Before I settled on the spot where I set up my easel to do this painting, I actually did a little hiking along the river trails . . . something I haven't done in ages. A little more difficult than in the past, and last night my feet really screamed at me . . . but I have to get out and hike until I can no longer! I have missed the feel of the tree-canopied earth, and the smells of cedar and pine, the sounds of birds keeping territorial boundaries, the peace that nature can bring to the heart . . .

So, I set up my easel and my huge box of pastels that I have assembled for a workshop I will attend in three weeks. . . .and this is what I did in about two hours:


Emerald Green, 7" x 9" pastel on Fabriano Roma