Fresh Paint and Short Stories

Winter Creek | Oil on Canvas | 12 x 16 | © Beth Cole

I love an atmospheric landscape and this piece, Winter Creek, was started with that in mind. My inspiration photo was taken on a cold morning last winter as my husband and I were cruising the back roads of Custer County. We came upon a little pond with lots of bare leafed trees and brush, it was a little misty and foggy, but the sun was out. I was enthralled and took several photos. I had to simplify quite a bit in order to communicate what I felt and saw that morning. It was challenging but rewarding. I won't promise it's completely done, but I'm letting it rest right now.

Unseen | 12 x 24 | Oil on Canvas | © Beth Cole

This piece, Unseen, was inspired by another road trip, I'm not sure exactly where we were, but it was last winter. We drove past this alley and I said, stop, stop. It was the barrels, the rust, the snow, the light, everything about this scene really drew me in. And the fact that is was an alley made it more attractive to me. I have admired alley scenes for awhile, the more rural, the better. This is my first painting of one and I hope it is not my last. There may be a bit more finish work on this one, but I'm letting it be still for awhile.

Thanks for taking a look. Be well my friend.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria