Wednesday, June 30, 2010



Cricket Flat

Oil on board, 5 1/4" x 9"
$160 plus $7 shipping in U.S.
SOLD

A little bit larger painting today. Click the image to enlarge.

Last weekend we went to a family reunion at my cousin's beautiful home, nestled in the rolling high plateau and pine country the locals call Cricket Flat. It was as lush and green as I've ever seen it out there. My great-grandparents and assorted family members homesteaded this region in the late 1800's. It was lovely but lonesome country then and still is today--neighbors are few and far between.

This collection of old buildings is classic vernacular eastern Oregon architecture: no frills--just basic, functional construction. The clean lines have an austere beauty that seems right for the land.

16 comments:

Susan Roux said...

Such a striking painting. You do amazing work, Don.

Linda Popple said...

The geometric shapes are very nice and I like your color palette on this subject. Old buildings are so interesting. Beautifully done!!

Kristin said...

I love the red of the buildings against the green grass. It's lovely scene!

mrteague said...

Nice. Makes me nostalgic :)

Don Gray said...

You're very kind, Susan--thanks.

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Linda!

Don Gray said...

I appreciate it, Kristin.

Don Gray said...

Thanks Teague--hopefully you'll be able to make the next reunion.

Sheila Vaughan said...

I saw a little landscape yesterday by a not so well known painter whose name escapes me, but he also had that quiet blue - a sky heavy with heat and weather change ahead. It has the mood of a Hopper. I really like it.

William K. Moore said...

As it is summer in Chicago I can actually see places that resemble some of these beautiful paintings Don. This one of the barn is a jewel and I like the way you warmed up the sky (or is it my monitor?). These paintings are a testimony to the beauty that is still out there in this country - in any direction! - even Nebraska...

Don Gray said...

A very flattering compliment, Sheila--thank you. Hope you are enjoying Paris. I'm enjoying your recent drawings.

Don Gray said...

Hi Bill--thanks for stopping by. There is a warm underpainting that comes through in the sky, though it's entirely possible your monitor improves the painting. If so, I wish I had your monitor!

Yes indeed, it's a big, beautiful world--even in Nebraska! :^}

Lisa Daria said...

beautiful darks.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Lisa.

Leslie Sealey said...

I think you did justice to these beautiful old buildings, and the sky makes me think of that certain blue before a thunderstorm.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Leslie. That's what I was aiming for--that summer thunderstorm type of sky.