Painted from photographic reference with plein air studies for color.

This is one of my favorite recent paintings.  Since taking a series of photos of this cow several years ago, I have wanted to do this painting.  I remember the day well.  I was plein air painting on a warm and sunny autumn day in northern Utah.  I was on a remote, gravel, mountain road.  The colors of the big tooth maples and gamble oaks mingled with cedars and junipers created a rainbow of color.  The relaxed, restful mood of the cow contrasted nicely with the dazzlingly vibrant colors of autumn. 

Although I have wanted to do this painting for about 4 years, for one reason or another I never got around to it until now.  Sometimes the ideas need to incubate for a while until the moment is right.  This was the moment.

This painting will be part of the American Miniatures Show at Settlers West Galleries in Tucson Arizona, Feb 12, 2011.

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