Sharyn and I took off to Sylvan Ridge (Hinman Vineyards) to view the paintings of the Plein Air Painters at the opening reception. It was a nice drive there from Creswell and the vineyard was terrific.
Vineyards in the area stretch across several hills and provide a very nice vista.
It is no wonder the painters came here to paint.
It was a cool day and Sharyn was wearing her really great black coat.
The front porch with a very nice view had a rustic look.
Inside the main building the paintings were hung and it was a beautiful show.
Even the view out of the room looked like a framed painting.
The painting on the right by Shirley Froyd was Sharyn's favorite (well one of them) but I think Shirley's work both here and Cresewell have caught her eye.
While I had a hard time picking a favorite because I liked them all the painting in the middle "Pinot Autumn" by Susan Warner Smith really pleased my eye.
This Pastel by Sarkis Antikajian titled simply "The Vineyard" was another of the works here that I found inspirational for its simple and colorful beauty.
Mark Logan's oil titled "Concord Vine" was a great example of framing the subject to a small portion of a much larger scene for dramatic effect, wonderful.
Margaret Plumb's acrylic titled "In the Vineyard" was bright and a lovely look down a row of vines to the opposing hill.
I didn't see one painting I wouldn't love to have in my home...
Jaqueline Lukowski who I had the pleasure of meeting for a second time in Creswell at that paintout (the first was at a Hendricks Park paintout) caught the texture of the scenery as a patchwork of subtle colors lightened or darkened by the light.
Ephemia Wesley's work captured the curve of Briggs Road as it curved and dove between the ridges in the distance.
One of the other paintings that was in my top two was this one by Kerri Vanden Berg. Titled "Edge of the Vineyard" is a Watercolor with a perspective along a fence. For me there was a dark side packed with vine behind the fence and a light side open and free of obstacles and in the distance a hill rising up to the sky. Perhaps I see and allegory where there is none but I just love this painting.
Renee Nelson did this Gouache Titled Crow Valley Vineyard. Gouache (pronounced gwahsh) - Is a heavy, opaque watercolor paint, sometimes called body color, producing a less wet-appearing and more strongly colored picture than ordinary watercolor. Very nice Renee.
Here is a closer view of Susan Warner Smith's "Pinot Autumn" there is something soothing in this painting that I find inspiring and why I admire the eye and skill of artists.
Rodric Gillilian's watercolor "Green Grapes" is another example of skill and subject choice, beautifully done Rod.
I did venture outside for a few pictures and liked the curve of the drive into the vineyard...
... the clock tower and ...
... the Sylvan Ridge sign above the door.
There were a few flowers still blooming and ...
...a few already open.
I like the Beech Trees very much and how they played against the background.
Inside the vineyard a young man was fast asleep in front of the fireplace. I have a vivid imagination and decided he was a student employed by the vineyard that had an important exam and was studying in a quiet place and after 10 hours pouring over his book drifted off to never - never land. I doubt I'm right but it is a thought.
As we left I couldn't help but enjoy the view as a cloud lowered filtering the sun in this serene valley.
The filtered light was perfect for a picture down to ward Briggs Road and the hill across the way.
I think this is what I love about Oregon a state of character from the ocean to the mountains. The state of Oregon has the most diverse and spectacular valleys and super two lane roads that can lead you almost anywhere.
Scrabble Score - Scrabble Queen 297 - the Contender 336
Quote of the Day -
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. ~ Vincent Van Gogh
