Kathryn Grider

Sleeping Wolf Study

2012-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:00


8x12 Oil on Linen

A fun little study on a wolf. My son loves wolves and recently asked for a wolf painting, so before he gets one I will be studying them intensely. I am using mine and my daughter-n-laws photo's that were taken in Yellowstone as reference material and reading up on their habitats. I have painted a couple before but that was before I knew what I know Now! LOL. Growing better and wiser is one of the best things about age, don't you think?

Thanks for Visiting!
Kathryn

Ruby Mountain Spring

2012-01-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

20x24 Oil Palette Knife

Details

A Palette Knife painting that I must say is my favorite to date! The photograph of this piece just doesn't do it justice. I must learn more about photographing the artwork for the web page. This is a nice sized painting that will be framed in a beautiful gold frame to set off all the wonderful colors in this painting. I love the shadows of the clouds and then the sun sparks through to hit and it seems to just glow. I painted this painting twice, I have one in a 10x12 Study and this large one. The two paintings are very close to the same with a few minor adjustments to color in the larger painting to read correctly. I like to paint small studies after my sketching process is done then on to the larger pieces, rarely do I sell the smaller study paintings as they are for my reference when it comes time to paint the larger paintings.

I hope you enjoy it and thank you for stopping by.

Kathryn

January Roses

2012-01-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

16x20 Oil on Linen

In a classy frame

Work in Progress

This was certainly a good time consuming painting for me. Roses are difficult to paint and White no less! I've been wanting to paint the blue glass vase for sometime now and with the white roses I thought they made the perfect pair. I feel the painting is a success despite my struggles that I won't elaborate on. Struggling is one of the best learning tools that I have, in my frustration I push myself harder to figure it out.

Thank you so much for your visit! Snow is suppose to be on the way tomorrow finally! I've literally been depressed that we haven't had our share of it yet this year.

Bring It

2012-01-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

12x16 oil

A sunny afternoon drive brought us face to face with this horse, he looked up from his afternoon grazing as if to say "Bring It" I laughed and immediately thought, tough guy!
On another note, I say this phrase to my pup all the time and she brings her toys in after carting them all outside for the day, she's very smart and so much fun!

Hope your all off to a great start for your New Year, it's been a rough start for me so far, dentist, twisted ankle, the cat knocked a full vase of flowers to the floor and the house needs cleaning desperately but today all of that is on hold, I'm happily painting the day away!

Thanks for stopping by,
Kathryn

Nestle In

2011-12-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

6x6 Watercolor

A sweet little watercolor that I just finished up, looking at it gives me
a comfortable feeling that makes me want to curl up by the fireplace in a cozy chair with a good book and a warm drink to Nestle In for the winter.

Merry Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year.
Kathryn

Embracing Winter

2011-12-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

48x24 Oil on linen Canvas

The painting is a large one and deserves a large wall to hang it on!
It turned out very nice and takes me straight to the location up in the canyon.
The Lamoille Canyon is one of my favorite places to hangout and this spot is one of the first places you come to if you go into the picnic area just as you start into the canyon, you are treated with this view as you go across the bridge.
I'm considering doing a Spring version of this painting on the same large 48x24 format....seasonal paintings, I so enjoyed this one I think I'm going to have to follow through with my idea.

Thank you for stopping by! Enjoy the day.
Kathryn

The Snake River

2011-11-22T17:23:00.000-08:00


20x24 Oil on Linen panel

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Snake River runs through the Northwest and while we were on vacation this fall I never tired of watching it's meandering magic. When I started this painting I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve and I wasn't going to stop until I got there. Does this painting just pull you in and make you want to walk along the banks to find out where it goes? If it does then I've achieved what I wanted.
Enjoy your holiday and give thanks for your blessings.
Kathryn

November Holiday Tables

2011-11-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

12x16 Oil on Linen

I continue my studies with still life paintings. Setting up the still life is an art in itself! I bought these little pumpkin gourds and wanted to get as many brush miles on them as I can before I tire of them, so here they are in a second painting. I took out an old painting of Miniature Pumpkin gourds done in 2008 to see if my skills have improved and I am happy to say....YEAH! double YEAH! steadily improving! at least I'm making some progress however slow it may seem.


6 1/2 x 18 oil on hardwood

Well, you judge....tell me what you think! your opinions and comments are ALWAYS WELCOME! I love hearing what your thinking and can take a punch with the best of them, LOL! Seriously your honest critiques help me grow and are appreciated.

Thanks for Visiting!

Musical Sounds of the Stream

2011-11-02T12:43:00.000-07:00


20x30 oil on linen canvas

This painting was done using a small study I did this summer while camping in Lamoille Canyon here in Nevada. I stood on the rocks in the stream one evening and thought about how the sounds of the stream were music to my ears, the kind of music that takes you away from all of the things going on in life and you just relax into the moment.

Hope you enjoy this painting, it was a pleasure for me to paint despite the challenges of going from the small study to the larger version.

Fall Harvest I and Fall Harvest II

2011-10-25T09:54:00.000-07:00


10x12 Oil on linen Fall Harvest I


11x14 Oil on linen Fall Harvest II

I set up this fun still life in my studio trying for a not so perfect set up, going for a loose feeling hopefully. My good artist friend Yvonne, http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/
joined me on the first day and I painted Fall Harvest I from one side of the room. The second day I changed the backdrop cloth for a bit lighter color and a little adjustment to the still life setup and painted with a couple of other artist friends, Susie, http://artbysus.blogspot.com/ , and Amy who doesn't have a website that I know of. It was fun to have the company and paint something different, again pushing myself to try new things and not get into a rut.

Hope your enjoying the fall season!

Maynard Dixon Painting attempt

2011-10-21T16:59:00.000-07:00


The View

9x12 Oil

a photo of an article on Maynard Dixon

painting on the side of my studio with the view.

I found an old article about Maynard Dixon and my first thought was to try to paint the Ruby Mountains with his style to see what happens. The scene of course is different but has all the same elements for color that I wanted to get.....I need a whole lot more practice, but dang is was fun to try it!

Tomorrow is a New Day!

Thanks for visiting.

One Little Aspen

2011-10-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Plein Air - 10x12 Oil on Linen

I have spent the last couple of days out taking advantage of the great weather while we have it. Today I was feeling a bit adventurous and went down a trail that I've often stopped and viewed from the road but it looks a little treacherous to get down next to the water. My dog and I decided to give it a go, and it was well worth the little slide from the roads edge, after that it was a gorgeous treat for both of us for a few hours. I am pleased with today's painting.

Sure hope the weather holds out for a while longer, I'm enjoying getting out and training my pup and my eyes to trust what I see, plus I'm not ready to paint snow just yet!

Thanks for stopping by!

Plein Air Painting in the Tetons and Yellowstone

2011-09-28T07:01:00.000-07:00


Grand Tetons in the early morning with a partly cloudy sky and cool breezes


Mt. Moran in the late afternoon

Me trying very hard to get the right colors mixed!

At the end of Lamar Valley in Yellowstone.

Just back from a wonderful trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone! We went up for the last weekend of the Fall Arts Festival in Jackson, so much fun and energy flowing there for the arts! Camping and painting the gorgeous scenes all around us and of course lots of excitement with the wildlife too. Big Bull Moose staying in our campground so every morning was filled with taking photo's of them. We take this trip often but this is my first time to get to paint En Plein Air in the Tetons and I must say it was intimidating looking up at the scene and knowing I had to get those shapes correct because they are the most photographed and painted mountains around. When I started my first painting of the Tetons it was early morning and cold...brrr, I was determined to give it a go anyway, I started my sketch, got it down, started painting, made a mess....wiped it off and started all over, the second try went better but I didn't have time to get the sky in because I was just shivering too much by then and ready for a HOT cup of coffee. In the late afternoon I was able to paint again, the gorgeous scene at Mt. Moran, this painting is my favorite of all of them that I did on the trip. After four days in the Tetons we moved up to Yellowstone and spent another four blissful days there.

A very inspiring trip with 2,850 photo's taken, thank God for digital cameras! Look for lots of art work to come featuring some of our greatest National Parks.

Have a great day!

Quiet Reflections

2011-09-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

18x 48 x1 1/2 oil on hardboard -
No frame required for this painting the sides are painted black for a clean modern look.

A painting with both palette knife and brush work to get a nice effect of the smooth water and the textured grasses. This painting gives me a calm feeling and is one I can look at for a very long time and meditate on all the colors that are reflecting in the water. The golds from the trees in the distance reflecting catch my eyes in the pond and keep me in the water.

I hope you can have a calm moment and reflect on all the good in your life.

In the Studio

2011-09-01T11:34:00.000-07:00


18x48 current project in the studio

20x30

Two large paintings that I'm currently working on in the studio, the 20x30 is a large version of the small study I did standing in the river while camping a few weeks ago and is almost complete and sitting on the drying wall while I contemplate the final touches to make it sparkle with life. The top painting is one I've thought about for a very long time, I did a small 6x8 study of it a couple of years ago while my son was fishing, the granddaughters were picking wildflower seeds with grandpa and their mom who is a photographer was busy taking her own photo's, we ate KFC out of the back end of the truck and had a wonderful day....Yes, I think about all of this while I'm putting the paint on the larger painting and I have high hopes for it to turn out as wonderful as our day was!

Check back next week to see what happens!

Gold in the Canyon

2011-08-25T09:08:00.000-07:00


20x24 Oil on linen

Where I live here in Northeastern Nevada it is gold country. Gold is in abundance deep down in the ground and gold mining is the main source of income for a lot of families in this territory. The Ruby mountains were named after trappers found red garnets in the 1800's and named the Rubies after their ruby color.....I enjoy watching them turn red in the sunsets most evenings and thought that was why they were named the Ruby Mountains for a very long time. Well, despite the history lesson, I found Gold in the Canyon.

Hope you have a lovely day!

Fresh fruit & flowers - Palette Knife

2011-08-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

11x14 Palette knife Oil on linen panel

Details show the wonderfully thick paint

Amy and Susie in the ZONE!


Another shot of serious painters at work

The girls came to my studio garage to paint with me yesterday! We had such a good time painting a staged still life in oils in my space, with plenty of room for everyone to spread their wings and make a mess if that's what they wanted to do. I don't have people come to my studio often...it is my domain if you know what I'm saying... a place to let loose and make my own messes and believe me I make plenty of them!

Yesterday's objective for me was to paint a still life using only palette knives! A challenge that I wasn't sure how to approach but as the hours ticked by it just seemed to paint itself...some days it happens that way, but most of the time it doesn't. I'm very pleased with this painting at the days end.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a beautiful day!

Camping and Plein Air Painting Weekend

2011-08-09T06:30:00.000-07:00


8x6 Oil Aspen tree trunk study

Painting under the awning at camp

8x10 Oil Thomas Canyon Hike study - we didn't make it over ridge when my partners gave up on me.

My tired painting/hiking pals

After a long hike back to camp, a popsicle treat. Bailey pup was exhausted, not to mention my husband was too.

Painting my heart out!

8x10 Oil Thomas Canyon water study and my favorite of all the studies from the weekend

6x8 oil old beaver pond area with a beautiful stand of aspens. I've tried painting this area so many times and believe me I'll be back there soon to try again. So many GREENS!

We had a wonderful weekend camping, hiking and of course painting this past weekend. Our puppy (Bailey) did beautiful with the change in lifestyle and having to be attached to the leash most of the time. She passed the test camping trip and we are looking forward to a week long camping trip to Wyoming in September.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day :-)

Summer Aspens

2011-07-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

16x12 palette knife Oil

This painting is very loose with lots of paint. I had a plan for this painting but as usual when I pick up the palette knife the paintings seem to go in a whole different direction. I am happy with this painting even though it wasn't quite what I had planned on. I will probably paint this one again with the brushes to see what will happen.

Hope you enjoy the painting. Thank you for stopping by!

Blue Pottery

2011-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00


11x14 oil on Raymar Panel

On a rare occasion I will have my Thursday painting friend come out to my place to paint. We are so comfortable painting in her little kitchen where everything has it's place that we don't change it up much....might mess with our Mojo! if you know what I mean. However a few weeks ago she came here and we painted some of the wonderful pieces of pottery that I own, each piece is cherished mainly for the great memories they hold in how I manage to collect them, usually while we're on a vacation.

I can see some things I would do differently now with this painting as far as the composition is concerned so I may set this up again and see what happens.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day.

Rush of Yellow Lupine

2011-06-27T13:49:00.000-07:00


8x10 oil on linen

I went out last week one day on a photo shoot and the wildflowers in this spot were spectacular. Spring was slow to arrive this year...actually I think it skipped us completely and now we are in our summer season. We are the lucky ones without the extreme heat, enjoying the 80 degree temperatures, LOVE this kind of summer.

Thank you for stopping by! Yes, training the puppy has slowed me down a bit but I am sure enjoying her and the kitten. A whole lot of laughter at our place. :-)

Winter Symphony

2011-06-06T14:59:00.000-07:00


Palette Knife on gessoed hardwood panel 13x18x1 1/2

Spring/Summer is slow to come to us this year. Strange weather indeed, so instead of waiting for the fall/winter to post this painting I decided to go ahead and post it now. A very lovely painting with lots of paint but there are some areas with very little if any paint that gives it the sparkle of sunshine glinting off the snow.

Meet my new assistants!

Bailey the pup

Jake the kitty

Bailey 6 weeks old

Jake 5 weeks old


When the work day is done the fun begins!

Have a nice day! Thank you for stopping by.

Setting Sun

2011-05-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

12x16 Oil on linen panel

An appropriate post today, my prayers go out to those who have been ravished by the storms, the sun will shine again.

This is the scene from my back windows, a previous post was from the front porch. I don't mind so much doing the dinner dishes while I watch the sunsets unfold.

Hope you have a great day, thank you for stopping by.

Pretty White Orchid

2011-05-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

16x8 oil on Linen Panel

I bought this pretty white orchid to paint a few months ago, it's gorgeous blooms have amazed me with how long they have lasted. I have procrastinated so long that it really is almost done now and I'm afraid with my indoor gardening skills it may never bloom again, poor thing. I think the painting turned out nice though and now I've saved the last blooms forever!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.

Arroyo Vista View

2011-05-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

8x12 oil on Linen panel

One of the views from my front porch, nice isn't it? Last year at this time I painted this scene and it was a disaster and is in the "burn me" box. After I finished this painting I dug out last years just for fun to see my progress. I had a wonderful laugh and gave myself a pat on the back, got one from my husband and daughter-n-law too! Now I'm going out to Burn that Box! LOL

Here are a couple of paintings from the last 2 classes, I know some of you are interested in seeing what is pushing me outside of MY Box. Stacks of chairs and rusty wheels...stuff I would not choose to paint on my own but has helped in my growth.

Have a great day! Thanks for Visiting!

Early Morning Shadows

2011-05-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

10x12 Oil on Linen

On this spot of the road if you look the opposite way is a gorgeous breathtaking view of the glaciers in the Ruby Mountains, however, the little aspen grove behind me with the sun peaking through is what really grabbed me and begged me to be painted.

Here's to simple pleasures in unexpected places, especially here in the high deserts of Nevada!

Thanks for visiting!

Spring Forsythia

2011-04-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

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16x20 Oil on linen

I am pleased with this painting, but I am toying with the idea of cropping it down. I'm still debating if I have too much empty foreground, so the size could change. I had a lot of challenges in this painting, one is when it was time to start painting the forsythia branches that I would be able to put them in without making them look too heavy for the painting, the goal was to make it light and airy with a natural feel and the second challenge, making sure my glass vessels don't fall over!

I feel I need a whole lot of practice with this sort of painting but oh, I do enjoy the challenge!

The cool, wet, windy weather is hanging on this spring, but I am feeling the desperate need to get out of doors to paint....hang on to your hat because I don't think I can wait much longer :)

Thank you for visiting!

Class Room Studies II & New Studio Work

2011-04-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some more class room studies from the Ron Arthaud class I'm taking. It is so fun and very different for me to explore the simple shapes and passages of colors set out before us. I am always intrigued from the moment I get to class, seeing what kind of STUFF gets tossed in the middle of the room to paint from all angles so that everyone can find something interesting. I am still working with a limited palette and really I have no desire to expand on it at this moment. Part of the fun for me is to see if I can mix the huge range of colors I see with only the basics.


9x12 Oil on Linen "Let's take a break"

I'm considering doing a series of "BREAK TIME paintings" What do you think? I loved the hats that one of the ladies brought in and of course adding the cup tells a story!


9x12 Oil on panel

A rusty oil can, cloth and the frightening part for me a white hand cast.I am glad I pushed past my fear to get those fingers in there! I would like to do some more studies with the casts.

8x10 Oil on panel

Bags, bags and more bags! Oh and a rusty can smack in the middle to break up all that paper....here I was concerned about the red, as red commands your attention! I really enjoyed painting the bags so much that I've worked on some more in my studio.

WHAT'S Happening in the STUDIO?


16x20 Oil on Linen

A very nice still life is started while the wind is raging outside - hopefully I won't "Ru in it"!

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Thanks for visiting! :)

Aspen Glow - Large Palette Knife

2011-03-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

24x171/2 Oil on gessoed hardboard
no framing needed
- Palette Knife Painting -
SOLD - Thank you!

FUN, FUN, FUN!!! If you asked me what I love the most about palette knife painting it would be hard to pinpoint one simple answer. I seem to just go to another place in time. I am not so serious and don't usually over think the process because I know that I'm not trying to get little details right or exactly this or that line right. I do think a lot about the values and whether to use thick or thin paint, if I don't get those right you wouldn't be able to tell what is what from a distance. Ohhh, and don't even get me started on how much fun it is to layer on the THICK paint!

This painting turned out even better than I'd hoped for.

If your interested in this painting please contact me
Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

Here are a couple of photo's showing the process.


Gorgeous Thick Details


original small study


Sketches for the larger painting


Mixing and applying paint

Thanks so much for visiting!

Classroom Studies

2011-03-04T05:38:00.000-08:00


12x16 oil on canvas - Simple Shapes study


10x12 Oil on linen - Paper Bag Study


8x10 Oil on Linen - Plein air study, just gathering information

Here are couple of really fun studies from the class I'm taking with Ron Arthaud. This class is very laid back and fun. Most definitely making me think outside of my Box! The last is a quick plein air study from earlier this week when I was able to get out in MY classroom in the snow for painting and a little cross country skiing before the weather took a turn for the worst.

Below is the beginning of a larger palette knife painting.

For this painting I work on a section and let it setup (dry) for a few days so when I start putting on the next layer of thick paint it won't muddy up my sky and distant mountains. I am sure praying this painting turns out...love it so far!

Palette Knife Oil on chessoed hardboard

Hope you enjoy today's post, comments and emails are always welcome.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunset Meadow

2011-02-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

12x16 Oil on linen

This is a painting I've wanted to do for such a long time. It is

a beautiful place in McCall Idaho, Ponderosa Campground. A few years ago we went camping with my son's family and this meadow brings sweet memories of riding my bicycle with my granddaughters in the evenings and early mornings. Every time we passed this meadow I was captivated with it's simple beauty.

Have a beautiful day!

"A Piece of the Rubies" plein air study

2011-02-14T16:54:00.000-08:00


8x6 oil on panel

Finally a day warm enough to paint outside for a couple of hours!

I didn't venture far and the breeze did try to kick up a little but it felt too good to be out of the studio. I did however get off without my camera for reference photo's to use later. This was actually good for me and made me even more determined to be sure to get the important elements for this little study.

Thanks for visiting!

" Lamoille Glacier View"

2011-02-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

12x16 Oil on linen

This turned out to be a fantastic and very fun painting. Wish everyone could see it in person. The distant peak with patches of snow and a touch of sun peaking through the dramatic clouds. I enjoyed painting this one very much. Thanks for visiting!

Yes, I changed the name of this painting,after some thought the original just didn't seem fitting.

White Onions

2011-02-01T08:57:00.000-08:00


8x16 Oil on Linen

I am learning to enjoy doing Still Life paintings more and more. Now when I visit the grocery store I even shop a little differently.....shapes,colors, size....so much for sticking to the grocery list! When I bought these white onions I was thinking I wanted to paint them as just a tonal...black & white but after I began I couldn't hold back on the color. I kept looking at the pinks and greens in the white onions. I used a black cloth on the bottom but it seemed too cold so I used my artistic license as usual and made it up as I went along. One of these days I will paint exactly what is in front of me, not so much as that is my goal, but I do want to be ABLE to if I ever wanted to.

Misty Spring Days

2011-01-27T09:27:00.000-08:00


12x16 oil on linen

Gosh, has it really been a month since I last posted? I have been painting a lot this winter and have gotten quite picky I suppose, it seems that nothing is turning out "just right" and this is one of those paintings! My reference photo is of a gorgeous place and the day was cold and misty with a touch of sun peaking through every once in a while. When I paint landscapes in the studio I use my own photo's but after the idea is cast I focus on what I remember of the day while I was there. It was such a quiet peaceful day! Hope you can see that in this piece.

Here's what it will look like framed!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day.

Kathryn

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

2010-12-25T10:58:00.000-08:00


Wild or tame? A painting in the making .

Horse Portraits

2010-12-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

The horses are done! each portrait is 14x18 done in oil on linen and taken me a few months to complete as I didn't work on them exclusively. I worked at getting to know each horse over the summer and took a whole lot of photo's and made several drawings that take me "forever" to do. I'm pretty sure I've gotten their individual personalities.....but the test is to see what my neighbor thinks as these are their babies and they know them best.

They look great all framed up and ready to hang!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

"Last bit of fall" 16x20 oil on Linen

2010-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Just a few days left of fall! Sure feels like winter is in full swing to me. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season!

God Bless and Cheers!

"First Snow"

2010-12-07T06:49:00.000-08:00


8x10 Oil on panel

A post from the past, done in the winter of 2008 and still one of my favorites. A palette knife painting with rich color and thick paint.

Hope you enjoy it and thanks for your visit.

"Sun Tipped Morning"

2010-12-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

10x12 Oil on Linen - This is a little larger version of the study I posted earlier. I have been very busy in the studio and fluttering around with holiday errands, aah love the
hustle & bussel of the holiday season!

Shiloh's portrait has just begun(on the left) and here I am checking to see what they will look like with the three of them hanging together....framed in smart looking barn wood frames with liners, I think they'll look pretty good.

Am very frustrated this morning with blog posting.....it just won't co-operate
with where I want to put things today!
Hope you have a great day and thanks for your visit!

A taste of Winter!

2010-10-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

9x12 oil en plein air on Raymar panel

It was 24 degrees yesterday morning when I started off for a morning of painting in the canyon. Cold, crisp and absolutely beautiful. The painting above was completed on sight and I must admit I am delighted with it. When I arrived at this location I sketched three different options and thought I had decided on which one to start with. After setting up my tripod and pochade box I glanced up in a different direction and this scene just begged me to paint it. So I did a quick sketch of it and began painting.

Below is a photo of the start of the painting I had initially planned to start with. I was able to get a good start on this before it turned too cold with the light breezes kicking up. This painting will be finished in the studio after I return from a week long painting trip to California. A workshop with the award winning artist Kathleen Dunphy http://kathleendunphy.com/ Painting for 5 days, 7 hours a day and "NO Whining" aloud. Should be a wonderful experience for me.

Fall in Lamoille Study

2010-10-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

9x12 Oil on Raymar panel

It was a gorgeous day in Lamoille and I made such a happy mess while painting out - it was so much fun!

My goal was to get the hazy feel of the mountains with a touch of fall color and the golden fields in front of this charming little country church. I will try again!

Actually now that I look at this photo, I rather like it better than the finished painting! I think I'm going back to this spot soon to try it again.

Thank you for visiting!

"Cammie"

2010-10-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

18x14 Oil on Linen

Commission Portrait

Cammie received some fine tuning after the paint rested. While I am working on Cheyenne I was able to see some things I wanted to improve on. Also since my original post I've found out the correct spelling of her name.

Here is Cheyenne in the process, she is a challenge!

Love challenges!

Thanks for visiting, have a great day!

"Mama" Cat

2010-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

4x6 Watercolor

Every week I meet with a couple of watercolorists that are doing some awesome paintings. As for me I rarely pull one off that I can appreciate, but I have so much fun and learn so much from them every week...... thanks girls!

Check it out http://artbysus.blogspot.com/

This little painting is one of my Rare ones...and so darling! The cat is one of my mother-n-laws cats and I believe she just calls her "Mama Cat", a long hair tabby that she has had for an extremely long time.

Thanks for Visiting!

"Summer Sippin"

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

12x12 Oil on Linen

I painted this one day on my front porch....I was reading my book, sippin ice tea and it dawned on me that it was a nice little still life set up with out any effort. So I grabbed the paints and went to it. I fumbled around with the shape of the book though, trying to make sure it looked like it was laying flat on the table....after consulting friends and fellow artists, come to find out I wasn't that far off on my drawing after all! :)

Thanks for all the help!

The Geranium is gorgeous and now lives inside the studio due to our cooler temperatures.

Have a great day!

Angel Lake, Nevada

2010-09-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

8x10 Oil on Linen

A nice study of one of the high mountain lakes here in Northeastern Nevada. This lake is nestled in the Ruby Mountain range above Wells, Nevada...about an hour away. This lake isn't my favorite of the high mountain lakes in our area but it is one that is easily accessed.

My favorites take a bit of hiking!

Lamoille Canyon Sunrise

2010-09-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

9x12 Oil on Raymar Panel

This canyon is 10 minutes from home. A month or so ago..., wow, it really doesn't seem like it's been that long ago! I went up the canyon in my usual style.....spur of the moment and early. This wasn't where I painted for the morning but it was a moment that stayed in my mind and now is a beautiful piece of art.

I know, I know....I was looking at the total posts for this year and I've been slacking! Watch out though, I'm back! and hopefully better than ever!

I've so many ideas swirling around inside and now that some major chores are done I'm headed out the door to paint a little more before the weather turns Cold.

Thanks for Visiting!

Jiggs Ranch House Study

2010-07-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

8x8 Oil

A couple of weeks ago we went out to Jiggs to paint for the morning. I was so excited when I arrived

and saw the morning light on this old Ranch house built in 1914 originally for a Hotel but never used for that.

After getting my sketch book out and setting up all ready to paint I stood frozen ..... intimidated by the scene. I knew I just couldn't get it all into a painting with so much there, not to mention it's a structure that needs to be drawn with all the right angles! After doing one sketch ....putting it aside and starting another sketch I finally settled down and thought about what was exciting for me about this house....the porch and the morning sunlight. I was still worried it might look scary and gloomy with a dark shaded porch but I'm really very pleased with the way it turned out.

Thanks for Visiting!

Nevada Creek Bed

2010-07-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

8x12 Oil on Linen

If your interested in this painting please contact me

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This was almost a finished painting in the field last week, done near Jiggs, Nevada on an old dirt road that I haven't been down before. After getting home, looking it over in the studio and consulting with my fellow artist and friend, Yvonne, http://newdaydailypaintings.blogspot.com/ I could see some minor changes that needed to be done.
I like the way this painting turned out so much that I am thinking of making a much larger one.
This painting has a very warm feeling with lots of color!

Thanks for visiting

Wild Iris and Roses II

2010-06-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

8x10 Oil on Linen

If your interested in this painting please contact me,

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This painting has fun memories of the day. The grass and shrubs were so lush! The Iris were on their last week but I would like to go back soon to see the Roses in full bloom.

Thanks for Visiting!

Wild Iris and Roses I

2010-06-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

6x8 ~ Oil on Linen

Please contact me if your interested in this little painting.

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

I finally got around to taking the time to photograph last weeks paintings from our outing. This one I can say was

pretty much done on location...I added some highlights in the studio. Check in tomorrow for the second day's painting that was only sketched and based in due to the cattle driving us out.

As for this afternoon.....after a busy early morning of grocery shopping, I treated myself to a couple of hours in Lamoille. A cool shady spot off the beaten path.

Thanks for Visiting

Pleasures of Painting on location

2010-06-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

June 17, 2010

Painting in Spring Creek Campground,

at the base of the Ruby Mountains, Elko Nevada

I painted out the last two days with a couple of other artists. We had such a good time....I woke up this morning ready to go again! The first day was cloudy, with cold breezes and yesterday was sunny, a beatiful day. Yvonne and I parked ourselves in the perfect spot for the morning, streaming water, lucious grass, wild iris on it's last week.....Come to find out it was the cows perfect spot for their afternoon nap and after foolishy thinking we could continue and they would move on....they gently pushed their way in and us out!

LOL, After two days, I have just 3 paintings that still have a spark of potential...somedays you have it and some you don't!

But I have loads of great reference for cow paintings.

Have a great day!

"Wild Iris and grass"

2010-06-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

12x16 Oil on Linen

If your intereted in this painting please contact me,

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

Last week on a morning walk I spotted this grass that was just "different" so of course I pick some to take home to fill a vase and study. The next day I drove over to the Spring Creek Campground and the wild Iris were in full bloom, I picked a few of those too! The clear glass vase (jar) was fun to paint....if you haven't noticed I've been painting clear glass vases in my still lifes.....another subject I'm determined to master.

Thanks for stopping by!

"Nestled below the Ruby Dome"

2010-06-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

12x12 Oil on Linen

If your interested in this painting please contact me,

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

Sunday, a day in the front yard

2010-06-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

12x12 Oil on Linen

This painting has a good start....hopefully I won't "Ruin it"

before this day is over!

Hope your having a good day....thanks for stopping by!

" A Days Hike"

2010-05-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

16x20 Oil

Please contact me if your interested in this painting, Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This is a quiet place we hiked to a couple of years ago while camping in McCall, Idaho. Loaded with fishing poles, cameras, art gear and snacks for the grandkids, off we went for the day. It surprised us by not being a really long hike but it is off the beaten path and worth it.

Have a great day!

"Welcome to Lamoille" Plein Air Study

2010-05-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

8x10 Oil

This is a quick study, but if your interested in something like this please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This is one of the views just as you start down into the town of Lamoille. It was partly cloudy....and cold, when the sun popped threw the clouds with it's warmth I sure appreciated it. The trees are an amazing color right now as they are trying to come out of their winter hybernation and into Spring.

Thanks for your visit!

"Break Time"

2010-05-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

11x14 Oil

This turned out nice. Photo doesn't do it justice...If your interested in this painting please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

I surprised myself with this painting! It really did turned out better than I thought it would .... so much so I might have to find a place for it on the wall until someone wants to take it home. I braved the cold this morning and went to Lamoille...brrr....but worth it!

I'll post those photos tomorrow. LOl.., have to keep you coming back for more :)

...

Hope your havin a good day!

"Thomas Canyon" Lamoille, Nevada

2010-04-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

6x8 Oil - Framed

This painting is a donation to the troops but if your interested in something like this please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

A lesson in being prepared and incentive to get some art work done! An unexpected call from my husband this afternoon asking if I have a painting I can donate for a fundraiser supporting our troops, a local platoon ?

I was confused about the conversation but since he rarely does this and always supports me in my adventures I started the hunt and came across this little painting I had hanging in my previous home and always enjoyed it and the memories it brought me......painted in Plein Air .....in sandals.....I went home with sunburned feet after having a fabulous day. I hope someone enjoys it as much as I do.

I am working diligently in the studio but have yet to finish anything new to post..so please hang in there and keep visiting...we are also busy planting some trees and shrubs on our 2.84 acres......as much as I enjoy the tall sagebrush in my area we will be in desperate need of a tree for shade soon!

Thanks for visiting!

"Time for Fishing"

2010-04-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

6x8 Oil

If your interested in this little painting please contact me

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This little painting is of one of the beaver ponds we like visit in the summers...last summer my son and his dog had a fabulous time fishing here....hopefully I will paint them in action one day soon.

Thank you for your visit!

Lamoille Church Study

2010-03-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

6x8 Oil

This is a study NFS ~ however if your interested in something like this please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This weekend we had a blustery day on Saturday and on Sunday the sun came out and we were blessed with the most beautiful day! I couldn't let the day just pass me by, so off I went to Lamoille, which was gorgeous with the fresh snow. I was in Heaven!

Thank you for your visit!

"Sweeties"

2010-01-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

4x5 Watercolor

If your interested in this little painting please contact me

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

I love little sweetheart roses! this little painting was almost scrapped but I really have a difficult time giving up on things...... so this painting sat on my watercolor board for months....and months and I decided to push it's limit. I ended up liking it very much.

It's sweet!

Have a great day and thank you for your visit.

"Curious Doe"

2009-09-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

6x6 Pastels

This is a small pastel painting that is a much older one and at the moment is

packed away in our storage unit......one of my favorites to be sure.

I haven't done much with pastels simply because I really love to oil paint and I can make a Huge mess with them! I am sure that I will dig out my pastels again one of these days.

Update on our New Home

As of yesterday, the roof is almost all shingled, it is plumbed, wired and getting it's 4-way inspection this morning. Today will be insulated, windows, wrapped, siding started. Sheetrock will be next....and the mudder(taper) is scheduled to come in this weekend. This house is "ROCKIN" with construction people......and I am told it will be "FINISHED in three more weeks! Just in time for us to be off on our vacation! just as soon as we get home we should be ready to start moving in!!

FUN STUFF!

Have a Wonderful Day!

"Peaceful Places"

2009-07-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

7 1/2 x 11 Watercolor

If your interested in this painting please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

I can't believe how time seems to be slipping away from me! Tomorrow is August and I haven't accomplished much outdoor painting this summer. The funny thing is that is ALL I had planned for this summer! Seems one thing has lead to another and the next thing I know it will be fall.

I enjoyed painting this piece very much.....I had a sense of calm come over me during the process......., it might have been the subject matter, it might have been that I was surrounded by friends that I enjoy being with or it might be even simpler than that......I was painting! and loving every minute of it.

Have a Wonderful day! Thank you for visiting!

Ruby Mountains Nevada Watercolor Study

2009-03-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

5x7 Watercolor

If your interested in this painting please contact me, Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This is a small watercolor study of a beautiful spot in the Ruby Mountains. We have camped out here a few times early in the spring. Not far from this spot is a gorgeous waterfall.......but you have to be ready for a bit of a hike to enjoy it. This study is in preparation for a larger Oil painting, so I hope you keep my blog handy for viewing!

Thanks for your visit and have a Beautiful day!

McCall Idaho Study I

2009-02-26T06:33:00.000-08:00

5x7 Oil

Please contact me if your interested in this painting

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This is a small study of a spot we went to in McCall, Idaho last summer.

Beautiful place to play...fish...meditate. I would like to go again!

Thanks for visiting!

Yupo Paper Experiment

2009-02-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

7x11 Oil on Yupo Paper

This was a fun experiment this morning! I had some leftover paint and a piece of Yupo paper laying around that I had played with before using watercolors (they just wipe right off of this slick surface). So I decided I needed some loosin-ing up before getting into anything serious today. What do you think of my experiment? Oh, almost forgot......it is also done with the knifes....but you could probably tell that by now and a simple composition off the top of my head!

Sometimes we just have to throw caution to the wind!

Have a beautiful day.

"Reflections"

2009-02-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

8x10 Oil
To purchase please contact me, Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

Last Thursday Susie wanted to try her hand in oil painting again......we thought

it might be a little easier for her if we painted the same thing so she could see some of my techniques. We had a blast and both paintings turned out very good!

Check out Susie's version of "Reflections" at http://artbysus.blogspot.com/

Thanks for visiting!

"Aspen Glow"

2009-02-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

5x7 Palette Knife ~ Oil

Please contact me if your interested in this little painting

Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This little palette knife painting was done last week on my Thursday paint day with Susie. She is exploring the wonderful world of Oils and I am exploring more of my knife techniques and small paintings! What fun we always have with our explorations!

Thanks for Visiting!

Jarbidge Nevada "Tree Study" No.1

2009-01-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

8x10 Oil

To purchase please contact me, Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

This is a study of Trees!

Some of the artists that I admire have an amazing way of capturing the beauty of trees. I know.....such a simple thing your thinking to yourself......but I can assure you, to paint them without them looking overworked......and looking like a real tree in the forest is not so simple.

This tree stand is one of many up in the Jarbidge, Nevada area where the evergreen trees there look like perfect cones....I am not sure exactly what kind of trees they are, so if you happen to know the correct breed I would love to hear from you!

Thanks for Visiting!

" First Snow"

2008-12-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

8x10 Oil on panel

A post from the past, palette knife painting.

This is a very nice small painting, done with the palette knife on panel.

Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for Visiting!

Canyon Lands

2008-12-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

Image Size 6.5 x 10 Watercolor

Double Matted and Framed

To Purchase, please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

SOLD

THANK YOU for VISITING!

Miniture Pumpkins Still Life

2008-11-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

6 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 1 1/2
Oil

To purchase, please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

I am working on some still life paintings to practice on some of my weak areas. I don't really enjoy doing still life paintings and would much rather do landscapes and wildlife but I feel my work will benefit if I do something different for a while and who knows maybe I will grow to like this form of painting.

I read that a lot of artists seem to go through a FUNK at this time of the year.....Boy, can I relate to that! I think I am going to do some of my stained glass projects just to break up the monotony.

P.S... I would really appreciate opinions about this painting....I struggled with it alot...so any critiques from my fellow bloggers would be most welcome to help me see things outside of my BOX!

Thanks for Visiting!

Standing Tall

2008-10-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

18x24 Watercolor

To purchase, please contact me Kathryn@anaturalframe.com

Matted and framed

An emotional week and through my tear swollen eyes I painted this very beautiful fall stand of trees. I kept thinking to myself to hold my chin up......Stand Tall and keep looking ahead.

Hope you like this one as much as I do.

Thanks for Visiting!

Portrait of a Zinnia

2008-10-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

16x20 Watercolor

To purchase, please contact me

This portrait is of One of the many zinnia's that

are growing in my yard. I cannot believe that my

yard is still so alive and vibrant with color this late

in the season..... it is also very overgrown and

unmanicured right now too as I have not had

time recently to do more than the quik lawn

mowing once a week.

Hope you enjoy this blossom as it promises

to freeze hard soon!

Lamoille in the Fall

2008-09-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

18x24 Oil Palette Knife painting

SOLD

Details

You asked for it! A palette knife painting....Whew,... do

you know how long it has been since I did a total

knife landscape? Hmmmm, at least 16 years ago,

probably longer but I failed to date the last

one I did and cannot really remember.

I enjoyed the challenge and loved the freedom of this

style of painting. Very satisfying when you backup

and see that the blob of paint you just put on

actually does look like a tree!

Thanks for Visiting!

Lamoille Fall ~ Study

2008-09-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

5x7 OIL

This is a small study that I am planning on painting a larger

version of in the very near future. It won't be long

now....down to just a few weeks that I will be able to have

this view in the canyon, I am hoping I can go do some more

Plein Air painting up there before the weather gets too cold!

My son told me today.....according to the Farmers

Almanac we are in for a COLD winter... so I am hoping to drag

my pack mule (my husband) out before the winter season starts.

THANKS for VISITING!

Brownlee Lake

2008-09-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

9x12 Oil En Plein Air

Contact me for more information

I started this painting on the first lake we hiked to. It was a

very serene place and you could watch the fish jumping in the

lake, however we didn't catch anything here. My oldest

granddaughter kept asking me about the sticks in

the water... you know...."How did they get there?"

....."What was there first the tree or the water?"

Seeing life through a childs eyes....almost makes me

wish I were a kid again!

Thanks for Visiting!

Mischief

2008-06-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

8x10 Mixed Media Watercolor & White Acrylic

Meet.. Orion. This cutie is my good friends Susie & Bill's dog.

He always looks like he is up to something.....fun. He was an

adorable puppy and now he is just as adorable as a teenager!

This painting is a gift for my good friends....enjoy!

DETAILS

Thanks for visiting!

Rubies study Watercolor 5x18

2008-05-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved

This is one of last Thursday's watercolors. I am striving
to do a large expanse painting of the Ruby Mountains that
are in our area.....so I am practicing....and practicing and
of course more practicing in order to feel comfortable painting
a large one of this mountain range. I hope before the summer
is over I can tackle it large....yet another goal!
I have so many and life is so short!
To purchase, please contact me kathryn@anaturalframe.com

Plus,.... we are busy with our yard work
now that the weather is warmer...this was this
past weekend ....pouring the 2nd half of the concrete
pad ...to park our little RV trailer on.
Thank you Kevin for your help! we couldn't have
done it without you.

Thanks for visiting!

Solitude 22x28 Oil

2008-04-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Solitude.....the name of this painting came to me while
in the process of painting and I found that I was loving
the quiet solitude of this place.
This is a much larger painting and the Blog just doesn't
do it justice. I hope you enjoy it.

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved
To purchase, please contact kathryn@anaturalframe.com

High Mountain Road 11x14 Watercolor

2008-04-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

This is a much older painting that I
am sending to a local shop in town to
show .....sell......hopefully. So I needed to
catalog it.....which is another great use
of this blog. This one is framed with a
simple oak frame and nicely matted to
show off the colors...which are stronger
than what you see here but I had to take
my photos through the glass today!

Copyright 2003 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved

SOLD

Ruby Dome Ranch Study 6x6 Oil

2008-03-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

I was rummaging around the studio .......a little
frustrated with the still life piece I am working on
and found this little guy. Yvonne and I had a good
day of Plein Air painting on a beautiful day last
Fall.
I like this one......... and I don't care if anyone else does!

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved

SOLD

Crocus 5.5x7 Oil

2008-03-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

One of the first signs that spring is here....I love
crocus blossoms...but they don't last long so I
had to be quick to catch them in the garden.

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved
SOLD

Henrietta 5x5 Watercolor & India Ink

2008-03-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is my good friends Bill & Susie's hen...I have been enjoying
eating her eggs for breakfast almost daily...and have wanted to
paint a hen...or rooster for a while now. This is one of last
Thursday's paintings.....I had to come home and add some Ink
to her to make her lights stand out...I have trouble leaving
the white of my paper.

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved
$35.00 +shipping/handling Framed

True Friend 5x7 Watercolor

2008-02-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

My Cat.....Miss Kitty is my truist of friends. We have
the most wonderful conversations....she never minds
when I talk to much or to little, and she always listens
with patience......never interrupting but always contributing
to the conversation. I finished this painting yesterday....it
is the 3rd or 4th time I've painted her....and am sure
I will again.

NFS

Susy Blue 7.5x10 Watercolor

2008-02-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

Every Thursday I get together with a few
friends....we paint,eat, laugh and throughly
enjoy our time together. My friend Susie has
a beautiful blue pitcher with a nice history
behind it. We set it up to paint a few weeks ago
and I liked it so much I painted it three times......
and liked all three paintings!

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved
Please contact me for pricing information

Lamoille Spring Melt 20x24 Oil

2008-02-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

Lamoille Spring Melt is an older painting that
I have hanging in my home. For a long time one
of my goals was to learn how to paint water....
then rocks under water....I am still trying to master
both water & rocks.

Copyright 1998 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved
$250.oo +Shipping/handling framed

Trickle 9x12 Oil

2008-01-30T04:49:00.000-08:00

Lupine and Light 16x20 Oil Palette Knife

2008-01-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

I love seeing the wild Lupine in the Spring. This painting was fun for me, I wanted the unrestricted and abstract
feelings that the palette knife gives me for this piece.

Copyright 2006 Kathryn Grider All rights reserved

SOLD