I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to have a window view of the Rocky Mountains.  Some days I see them in clear crisp light and other days they are a simple shape in the mist.  I'm always thinking about the best approach to paint my window views. I've sketched them, painted them plein air, collaged them and used other forms of mixed media to create their shapes.  The focus has always been their majestic nature.  

I clearly remember the morning light on the mountains grabbing my attention! Usually with coffee in hand I obsessed over their majestic shapes.  For years I've used my camera to capture the image; but the photographs always fell short in comparison to what I could see.  So on this day I do what Artist do - I get my drawing pencils and sketch what I see.  

Why is this different?  

Well this time I was going to sketch on a canvas 12" high by 60" wide!  I love all the space I have to work with and concentrate on what I see.  The process is intimidating but I push forward thinking about value and shape before I head back to my studio to elaborate on what I've captured.  After some time spent exploring possible color theories I get back to my canvas and allow the creative process to develop ~ I love a creative process that has no boundaries ~ and I'm pleased with the results of my 'Mountain Sketch'.

See more of Sheila Schaetzle Art on my website  

~ Part of my exhibition 'A PAINTERLY VIEW', at Fish Creek Environmental Learning Center ~

For ELC Information CLICK HERE

May 1 to June 27th, 2014

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

At Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace

Fish Creek Provincial Park

13931 Woodpath Road SW, access via 130 Avenue SW, and 37 Street SW

(closed periodically to the public when schools are in the building please phone 403-297-7827 to confirm access)  

Bring the whole family to this wonderful location and plan to take a walk on the pathways along the river.

Part of a series of sketches developed through exploration on canvas.  I really enjoyed working on such a large space and how the division of space gives so much grandeur to the Mountains.

Other paintings part of this series include

12" x 60" Rocky Mountain Sketch II, 

8" x 36" Rocky Mountain View,

12" x 36" Rocky Mountain Sketch III (Triptych, 3 panels of 12" x 12")

Some will be on exhibition at the 2014 Calgary Stampede Western Art Show