Front Range Afternoon (plein-air study), oil, 9 x 12.
Dave Santillanes

Dave SantillanesFort Collins, CO

With my landscape work, my focus is on capturing the essence of the scene before me. One aspect of this is a realistic rendering of color, light, and atmosphere. This requires direct observation and is why my studio work begins in the field with a plein-air study. But observing the physical aspects of nature isn’t the only reason I paint outdoors; for me, the sensory experience of being there is just as important. What better way to get to know a place intimately than to sit for a couple of hours and contemplate it while painting?

Front Range Afternoon exemplifies what I’m trying to achieve in a plein-air piece. This 9” by 12” study was completed in about an hour-and-a-half on a warm and clear afternoon in Fort Collins, Colorado.

REPRESENTATIONOh-Be-Joyful GalleryCrested Butte, CO409 3rd St., Crested Butte, CO 81224970-349-5936www.ohbejoyfulgallery.com

Wild Spirit GalleryPagosa Springs, COP.O. Box 1979, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147970-264-WILD (9453) • 877-680-5969www.wildspiritgallery.com

Evergreen Fine ArtEvergreen, CO3042 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439303-679-3610www.evergreenfineart.com