Cross + Culture Art Event in Bend, OR - Fall Rider by Shelley Futch Anderson

Fall Ride - 4' x 4' acrylic on canvas - SOLD

We had a fantastically long fall in Bend this year.  All of September, October and most of November were absolutely gorgeous.  Of course this time of year coincides with pleasant temperatures and perfect mountain biking conditions.  I was inspired this year when I was having a leisurely peddle next to the Deschutes River - near Lava Falls. On the other side of the river is black lava rock, interspersed with Aspen trees, and shrubs that produced a variety of yellow orange and red.  It was spectacular, and I was so inspired by that ride I wanted to energetically produce a painting that captured the exuberance of the moment.  Palette knife in hand I tried my hand at Acrylic and enjoyed spreading big gobs of paint across a 4 foot by 4 foot canvas.  Lots of room to play, lots of loud music.  Particularly inspiring this fall was the Fever Ray album, full of alluring electronic noise.  See the result this weekend at the Red Chair Gallery in Bend, OR during the Cross + Culture event.  Participating venues are hosting cycling-inspired art all over town.  Check out my Fall Rider - it was so much fun to paint!