Blog

I started out many years back, learning to paint on my own, by travelling around my hometown, looking for subjects that were Interesting as well as great compositions.   I learned to paint representational landscapes, by reading art books of the Old Masters as well as successful popular living artists. I went out as often as possible with my Sketchbook, Camera and Paints.  I started out with Watercolors, but I soon realized during the very cold days of winter, watercolors were very difficult to do, (except in the inside of my small Bronco II with the heat on).  I knew I couldn't go outside without my watercolors freezing.  So working diligently with my watercolors for a number of years, I then started creating these same subjects into Oils as well as Pastels. 

As I grew and learned more about painting, I then began painting En-Plein-Air (on location outside). 

What recently became so disturbing to me, (this last year), is, the very subjects I loved and learned to paint, were destroyed in a devastating fire, in my previous hometown of Monte Vista, CO

 I visited earlier this year, with a Wonderful Collector and friend.  She suggested I do a Blog showing my creative influences and my paintings of these particular subjects. The Bottom Photo is the actual area on fire.  Fortunately, this 2 Story Home survived. Everything else north of this house and across the Canal were Lost.   I am so Grateful to be an artist, preserving our History, our Landscape our Beauty. Please enjoy these images and this story. I'm happy to capture and create these paintings from my little town.  Even though these subjects are gone, I can still create new paintings from my sketches and studies. 

I welcome your comments, Thank You, Tom Lockhart