Nature Painting | ElaineFogel Art

Colorful Clouds Make a Spectacular Sunset

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Nature has a way of aweing us. This desert cloud formation was so drop-dead stunning, I had to paint it. The colors are rich with oranges, yellows, reds, and grays. The clouds look like they’re dancing in rhythm to a sweet symphony. They are truly inspiring.

According to InspirationFeed, sunsets symbolize:

Life and death. “As the sun slowly creeps up the horizon, we are reminded of new life sprouting out of fresh ground… Somehow, when the sun sets, it reminds people that there will always be an end looming ahead.”
Hope. “[Sunsets] will give anyone new hope that the next day will be better. It’s something that makes you think about the chances you missed, and how you’re going to bounce back and try again.”
Rest. “When the sun starts setting, it’s hard not to think about how amazing your bed would feel like after such a long day. You may have a few lingering thoughts about work, school, or about your business.”
Beauty. “Sunsets are among the most beautiful things we’re lucky to see almost every day. That beautiful mix of colors lighting up the sky is just breathtaking.”
Wonder. “Any sunset will always be a source of wonder for anyone… How amazing is it that these colors were put together so perfectly, resulting in a perfect palette that lights up the sky in brilliance before everything goes completely dark.”

May all your sunsets bring hope and wonder. ❤️

Check out the painting details here.

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Beautiful Scenes of China National Tea Museum

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In 2018, my hubby Allen and I spent two weeks in Shanghai and its surrounding cities. We knew the minute we disembarked the plane that we were in for very different architecture and surroundings.

In the city of Hangzhou, we visited the China National Tea Museum, an out-of-the-way location not far from West Lake. Celebrating the country’s long history of tea as one of China’s greatest treasures, it encompasses 5.4 acres (2.2 hectares) and is an excellent place to learn about tea and see it being grown.

The grounds are stunning, with a running river and small waterfalls. My painting (above) is based on one of the photos I took the day we visited.

Check out the painting details here.

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River Painting Selected for Virtual Art Exhibit

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What a nice way to start the new year! My “Running River” painting was selected by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council for its “The Ties That Bind” virtual art exhibit.

Here’s the exhibit’s description:

“Greater Phoenix is known as a melting pot. A community that is made stronger from the diversity we each bring. While we continuously work to widen our net of inclusion, let’s take a moment to celebrate our individual family origins. This exhibit is meant to weave together a beautiful tapestry that highlights the diversity that is found here in Greater Phoenix and how we’ve embraced our differences to make us stronger as a whole.”

The final selections include a mix of mixed media, photography, digital illustration, acrylic paintings, oil paintings, pastels, printmaking, ceramic, and colored pencils. Styles vary greatly.

Update: This painting has sold. To purchase prints of it, click here.

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Lake Tahoe (Before the Smoke)

Nature Painting / elainefogelart

In July of this year (2021), my husband and I visited one of his ski buddy’s homes in Lake Tahoe. I had never been there before and discovered a stunning place! (This was prior to the wildfires billowing toxic smoke throughout the region.)

The town was brimming with covid-frustrated visitors, eager to get out of their homes to explore domestic tourist sites. At every site-seeing spot, cars lined highway shoulders while other eagerly waited for someone to pull out of the few parking lots.

The lake itself, is quite large, dotted with small islands. In its bays, colors are reminiscent of the Caribbean with bright turquoise, blue, and green hues. This painting is based on a photo I took of Emerald Bay.

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Do Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner Live Here?

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Doesn’t this painting look like a scene from a Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner cartoon? It wasn’t intentional, I assure you. 😉

It wasn’t until after I painted “Yellow Desert Sky” that it dawned on me. I can visualize Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road Runner through this scene.

On the other hand, if I hadn’t mentioned this, you probably would have thought it a picturesque desert landscape, right? Did I just shoot myself in the foot?

Living in the Sonoran Desert gives me boundless, brilliant sunset skies and this one is no exception. The yellows and golds are not only soothing, they present a feeling of peace.

Check out the painting details here.

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The Red Boat on the Shore

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When I first discovered the photo that inspired this painting, I immediately thought of my summer camp days singing, “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore.” The only difference is that our camp was situated on a frigid lake in Quebec, not on any seashore.

Admittedly, I re-painted the boat from its first iteration, trying to get the dimensions and angle right. I also decided to paint it red instead of the aqua color of the original photo. I prefer it when the boat stands out, rather than look like it fades into the background of the sea blues.

Anyone for a round of the song now? 😉

Check out this painting here.

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Dream of Hanalei Bay in Winter

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My daughter and son-in-law spent their honeymoon in Kaui – nicknamed the “Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. This painting of Hanalei Bay (based on their photo) is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi island and consists of nearly two miles of beach, surrounded by mountains.

I wanted to capture the movement of the waves as they approached the shore. As the water mixed with the sand, the final wave gets browner until it calms into a shallow pool.

This painting will hang in their Minneapolis home where they can reminisce during their cold winters!

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Painting of a saguaro cactus at sunset by Elaine Fogel

Saguaro Cactus in a Glorious Sunset

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Living in the Sonoran Desert gives me access to the most beautiful sunsets. Add in the stature of a saguaro cactus and you’ve got a painting!

People often ask why I don’t paint more desert scenes, but frankly, so many artists down here are doing just that. Yet, when I discovered the photo that inspired this piece, I was so blown away, I had to paint it!

I love the way the clouds wisp into the sunset colors. The cactus stands proud in a black silhouette against the sky, demanding attention.

When I first showed this one to family and friends, they initially thought that the saguaro didn’t look realistic. Then, I showed them the photo and they now believe!

Check it out.

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Painting of Bowen Island by Elaine Fogel

Bowen Island – Within reach, beyond compare

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One of the best advantages of Facebook is sharing photos with friends. They can open a window to the world we haven’t yet seen, or refresh memories of past adventures.

I am always scouring for photos I’d like to paint, and this one was no exception. Taken by a high school friend who lives on Bowen Island, British Columbia, it captures the beauty of the Pacific, Mt. Gardner, and the majesty of hyacinth-like spring wild flowers. Doesn’t it make you want to add this location to your vacation bucket list?

The Lonely Planet describes Bowen Island as “one of the best days out you can have from Vancouver.” And since I can vouch for the exceptional city of Vancouver, I look forward to visiting the island one day.

With a temperate climate, the island is a four-season destination for hiking, cycling, kayaking, arts and culture, golf, and fishing. The original name for Bowen Island, Nex̱wlélex̱m, is in the Squamish language. The Squamish people used and occupied the area as campsites for hunting and gathering trips. The island has a land area of 49.94 km² (19.28 sq mi).

Update: This painting has sold. Check out art prints and other products with this image at my Redbubble shop!

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The Peace of a Forest Snowfall

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I grew up in a snowy climate in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I remember bundling up as a child to play outside – making snow forts, snow angels, and tossing snowballs. I enjoyed it immensely. That is… until I grew up.

Somehow, my tolerance for cold and dampness waned, thus prompting my move to Phoenix, Arizona in late 2004. I didn’t miss the storms, the driving conditions, or the wind. The closest I’ve gotten to snow since relocating was when I attended a cousin’s wedding in Kitchener, Ontario during November. There was a dusting of the white stuff on the grass.

Admittedly, I miss the beauty of the first snowfall. (For about an hour. 😋)

My painting, “Forest Snowfall,” captures the woods during a blizzard, when tree branches are weighted by accumulated snow. If you’ve ever taken a walk through a storm like this, you’ll recognize how the blowing snow reduces distance visibility, bringing closer objects to the forefront.

Do you have any good photos of a snowfall you can share?

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