Jewell Overlook O/C 6x8

In the continuing search for inspiration, I spent a Friday recently driving away from the city toward the mountains. I passed several exits that I will explore at some future date, exits leading out into farm country where I think my heart is drawing me. I have really enjoyed Marc Hanson's paintings of the countryside which remind me of the landscape of my youth. I resisted the urge to explore those turns, hoping to reach the National Park and Skyline Drive in time to do some painting. The day was cool and clear, I drove along that great ridge with the windows down and stopped at every overlook. I wandered down side trails, ate a little lunch and had resigned myself to the idea that this would be a scouting trip and probably not involve any painting when I happened upon Jewell Overlook. This little painting brought me great joy and the hour and a half I spent in this spot ended up capping a perfect day.