What a beautiful, perfect fall day this turned into!  Once it warmed up above the 24 degrees it started out as, and the snow melted, it was a joy to be out in nature once again.  As you can see from the paintings today it was the signature clear blue skies of Colorado. It's with sadness that we said our goodbyes to this amazging group of warriors.   This mornings painting on the left was sold right off the easel, woot!  This afternoon after helping serve lunch I rushed out and set up the big old Julian French easel and tackled a 16x20...considered huge by plein air standards!  I even impressed myself as I got it done in time to return and help serve the last supper to the crew.  This dinner and the attending stories and overwhelming love that this happening generates is something that will remain in my heart forever.  Thank you, to all of you all over the country, that are involved in this wonderful organization. Huzzah and hurrah!  
YOU CAN VIEW THE AVAILABLE PAINTINGS FROM PROJECT HEALING WATERS FLY FISHING, (PHWFF) IF YOU CLICK ON ONE OF THE PAINTINGS...and don't forget that I will be donating 30% of any adoption fee to PHWFF.x  Please e-mail me if you are interested in one or would like more information.
marianna@mariannaduford.com

Whew, WHAT A DAY..day 2 of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing for wounded warriors!  Windy and cold...I painted inside my car today along with our stinky swamp dog that thinks she is irresistible so I had to leave a couple of window down.   None of them quit and they braved the elements with smiles on their faces.  Tomorrow is supposed to bring some sun...after snow showers tonight!  The colors were very different today as the skies were totally overcast. This always changes everything...the colors get flat as there is no sun to bring out shadows and highlights.  Makes for moody subjects.  Speaking of moody, I need to warm up and get a blanky.  Enjoy your evening...I'm going to sit in front of the fire!
Both paintings are 5x7 plein air oils and are being offered for adoption at $150 each unframed.  30% of the adoption fee will be donated to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.  E-mail me or leave a comment if you are interested :)


CLICK ON EITHER PAINTING TO SEE ALL THREE THAT ARE UP FOR ADOPTION!

Today's plein air offering from the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing for Wounded Warriors is an 8x10 oil on canvas panel.  
It was a brilliant Colorado fall day when the gang gathered to celebrate the first of 3 days of fabulous fishing!  Each warrior had their own guide to help them navigate the waters on this spectacular private ranch.  I've seen it first hand how this event changes lives in just a few days and I feel so lucky to get to witness it through my artist's eyes and put it on paper.  The wind started going crazy and I had to finish it sitting on the back bumper of my Blazer...ahhh the joys of being an outdoor painter :)  
The adoption fee is $400 unframed and 30% of it will be donated back to this great cause.
Please e-mail me if interested in having this for your own collection...or if you have any questions.
marianna@mariannaduford.com
Stay tuned for tomorrow's painting... it's supposed to be rainy and windy but I've devised an "in the vehicle" set up so I won't have to miss anything.

The fall 3 day fishing event is here again and I've been invited to come a paint at this amazing gathering again!  I will be posting paintings for the next three days that I paint plein air (outside in the elements).  They will be up for adoption and 30% of the adoption fee will be donated to the organization.  They will be different sizes and prices based on the size of the painting...all unframed.  It's truly amazing what this does for these wonderful men and women, how it has changed lives and I'm proud of my husband for being a volunteer guide for the event.  Stay posted...I'm off for the day to see what I can capture in paint! Adios...

Early this morning my husband and I headed out for the land trust where we own a piece of heaven for fishing...and painting.  This photo was taken later in the morning, AFTER a wind and rain storm.  That's why I'm so stylishly dressed in a rain poncho layered over 2 shirts, a sweater, a polar fleece vest  and topped with a soaking wet wool chapeau.  This was my new plein air palette's inaugural session along with my new plein air umbrella!  It was a test and everything came through "swimmingly".  While setting up I decided to try out a new for me, really old paint layout, referred to as "The Zorn Palette" used by Swedish painter Anders Zorn, (1860-1920).  It consists of only 4 colors; Yellow Ochre, Red, Black and White.  I've had a tendency, lately, to paint really bright "noisy" paintings and I thought I would try to paint something a little more tasteful and subdued...I almost made it, but ended up adding Cadmium Yellow at the end.  I don't think Zorn ever painted a Colorado fall landscape...I just HAD to have a few brighter greens that were virtually impossible to make with the 4 colors.  Sorry Zorn, but I read where you added it on occasion, too...I guess I'm not alone with the need for a little bright color now and then :)  A little after completing my tasteful painting the Gods cut loose with a torrential rain storm and we arrived home to see Buffalo Mountain coated in snow...PLEASE go away, I'm not ready for winter yet and I'm not done with fall!
BELOW IS MY TASTEFUL PAINTING ON MY NEW PAINTING RIG AND A CLOSEUP OF MY ZORN COLOR PALETTE.  What a day!

I've had 4 paintings selected for a show in the Framed Image, a gallery in Denver, Co.  It's wonderful to  be showing in another gallery.  I've been lucky to have been represented by a wildlife gallery, Ducktrap Bay Trading Company, in Camden Maine for the past 13 years. When I paint almost everyday the inventory grows till it seems to take over my studio and I've needed another outlet!.  This Framed Image holds themed shows.  This one is titled "Coming Home"...paintings that mean home to the artist.  The first one is "Sailing on Lake Dillon"...it was a beautiful fall day and we were out on a friends boat when I caught this lone sailer out enjoying a swift run on the water.  The second one, "Fish Tag" is of my Father-in-law who loved to fish on the river by our home.  If you look closely you'll see the fish looking at him while the rod is in a totally different place.  The scene for third one, "Oxbow Ranch" is right down the road from our home.  I love the old log entry that just screams Colorado.  The last painting, "Indian Mountain Fall"  is a view from where the Healing Waters for Wounded Warriors is held. It is a huge private ranch that invites the warriors and the guides, (one is my husband), to a 3 three day marathon of love, healing and fishing...and I get to tag along and paint :)  
Well...I'm off today to Chicago for another show.  Adios amigos e amigas.

The Framed Image
5066 E. Hamden Ave
Dener, Co
303-692-0727
"Coming Home" September 16-November 2

WOW, what a spectacular day! Four of us were lucky enough to get to plein air paint at the beautiful estate of Bob and Libby Swenson in Spring Creek Ranch.  We were treated like visiting royalty, which is what dirtbag artists secretly are :)  and allowed the run of the place.  We were greeted with cantalope tidbits, coffee and tea and given a small tour of the property...I imagine it would take days to really see the whole place.  I settled into this lovely clearing and worked myself into a frenzy trying to capture this magnificent Douglas Fir...the biggest one I've EVER seen!  After raining all night the colors were fresh and alive.  I hope I did it justice and want to thank our wonderful hosts for also treating us to a picnic on their tipi's deck!  Wow...feed us we will come...and multiply.  Che bella giornata!!!  (What a beautiful day!!!)

Just thought I would share the joy of doing an outdoor art show in the mountains.   Not only is the wind blowing it's darn cold. No such thing as warm rain at 9,000 ft. Note to self... Remember this when tempted to do this again:)

I'm working the streets again...making an honest living purveying art! I've set up my easel and am painting to kill time.   It's fun talking to all the people. If you are in Summit County this weekend come join the festivities!   Ciao:)

Today I met up with our group to plein air paint just down the road from my house.  The home belongs to one of our little intrepid group of outdoor nuts.  Their property backs up onto a lovely little pond and we picked a view of the South Williams Fork Mountains to capture.  It was early morning and not much light was hitting the peaks as of yet and it was peaceful and still...except for the doggies that live there, too :)   What delightful company and what a delightful way to spend the morning.  My goal was to paint a more "tonal" version than I seem to be producing lately.  I've developed a taste for bright color it seems!  I think I managed to accomplish my preset exercise...but just couldn't resist hitting it at the end with a few zingers!  I'm taking a Pop-eye view of this by just accepting that I am what I am and I do what I do!   
Today I'm spending the afternoon rounding up all the last minute details and "things" that I need to have for this weekend's outdoor art show.  It seems endless, but if you forget to pack something you need it's usually too late to go back and round it up.  Planning, planning... and more planning!  This Saturday and Sunday,7/8th of Sept.  is a gathering of artist's in the Frisco Historic Park sponsored by The Summit County Arts Council called, "MEET THE ARTIST'S"....SO STOP BY IF YOU'RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND MEET US :) 
Enjoy your day...peace out!