boulders and rock formations

Mt. Woodson Boulder #1 8″ x 10″ oil on panel 1/27/2009

This is the first little 8 x 10 inch oil on panel done from what I plan to be a large series of work exploring the rock formations of Mount Woodson in Ramona, California in San Diego county about a half-hour’s drive from where I live. This mountain is covered with hundreds or thousands of these huge weathered smooth white granite boulders. To paint these boulders I climb up a very steep mountain road that winds its way up to the summit where there are several cell-towers. I was awe struck by the amazing abstract configurations of form and the play light on these granite boulders. After I first saw these rock formations I knew I had to paint them. I have pushed aside my other work to respond to this amazing array of “found arrangements” of natural forms and to also explore new directions for me in terms of more formal compositional and color issues. I think its time for me to start figuring out new ways to move paint around

As I think about these issues more I will try to document some of my thinking about this process as I am able.