for the fg and mid ground. when the light is in that position, it forces everything below to be in shadow. So it forces me to think more in color temp and asking warmer/cooler.
Overall i think the painting was a success and it felt so good to be inside a painting for a couple of days until i called this one finished.

Thanks for looking,
Tom
p.s. your comments and critique's always help!!

By Dawn's Early Light

2008-02-16T23:33:00.000-08:00

By Dawn's Early Light
14 x 18
Oil on linen

I've been working on this over the last 2 days. That's the beauty of studio paintings i think- that you can really take your time on some paintings and really give chase to what you see in your imagination, and display it, and it comes out just like you wanted it.

I wanted to bring Granduer to the Grand. There has been many painters come along, but very few of them paint them with the granduer that they deserve, not to say that this one does, there's always room to improve, but this is an effort that i'm happy with.

When i'm in studio, i've come up with a little guide to what will make a good painting, that guid is simple:
Drawing
Color
Value
Edges
Brushwork

When i have all of those key elements correct in the painting it is usually a success!
I'm trying to analize which one of those key elements and if you take any one of them out of the equation, you loose another one, so all in all, they all rely on each other, and usually if one failes then all of the elements are at a loss. Then it's doomsday for the painting. It's a constant battle, trying to put a little more into the painting often destroys, or bares too much and takes away from what your trying to say. Like SC sayes all the time, how much weight can the painting bare, with a brush stroke out of place here or value change there, it will reflect negatively on the overall painting because it's carring too much weight.....

well, sorry, i can get carried away with nerdy art lingo, so until next time!...
ADIOS!

Clark Fork Rocks

2008-02-12T13:09:00.001-08:00

Clark fork Canyon rocks
9 x 12 oil on line

Made a drive up Clarks Fork Canyon yesterday cause temps held in mid 40's
beautiful day!

click on pic for larger version.

Below Rimrock

2007-11-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Fall below Rimrock
9 x 12
Oil on linen

I've been waiting for the right conditions below rimrock for the past couple of months and i finally got a "right conditions" invite from Rimrock himself.
A beautiful fall day in the Wapiti valley!

End of the Road

2007-11-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

End of the road
9 x 12
oil on linen

Went for a drive with Jenn last wk and went all the way down the south fork rd off the shoshone river and found this just waiting to be painted!

Fall in the Absaroka's

2007-11-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

Fall in the Absaroka's
11 x 14
oil on linen

Driving towards the east entrance of yellowstone is one of my favorite drives, althought there are many, with it's shear cliffs of the absoroka's and the beartooth's on the other side. I think the road just splits the two ranges from one another cause there is such a dramatic difference in rock from one side of the road compared to the other side.

3 mins left

2007-10-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

3 mins left
11 x 14
Oil on linen

Done as a plein air peice. This had to have been done very quickly with accurate color matches at the scene and block in. After returning home I had a chance to get it to a more completion level.

Fall on the Cottonwoods

2007-10-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Fall on the Cottonwoods
12 x 14
Oil on linen

Out my bedroom window i have some interesting views of cottonwoods. Cottonwoods are very challenging and intrieging at the same time, they have so much character to them and infinate possibilities of ways to paint them.

Where the Wind Roams

2007-10-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Where the Wind roams
22 x 26
Oil on linen

The Wind river run's through the Wind River Indian Res and it's some one the prettiest land in Wy. Very quiet and prestine!

Along Jim Mtn

2007-10-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Along Jim Mtn
12.75 x 14.25
Oil on linen
Jen got me up early to catch a sunrise. This came from that study.

Cathedral Group

2007-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Cathedral Group, Evening
22 x26

Who doesn't know these peaks!
I just had to try to capture the Grandeur that sits just west of where i live.
Gods' country!

Clarksfork of Yellowstone

2007-10-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone
9 x12
Oil on linen

Jenn and I found this scene just before reaching Cooke City,Mt just below Pilot peak.
Jenn painted pilot and i faced the oposite way. She had the better view!

On the Cusp of Winter

2007-10-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

Cusp of Winter
9 x 12
Oil on linen

Had to take a different rought to get to Cody this trip and this is what Togweete pass had in store for me, 2 wks early fall!

Grizly Skies

2007-10-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Grizzly Skies
10 x 12
Oil on linen

A dreary day in Cody forced me to stop on my way home through Yellowstone and found this scene. Gotta love these western skies

Jenny Lake Shores

2007-10-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Uncle Toms Trail

2007-10-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

Uncle Tom's trail
12 x 9
Oil on linen

After a hike down and back for a total of 1200 stair steps you are treated with this view. I had everything i needed for this painting. It made the hike worth while.

Whitefish Skies

2007-10-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Whitefish Skies
6 x 8
o/c

I went up to Whitefish, MT earlier this summer and had to get in an areal of whitefish lake. This town is definatly retirement made, not that i'm already thinking about retirering anytime soon.

Cottonwood's Dancing

2007-06-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Cottomwood's Dancing
8 x 10
Oil on linen

Quite a View

2007-06-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Quite a View
6 x 8
Oil on canvas

Ready for winter

2007-06-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ready for winter?
8 x 10
Oil on linen

Spring Willows

2007-05-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Spring Willows
10 x 12
Oil on linen

Traveled to the backside of Monger Mtn yesterday and couldn't decide on whether to paint or fish. Painting won out! Very nice afternoon along the creek.

Spring Cathedral Group

2007-05-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Spring Cathedral Group
8 x 10
Oil on linen
Plein Air

Spring Light

2007-04-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Spring Light
12 x 10
Oil on linen

Most days feel like spring is right around the corner if not here already. After a long winter of painting inside I finally had the chance to get outside. The trees still have their winter appearance but not for much longer, hopefully.

Locals Only

2007-04-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Locals Only
22 x 25
Oil on linen

Zorn palet of earthy colors

2007-04-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Pine Creek
10 x 12
Oil on linen

Unusually warm day, mid 50's in March!
Butterflies gallore in this canyon.

2007-04-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Big Eddies
10 x 12
Oil on linen

Here is the western view of the Tetons from Driggs, ID.
It's nice to get out of the tourist traps of JH and escape to the other side every now and then.

2007-04-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Grazing
18 x 24
Oil on linen

Mid feb here in Jackson can be a warming trend, then the very next day freezing!
The previous day turned warm and so the ranch hands let the cows out into another paster. The contrast between the forground shadow with the distant mtn lite up was a driving force of this painting.

Last of October

2007-04-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Last of October
20 x 24
Oil on canvas

Feb Nocturnal

2007-03-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Teton Nocturnal
5 x 9
Oil on linen

Nocturnal here in Wyoming evenings. Standing inside, this was a challenge from the beginning! Always have loved nocturnals done by F.T. Johnson, and Remington.

Evening Dew

2007-03-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a studio piece that I've been working on recently

Evening Dew
20 x 24
Oil on canvas
available at www.thomasbradshaw.artspan.com

Before she goes, Low key

2007-02-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

Experimenting with a low keyed palet

Before she goes

2007-02-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Experimenting with a high keyed palet.

December Fields

2007-02-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

This painting is from a study while in Va. A gift for a family member where farming has been his way of life for many years.

SC inspirations

2007-02-18T06:48:00.000-08:00

Inspirations of a warm day in the midst of the cold winters here in Wy.

Inspirations Autur Dow

2007-02-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

I've always liked Dow's compositions.

Raleigh Res.

2007-02-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

In Raleigh, NC

Virginia Dec. Clouds

2007-02-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

I had a chance to make it to Va to see the family for christmas and the unusually warm temps gave me many chances to paint!

S'bachers Landing Zorn palet

2007-02-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

Here i'm experimenting with a different palet.
Burnt Sienna
Yellow Ocher
Mars Black

Let me know your thoughts, This place is for crits too, so you can tell me your feelings from my paintings. It helps me see from your eyes!!

Chill in the Flats

2006-12-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Chill on Antelope Flats
16 x 18
Oil on linen

This painting comes from a study I did a couple of wks ago. It started out as a cold (20 degrees) and a lot of wind, which didn't help any. I tried to capture some of the chill i felt, but I also thought there was more warmth in the clouds than on the ground. Maybe I was thinking "anywhere is warmer than here right now" and I decided to push more warmth of the clouds.

for more info and other paintings, visit my web site.
www.thomasbradshaw.artspan.com

Antelop Flats

2006-10-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Antelope Flats
22 x 24
Oil on linen

This painting was done of a study I did last wk along antelope flats road.
I always love painting the skies around the valley here. Hope you like!

Swabackers Landing

2006-10-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've been itching to paint this view of the Tetons for a while now. I went out on a beautifull afternoon this week to find 60's weather and sun!!

Swabackers Landing
10 x 12
Oil on linen

North Fork Cliffs

2006-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

North Fork Cliffs
22 x 25
Oil on linen

This comes from a study done of the north fork of the Shoshone river near Cody, Wy a couple of wks ago.
I loved the large mass of cliffs that line this beautiful river as it flows out of Yellowstone NP.

Gros Ventre Studio

2006-10-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Gros Ventre Afternoon
20 x 24
Oil on linen

This painting is from a study I did up the Gros Ventre river late afternoon painting.
Love this peaceful feel of this river and how it runs throughout the quiet country.

Tree line

2006-10-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

Tree line
9 x 12
Oil on linen

Painted up on the southfork of the Shoshone River, just south of Cody. A day filled with rain squalls forced me to concentrate on simple comp and really looking at local color. Cold and rainy!!

Shoshone Cliff

2006-10-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Shoshone Cliffs
6 x 8
Oil on canvas

More from my trip to Cody, Wy the other wk. There are many paintings to be made in this area. These cliffs change in color almost minute by minute. It makes you think you can paint, but when your painting it changes it's mind and throws you a curveball that usually knocks you out.

"S" Turns

2006-10-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

S turns
6 x 8
Oil on Canva

On a recent trip to Sun Valley, Id, I painted this painting with Robert Grogan at a workshop he taught.
Very enlightening weekend!

Purdy Fire

2006-10-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

2006-10-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Above the Water
8 x 10
Oil on Canvas

Driving home one day and the sky wanted to be painted. One difficult part of painting skies are there are so many different values but they are all within one value scale. You really have to look for the subtleties much like painting snow in the winter time.

Arches NP

2006-10-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Arches NP
10 x 12
Oil on linen

Woke up one morning earlier this spring and this was the view from my truck. Really made me appreciate our lives that we live.

Cattails

2006-10-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

Cattails
9 x 12
Oil on linen

Found this little pond up in th Absoroka's
A nice peaceful place!

View of Jackson Peak

2006-10-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

View of Jackson Peak
9 x 12
Oil on linen

I have loved this mtn ever sence I saw it. It has the best light catching abilities!!

Kelly's Very own

2006-10-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Kelly's Very Own
5 x7
Oil on gessoboard

The river through this wonderful town.

Cathedral Group

2006-10-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

Cathedral Group
10 x 12
Oil on Linen

I have always loved this view. Great atmosphere on this day was what coaxed me into painting this one!

Clouds above Blacktail Butte

2006-09-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Clouds above Blacktail Butte
8 x 10

2006-09-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

On my way to work one morning and found alot of haze throught the valley. Not good for breathing but good for "atmosphere"!

So I stopped and did a painting to capture the colors created by this unfortunate event.

Morning Haze
6 x 8

Red Hills

2006-06-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Red Hills
10 x 12
Oil on Linen

Went up to Crystal Creek today to get in some fishing. I took my paints with me cause I love the area. Many more paintings to be made here!!

Morning on the Snake

2006-06-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Morning on the Snake
8 x 12
Oil on Linen

I met a friend and went up to the park and got in a painting before fishing.

Spring along the Snake

2006-06-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Spring along the Snake
10 x 12
Oil on Linen

I went down to the feed grounds along the Snake River yesterday eve. I wanted to catch a look to see how the river was clearing up. Still dirty, but this tributary is usually clear enough for fishing. I didnt have my fly rod but i did have my paintbox. Very nice afternoon filled with biteing mosquitoes!! Hope you like!

Haze, Gros Ventre

2006-06-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Haze, Gros Ventre River
8 x 10
Oil on Canvas

I come to this watering hole after a bike ride when I take the dog for a run. He loves this spot cause I always run him pretty hard and looks for the cool of the river at the bottom of the hill. I love the afternoon sun here in the evening. The haze in the summer heat plays tricks with your eyes.

Elk Refuge

2006-06-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Elk Refuge
12 x 16
Oil on Linen

This view of the Elk Refuge from the other side of the valley. Flat Creek gets its' origins from this side of the valley. I drove up this side of the valley and immediately had a humble feeling that calls to me for peace and quiet. One of the few places around that i have found this feeling and sanctity.

Up from Crystal Creek

2006-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

I went up the Gros Ventre rd today to check to see if the river was clearing for fishing season. I stopped and worked on this painting just above Crystal Creek campground. Another great, peaceful day!

Crystal Creek Views
6 x 11
Oil on linen

Oxbow Bend

2006-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

A short drive up north inside Grand Teton Park is this parking area with a splinded view of Mount Moran, named for another Fine Artist from the early 1900's.
The sun was behind the mountain casting a backlight of beautiful mauve color over the mtns'.
The valley is getting better and more pleasant everyday with trees sprouting leaves literally by the hour.

Tom

Last light, Jackson Lake

2006-05-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

Spring is unfolding here in Jackson, making the painting opportunities limited only by time.
I have been itching to paint this scene for years, and driving up in the park this wk reminded me how many wonderful opportunities lie with-in a short drive. This scene has been captured by so many postcard photographs, but I wondered if i could get it down as a painting in the very short evening light. This was done "en Plein Air-Alla Prima"

Hope you like,
Tom