Here is another of my favorite desert scenes which includes sage, grasses, rolling hills, and a big blue sky with puffy clouds. I brings back memories of my strenuous solo hike at KahNeeTa near Warm Springs in Central Oregon.

I started this painting a month ago at a plein air class. I’ve added to it several times but fell like it is done now. It is a relaxer…view to ease your eyes.

I love how the high desert grasses looks when everything is blooming, especially the sage.

This big rock sits by itself near the trail. I think it is a chunk of basalt.

This abstracted highway scene shows Black Butte beyond the forest trees. I was unable to stop and take a reference photo, so I’m working from memory. I think the trees are pine but I have stylized them quite a bit.

$64 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Sage 2, 8×8 oil on claybord

August brings blossoms to the Central Oregon high desert. Sage and other small flowers are lighting up the cinder floor. I see Oregon sunshine and some small white flowers that I am unable to identify.

Our weekend trip to Central Oregon was an adventure. The terrain looks much like Arizona and New Mexico with red, gold, and white-painted hills.

This painting was done with a butter knife because I forgot my brushes! I have many more planned (with and without a knife), so stay tuned.

$64 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Columbia Gorge Ponytail Falls , 8×8 oil on claybord

Ponytail Falls is my favorite of all the falls I’ve been to in the Gorge…the ability to walk behind, wade the pool, look over the Horestail falls from the top, and cool off from the climb make me want to keep coming back.

The Beacon Rock image was painted plein air from Rooster Rock State Park. My son took a time-lapse movie of me painting, which I will link to when ready.

$64 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Columbia Gorge Horsetail Falls, 8×8 oil on claybord

Our family tradition is to hike to a waterfall, ford the Oneonta slot canyon, and sit in the mud at Rooster Rock on the Columbia Gorge.

This year we hiked to Ponytail and Horsetail falls again, climbed over the logjam (the kids did, while I painted), and wade in the mighty river (the kids did, while I painted).

$64 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Columbia Gorge Rooster Rock Flowers, 8×8 oil on claybord

My granddaughter saw her first waterfalls, hiked in her new boots, and her favorite…got up to her waist in the river and muddied-up her toes.

This photo expresses her joy!

I think this fountain is located in downtown Portland but I’ve forgotten. Can anyone locate it for us?

Join the Monthly Painting Challenge.

August’s focus for the Virtual Paintout is Prince Edward Island.

This scene is from Tryon Point Rd facing the Northumberland Strait.

Many families have boats in their yards.  I’m not sure if they are no longer being used or if they are just waiting for high tide.