Now that we have gathered our things, made a thermos of ice-cold tea, and travelled to the mountains, we are ready to do some art. Watercolor is how I painted for a long time. (I actually gave up oil painting for years, but recently got back into it.)
This hike n’ sketch happened when I was at an art workshop at one of my favorite places to explore: Quartz Mountain State Park. I had 2 hours for lunch so I went fast!
Hiking to a good spot.Looking across at lake Altus-Lutgert, Twin Peaks mountain on the right, Quartz Mountain Lodge belowOne of my favorite hikes. A short, intense 1/4 mile up one side, a less intense 1/2 mile down the backside. Lots of rocks either way! I can usually do it in 30-45 minutes. I also like this trail because its busy, close to the lodge and safe, but not crowded. Top ‘o the trail! I worked out on my exercise bike for weeks to prepare to hike. Swimming doesn’t use that many leg muscles! It worked though!The side opposite from the lake- a stunning bowl of mountains all around. Sometimes when the lake is high it comes into the bottom, but I haven’t seen it that way since 2017. Got my big art toolkit with me todayGot my block out after finding a good rock to sit on. I’m going to keep it very chill today- no big expectations at all, just a good tiresome hike and a watercolor play to rest. Quick sketch with watercolor pencilPaint out, ready to spray with waterLet’s paint!Basic sketch done, its getting hot! I do one more Holding on to this sloping rock with my toes!
Second sketch going on! Oops! I’m running out of time! Gotta get back to class!
Later that night I would finish both little paintings while watching scary movies on cable tv!
This is the kind of sketching and plein air painting that I LOVE. Hiking around, finding a special spot when you need to rest and relaxing into painting nature as you see it. My eyes are met with the glory of His creation and I want to be a part of it, celebrate it, and remember how it felt to be there.
With the beauty of the mountains to you from me in the wilds of Western Oklahoma,
-Jaime
My favorite person joined me for an evening hike later!
