"In the Garden", oil, 6 x 8 inches

This quick little plein air sketch was painted last summer in the garden at Kings Gap. It was a very hot day and the bumble bees were out and about. I took refuge under a shade tree and captured the sundial in the center of the abundant flower garden. Success is being able to complete a study in a couple of hours before the light and shadows change and to capture that first impression of the scene without the worry over details. Now this piece is enough information to try a larger, more finished work.

"Christ Chapel, Gettysburg College", oil, 9" x 12"

This is a plein air piece that I painted during the 2009 Gettysburg Festival. It is Christ Chapel on the campus of Gettysburg College. I was drawn by the sunlight shining from behind the church, sparkling on the steeple, and dancing on the tree tips. Painting outside, directly from observation, and racing against the changing light is like no other feeling.