1/14/2012: Today it feels like winter is really here to stay awhile. It is rainy, cloudy, a bit dark and there is a possibility of snow. The darkness and dampness of Oregon winter is something I actually quite enjoy. There were many people out walking today and they didn’t look a bit grumpy. I decided I wanted to feel winter too but not get cold and wet so i worked on this painting today. I was thinking of Champoeg State Park but the colors and vegetation remind me of places all over Oregon. I’ll show more as I move towards the figures and dogs in the painting. I hope to capture the atmosphere of rainy walks and the friendly chatter of the Oregon neighbor.