Paintings 3 & 4 - Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood underpainting

This week, my paintbrush traveled to the Pacific Northwest for paintings #3 and #4 of my 50 Painting Series! Say hello to Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood—two mountains, two totally different vibes, and a little bit of unexpected magic.

Painting 3: Mt. Baker, Washington

I was really excited to paint Mt. Hood in Oregon, but I had to tackle Mt. Baker up in Washington first. And wouldn’t you know it—Baker totally surprised me! I used a hot pink leaf under the mountain, and now the snow practically glows. The whole palette turned out bright and airy, and I love the lightness it brings to the piece.

Mt. Baker - 12"x24" - oil on canvas with pink leaf

Painting 4: Mt. Hood, Oregon

Then came Mt. Hood, and this one pushed me out of my comfort zone. My reference photo was darker and moodier than what I usually paint, and I was trying for a dustier, more muted palette. Let’s just say…it was a learning experience! But the gold leaf in the sky gives it this quiet, golden-hour glow that makes the whole piece feel a little dreamy.

It was also one of those paintings that looked nothing like the studies.

Mt. Hood - 12"x24" - oil on canvas with gold leaf

So that’s 4 down, 46 to go! Each painting still feels a little individual, but my style in oil paint is starting to take shape. The biggest challenge so far? Sticking to the schedule! I want to have all 50 done in time for a show in December, which means no slacking. (Send help 😂)

What do you think? Do you love a bright, sparkly snow-capped peak, or do you lean toward the moodier mountain?