Gary Gore

Breaker 1-9

2009-09-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

I've been painting in Victor, CO all of last week and I have a hard time passing up my old friend the Victor Wrecker. It felt right this time to paint very loosely and sketch entirely with the brush. I normally am more concerned with porportions when doing vehicles but this is true plein air and spontaneous. Fun. 8 X 10 $395 available

Hidden Falls

2009-08-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

I think this is the best studio painting I've done in some time. I've concentrated on rocks and water lately only because there are a lot of rocks and water out there. It is much harder than you might think to paint a rock but I think I'm getting a feel for the form. This scene is on a hike that Dorothy and I do from our house. The intimacy and closeness of the narrow canyon is appealing as light filters through foilage above. This piece has also been selected for a giclee print, now available. Original is oil, 24 X 30 $1,750

Gateway to Purple Mountain Majesty

2009-08-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are certainly subjects that I paint often but I wanted to create an image that said more as a painting. This is a studio composition where I want to convey a sense of the drama and awe that one experiences when being here. It is captivating and surely makes you pause and reflect at the granduer. After underpainting layers and adjusting values in the final oil I am pleased with the effect. I am contemplating giclee prints of this piece. 12 X 24 oil

Rocky Meadow

2009-08-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Cheyenne Plein Air event. Another scene at the Ranch but probably not noticed by most. I hiked a ways off the road down into a lower area close to the stream. This rock formation is unique; not too many rocks around here. The highlight on the rock surface was appealing with the shadows of trees as a background. This day was so hot that I sketched in the composition in about 30 minutes and had to come back the next day to finish. 9 X 12 oil

Cool Waters

2009-08-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

I've been in Cheyenne, WY this week participating in the Wyoming Plein Air Paint Out. Had a great time and a chance to meet some well known names as well as some Facebook friends. I will post two of the pieces I did. This was a spot on the creek that runs through Wyoming Hereford Ranch that attracted probably because it is familiar to some of the Colorado places. It offered good contrasts of light and shadow and calming water. I, however, was standing in the blazing sun. Go figure. Neither painting turned out to be quality I was hoping for but acceptable. Painting with a group of professionals is always enlightening though. I always come away enriched with new knowledge and enthusiasm. 9 X 12 oil. Available $550

Easy Now

2009-07-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

Whoa now, haven't done this in a long time. I used to paint only western subjects back in the day. This was so much fun that I need to do more; I really like this. Richard Dillies was my model although I don't do portraits. There just needs to be someone to draw from. He is a working cowboy, in fact, just returning from Wyoming where he helped out with the annual roundup and branding. Maybe we will see more of him.

Morning at Aspen Pond

2009-07-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Aspen Pond, the meeting place for PPPAP this Wednesday. What a gorgeous day and the rain has continued for Colorado. Everything is so green that it has been a delight to paint outdoors. The color found outdoors is unique for here. I set up alongside my friend Irene because she forgot her brushes; no finger painting allowed. I loned her a brush or two and chose to paint the same scene. It really came together nicely. I like the way the background remains a non-focal point and suggests a wooded area. Irene called this piece the "Electric Rock". 8 X 10 Oil. Sold

Stables at Rock Ledge Ranch

2009-07-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Another day out with PPPAP. Rock Ledge Ranch offers a variety of things to paint. At this time of morning I loved the way the light was playing on this building. Using a warm pinkish tone combined with a light cool blue to violet gives this a real feel of early morning where the temperature is just rising and the shade is still cool. There just seems to be a great balance of color and value in this painting. Also like the trees where a suggestion of "beyond" works at the base.

Pathway to the Garden

2009-07-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

I discovered a new place to paint while going out with the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters. This is a scene in the Red Rock State Park. I haven't been here since this area was designated a park. There are some really great compositions out here that I will have to come back to. I wanted to capture the early morning light as it hit the back side of one rock and slammed into the face of another. That also offers good contrast of warm and cool colors. This one attracted some attention; people liked the strength of color. 8 X 10 available $395

Evening Ablaze

2009-06-16T17:41:00.001-07:00

I love this for many reasons. This is the creation resulting from a technique of underpainting that Dan Nelson taught me. An image "idea" evolved from laying in values of color in abstract random brushstrokes and watching for interesting marks that should be left alone. Those "marks" were then developed into a landscape retaining as much of the random underpainting as posible. The composition is rich in value, color and suggestion. 12 X 24 oil $950 Available

Walk in Glen Eyrie

2009-06-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is a 6 X 8 done in 45 minutes cause I had to make it to lunch with a group of painters that were part of a workshop. I had the opportunity to paint with Dan Nelson of Raleigh, NC in the Glen Eyrie property here in Colorado. A fantastic time and some amazing results. Dan offered some inspiring thoughts for the process of creating a painting. So exciting, wait till you see what is next.

Afternoon on the River Banks

2009-05-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

The PPPAP paint-out location this week was on the river outside Deckers, CO. What a gorgeous day; the first day that really felt like summer was finally here. I painted two pieces. This one showed some promise but wasn't finished on the spot. I spent two sessions in the studio refining the image and working on values. I still see a different image in my mind but there is a point that to continue would overwork. Let the part that works survive. 8 x 10 Available $395

Rolling Into Spring

2009-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

I attempted to paint in the studio but it just wasn't going to happen today. I gathered up the equipment and the dog and hiked down to the creek. The creek is really rolling from the spring snow melt so there are great places to paint. I found this spot where spring colors are also evident. 6 X 8 Oil. Available $290

Thawing of Chaulk Creek

2009-04-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

There is a vein of this chaulk like rock that runs through an area where the railroad is. It has always facinated me as a subject to paint because it is a good study of values. There is little contrast to work with so you have to be creative to establish some depth and contrast. 20 X 24 Oil. Available $1,250.

Beyond the Garden

2009-04-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while it is fun to paint around Garden of the Gods. I went out with Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters for this location. In fact, this painting was the second one; I went back after lunch with the group and changed my location by a few feet. Rain clouds were moving in by then and I wanted to catch what was developing. 6 X 8 Oil on panel.

On location by the creek

2009-04-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Same spot, same time of day, same weather; man what a way to go. You be the judge. I thought I had a favorite but while back at the studio putting the two side by side, I dunno. In painting this one I wanted to strengthen the detail on the right bank. That was accomplished and changed the focal point somewhat but I don't think made the painting any better. Who knows, maybe you'll see another version. 6 X 8 Available.

Glenn Creek

2009-04-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

The challenge of running water. I think I'm going to go back to the same spot today and paint another one just to see how it might differ. There might be a better way to look at the composition now that I have the first attempt to study. If nothing else, it is so peaceful with the sound of running water and the smell of wet foilage and budding aspens. 6 X 8 oil. Available

Spring Runoff

2009-04-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, how did it do? I came real close to capturing what I was after and even kept some of the underpainting visible. This color contrast is also very hard to photograph to look correct on screen. The original has a very nice light and snow shadow.

Millers Barn

2009-04-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is the underpainting or rough sketch of Spring Runoff. This is a typical look of laying in the composition and establishing color. I felt this had potential to be a good one so I thought I would photograph this stage and have it to compare to whatever the finished piece turns out to be. My challenge always is to either keep the original feel from the first sketch or to adjust it to be better. We'll see.

Millers Barn

2009-04-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

An interesting time in Colorado is Spring. Snows one day, warm the next. So here is a capture of fresh snow but a warm feel to the air and sky. I painted the barn more yellow than it really is so I would have more flexibility with color in the shadow areas. This way everything is not blue. 9 X 12 oil. Available

2009-04-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for the sun to light up this cliff that is the view outside my studio window. This particular sunset was just the opportunity. I found a good point for a photo and then went to work in the studio. I love to get dramatic contrast in light which creates contrast in color. Very moody. 10 X 25 Oil. Available

Mt Herman

2009-04-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting approach. I painted Mt. Herman on location, even went a second time, and the natural colors of the scene just weren't popping. There was not the highlight that I expected considering the sun. The painting was as good as I could get it based on what was there. So, I decided to paint a painting with the first one as reference. Here I combined what I wanted from the color and what was real in form. And I modified the foreground for a better feel. 7 X 9 Oil. Available

Detail of a cloud

2009-03-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

A close up of the Thunderhead that is close to the end of this 32 ft. section.

Second Section of Railroad

2009-03-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Second phase of the backdrop. This section is 32 ft. Yep. Hard to get back far enough to get a good photo of all but this is most of the 32 ft. The horizon and landscape will come next.

Backdrop 1 of the Railroad Project

2009-03-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is the start of a monumental project unmatched by anything I have ever attempted. But, it is something I have always wanted the opportunity to do. A mural -of gigantic proportions! My brother-in-law has been planning a model railroad recreation of the original Illinois Central that his grandfather was an engineer. I volunteered to paint the backdrop. Well, the rail itself is over 300 ft. Oh boy. This is the first section of 4 ft X 8 ft. The construction of the train is in progress and has to come after painting the backdrop. Everything is very authentic. Frank has photographed every detail that still exists and this particular scene shows his hometown beyond the track. Keep checking in, its a fun project.

Red Buds and Iron

2009-03-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

This is the second from Tyler, TX. A little history here; Mike showed me a classic collection of old rusted out and abandoned vehicles on a trip down there last year. This trip he found this old barn for me. I later blended the two into a composition and painted this back home in the studio. I particularly like the barn. I'm pretty picky about my trucks looking right but didn't want to overwork this one. I think it works. Seems to tell a good story. 9 X 12

Tyler Barn #1

2009-03-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

I recently took a trip to Tyler, TX to visit family and find something to paint. That country is so different than Colorado; the light is diffused from the humidity and there is always green. I was in the mood for old barn and structures and found plenty of those. After touching up some of the color and highlights I like the piece suprisingly well however I lost the original feeling of the heavy air. Still feels like Tyler though. 8 X 10

Cedar Hill Barn

2009-02-19T18:30:00.000-08:00

This is a closer view of the place I painted last week. I wanted to get the same feel of the painting Little Red Barn. The foreground works much better than before and composition works better. 9 X 12 Oil. Sold.

Vasquez Shed

2009-02-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

Look familiar? I finally feel that I have reached a solution to this composition. With the building basicly white and in the snow I realized that I should make the background dark with pines instead of distant hills. The darker value makes the building pop instead of blend.

Aspens and Pikes Peak

2009-02-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

I started this piece last fall on location and just now added the foreground. It's a struggle. For some reason I find the color of aspens hard to paint. I think close up views work the best because it is hard to make yellow receed. This looks good framed though.

Jamies Meadow

2009-02-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

This is a studio painting that I just finished. The view is from our previous house looking west to my nephews. Nice. The sun is setting behind the hills giving backlight to the Cottonwoods and a deep blue hue to the hills. I think I was successful in representing form in the hills without too much definition and then in the foreground using a combination of brush and palette knife to suggest natural meadow. 12' X 30" Oil on panel. Available

Little Red Barn

2009-02-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

What a find. This little barn sits among some other buildings outside town but I selectively removed them. This is what I strive for in plein air painting. Bold "on purpose" brush strokes and pure clean color. I love the way this worked. 8" X 10" Oil on panel. Available

Palmer Lake Barn

2009-02-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

What a perfect old barn to paint. I set up on the dirt road looking over the fence and man was it dusty. Every time a vehicle went by I was fogged with fine dust. I focused on the barn and loosely represented the surrounding landscape. That was fun to throw in color and brushwork quickly to capture the hill behind. It is always interesting when setting up on a road; several people came along to see what I was painting including the owners of the barn. Sold

Winter Creek

2009-02-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

This is the correction of the issues discussed in the previous painting. I feel good about what I was out to accomplish although it did not come easily. I kept my focus on the goal of "representation of detail" without painting detail. It required many attempts and wiping off until the image emerged that I was after. Then leave it alone; don't lose the effect of spontanaity. 8" X 10" Oil on panel

Frozen Creek

2009-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

The challenge I continue to work on in a series of snow scenes is not overworking the mass of tree limbs and brush yet end up with a good representation. I'm not there yet. I might approach this same scene again with total focus on loose brush work which will also lend to a better focal point. Stay tuned. 8" X 10" Oil on canvas.

Front Range

2009-01-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

This reminds me of paintings that I have done in New Mexico but it is the front range out of Colorado Springs. Light falling on the foothills suggests a community in the hills. I like the look of sage brush in the foreground; reminds me of the Santa Fe area. 4 1/2" X 12" Oil on panel. Available

Vasquez Ranch

2009-01-30T13:20:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while there is a painting that I just can't pull out. I love this old structure but it is not in a great spot so the background has to come from somwhere else or do a lot of editing. That's where my troubles began. I have repainted this several (?) times and after much study of artists infinitely better than me I have come to the conclusion that I need to alter the foreground and position of the building before the background will work. This is just too overworked with no direction. If you don't know what you're aiming at chances are you're not going to hit it.

Evening Trail

2009-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

I think this is the smallest painting I've ever done but I wanted to get one more work in today while I was so inspired. It was late afternoon so shadows and colors were getting dark. 7" X 9" oil on canvas.

Wind Blown Snow

2009-01-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

This really felt good. When you have such a passion for painting and everything feels good in a piece it is so rewarding. But, the reason I went out in 32 degrees to find a composition was the work the day before in the studio was a disaster. So frustrating. I really needed to get back in natural light and conditions. 8" X 10" Oil on canvas. Available

Pond Reflections

2009-01-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

Where's the snow? Okay, I went back to a time from last fall. This is a small pond located in a state wilderness park not too far away. A beautiful fall day offered perfect conditions to paint the colors and reflection on the water. 8" X 10" Oil. Available from the artist.

Glimpse of Light

2009-01-27T10:05:00.000-08:00

There are more months of snow in Colorado than not so you paint a lot of snow. I love to look for scenes that are close up and offer contrast of light and shadow. Too far away and everything washes out. It is also fun to punch the color for more interest. Oil on canvas 8" X 10"

Hay Creek Barn

2009-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hay Creek barn was built in 1910 and is an icon in the area of Monument, CO. This is a studio painting from one of my photos. There are so many great compositions here to paint; I particularly like the shadow patterns as the land slopes down to Hay Creek. The challenge for me was to paint the trees for some foreground and give definition for the shadows as well as depth to the painting. 20" X 30" Oil on canvas. Sold

Soft Snow and Brush

2009-01-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing quite like sunshine on fresh snow. I love the intense blue shadow that you can find in the right spot. This close up study focuses on shadow patterns and the warm colors of winter brush. It does get cold though so this 8" X 10" is big enough. Available from the artist.

On Location

2009-01-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

Along with old trucks, there is something about old shacks and buildings that I am fascinated with. This building is down the road from my studio and serves as a great study. This is my first work and I didn't like the composition. It needs some editing. So it has become a study to find the composition that works to make this a good painting. I will do it many times if need be to refine the components of a good painting. Keep in touch for updates.

Morning Glory

2009-01-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is a studio painting that I consider my best thus far. This is the only painting I have done that struck me as a successful rendition of what my friend Curt Walters tried to teach me. I spent many hours with Curt years ago when I lived in Sedona. His work either inspired me to impossible heights or made me want to give up. He is the greatest. For whatever reason, I touched the feel of a Walters with this mountain. At one point I turned to look at my progress in the mirror and instantly saw his influence. That same effect, on me anyway, has not occurred again. 20" X 30" available from the artist.

Last Responder

2009-01-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

I can't pass up old trucks and cars. I love the nostalgia and thoughts of the stories they could tell. This old wrecker is in Victor, CO and I have painted it a couple of times. One of the problems with finding old vehicles is the place in which you find them is usually not a great composition. Here I "moved" the truck to a shed that was part of the Hay Creek barn. As I painted, it became more of a challenge than I planned because the truck as a focal point weakened. It does add some to the story but I think I will try again with more of a vinette study. 9" X 12" $550 Sold

Snow Is Coming

2009-01-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs has long been a favorite place for me to paint. The rock colors are similar to the formations in Sedona where I painted for a few years. My challenge in the park is to create a good composition and not just another tourist view. The fun thing about these formations is that the constantly changing light and conditions allow painting the same view multiple times without recreating the same painting. Here I had been painting for about two hours or more when the weather began a rapid change. Low clouds moving in a cold front changed the view dramatically. I rapidly repainted what was laid in and totally changed the mood of the painting. 9" X 12" available from the artist.

Hay Creek Brush

2009-01-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

I love this scene and think it is one of the best paintings I have done outdoors. We lived on Hay Creek Ranch until this past November and I could look for compositions every time the weather changed. This was actually painted last winter after a fresh snowfall. I was concentrating on the foreground shadow patterns which I think did turn out to be what I was seeking. But, the background bushes, that I layed in very quickly and moved on, are really nice. Imagine that, quick and loose and it becomes maybe the best part. That's why I call them field studies; I should learn something. 11" X 14" available from the artist.

Neighbors Shed

2009-01-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

This shed is a short walk right outside my studio. I love the way the light plays on the path and how it changes so differently at different times of the day. This is a wooded area so there are limitless ways to view and paint. My attempt here was to capture the light and dark patterns while trying to keep strong color values. As with all my plein air work, I constantly try to improve brush stroke. Get the maximum effect with the minimum amount of brush work. 8" X 10" available from the artist.

2009-01-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

Most of what I will share here are thoughts and notes concerning the continual learning process of plein air painting. It will also serve as my own reference to field notes. Let's go paint!