This was day 25 of my 30 day plein air painting challenge. It was very windy and extremely cold and hard to paint. My paints were very stiff which caused extra texture to the surface. You can feel the energy of the moment in this painting.

This gray day was the perfect opportunity for a ‘high key’ painting. The values were lovely with the fog and gray tones and then the pop of the yellows.

©2012 Lori McNee
First Snow
5×7
oil on canvas

This first snow of the season is always a magical time of year. On this day, I was in the middle of my plein air painting challenge, so I just had to go out! It was beautiful…

This autumn day was spectacular. The colors were vibrant. I hiked up a popular trail, and set up my paints for this little painting.

Earlier this January we had very cold winter days. I am always amazed by the strength of the wild animal, they must endure the below freezing temperatures. One afternoon, I decided to take a walk when it was only -3 below zero. I was extremely cold, but these fellow females didn’t seem to mind.

This tiny pigmy owl was the perfect subject for a small, square format. I enjoyed drawing his grays and neutral colors.

©2012 Lori McNee
Hazy Day on the Gallatin
12×16
oil on board

This past summer, I was at a paint-out in Big Sky, Montana. I spent one afternoon in Yellowstone and painted this alongside the famous Gallatin River while outside the park. What a great day!

It’s amazing what beauty can be found in a backstreet alley! It was hot painting this little scene on the pavement…

The cheery colors of the goldfinch makes it one of my favorite birds to paint.

The bright afternoon sun was shining directly on this small stand of aspens trees in their full autumn glory. The splash of color was so vivid!