Outdoor Adventure

Stories of adventure through the eyes of the young and naive

Paterson Great Falls in Watercolor

Art, History, New Jersey, Outdoor Adventure, watercolor

This 77-foot waterfall, located in Paterson, New Jersey was formed by the latest glaciation event, which also carved Glacial Lake Passaic. During the industrial revolution, the power of these falls was harnessed to power manufacturing companies and locomotives. Today, this area is preserved for its beauty and history. I decided to paint this waterfall not because of its history or size, but because of an idea I had for a sepia style silhouette light effect.

This painting is available on Etsy as a print or original.

Frosty Artifacts Make Great Painting Subject Matter

Art, History, Outdoor Adventure, watercolor
Classic Rusty Truck in Winter

As a family, we love adventuring to Blooming Hill Farm. It is an organic farm located in South Blooming Grove, NY. Salad greens and root veggies are always available there in the middle of winter. The folks that run the place are the best! There are also these old rusty trucks laying around on the property. I’m not sure what the story is, but I’m pretty sure they don’t run anymore. One thing is for sure – they make an excellent subject matter for a watercolor painting!

Here is another old rusty truck painting from Blooming Hill Farm. This painting found a home with our friends Jordan and Miranda.

Another frosty artifact

Red Barn Winter Landscape in Watercolor

Art, Outdoor Adventure, watercolor

A local photographer, Cindy Plumb Bishop, captured a stunning image of a Red Barn in snowy New York State, which inspired me to paint the scene in watercolor. Places close to home are some of my favorites to paint, as it helps to enhance my awareness of where I live. This scene is simple, yet effective in creating visual interest because of the dramatic contrast between the snow and the red barn. If you’re looking to do a quick and simple painting, scenes like this make terrific subject matter. Not a lot of detail, no fuss, just great color combinations.

Red Barn Winter Landscape (watercolor on Arches Rough paper)

I’ve also recorded a time lapse video of the painting process.

For more examples of my work, please visit my Etsy shop!

Waterloo Village Historical Landmark

Art, History, New Jersey, Outdoor Adventure, watercolor
Snow Covered Bridge – watercolor 14”x20”

Inspired by a beautiful photo taken by Waterloo Village staff, here is a watercolor painting of a winter scene from Waterloo Village Historical Landmark, located in Stanhope, New Jersey. The village is a restored 19th century canal town, which was rightfully the land that the Lenape people inhabited. The land eventually became a port along the industrious Morris Canal. Preserved in the village today are gristmill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, and many other historic houses. A trip to Waterloo Village is sure to take you through at least 400 years of New Jersey history!

This painting (or print) is available on my Etsy Shop.

Foggy Ridge – Harriman State Park

Art, hiking, Outdoor Adventure, watercolor

We live in close proximity to Harriman State Park, which is probably why I’ve painted Harriman scenes many many times. Here’s a typical scene from one of the many rocky areas found throughout the park. I don’t quite recall where this is, but it was a foggy autumn day – and it was fantastic! I hope this painting gets you in the fall spirit. Crisp autumn air and pumpkin beer await!