See any beasts in the trees?

Several years ago a friend showed some of my work to a NYC portrait artist and he remarked.... "ah, a Fauvist!"  I was familiar with the term and the movement and appreciated the critique but I was maybe not so pleased with the idea of fitting into a category.  I wasn't aiming for any particular style and much as I do today felt like making pictures is an opportunity to explore and experiment. 
That was then.  Lately I've expanded on that colorful, abstracted sort of style and have begun assembling a series of pieces, almost all are landscapes, which I'd like to grow in number.  I hope that in the process I'll learn more about color and contrast and make some things which are beautiful.
The piece below is something I struggled with for quite a long time...months I think and have only recently begun to enjoy.

24" x 30"/oil on canvas

Landscape

Oil on canvas/24" x 36"

Have a bit of a series of landscapes going.  In October of last year I took a drive up to the hills around Shelburne Falls, took some photos and did some drawing and painting.  The work in the studio continues.
And no, taking photos of my work isn't something I've been able to improve much on...unfortunately.

2011 Post #1

Although my postings have been few since August 2010 (actually only one)
my work has continued....although most of it remains unphotographed. I have managed,

however, to make some images and have added them here. I did some pictures in October in Shelburne and the watercolor/gouache directly above is one from that effort. It was made while a shower passed through the area.

The remainder of the work, with the exception of the two pieces at the top, are of recent vintage and incorporate charcoal/watercolor/graphite/wash in combination or alone.

Pastel and charcoal (#1); charcoal (#2).

Day lillies, Green River, Cairns, Shelburne, "Eros the Bittersweet", "Why Don't You Dance?"(Ray Carver)

When not in my studio I made frequent trips to the Green River to cool off this summer. Above are a few sketches I did while in the "woods"; some trees along the banks, day lillies and a cairn I built one really hot mornimg and afternoon.

The scene of dirt road and trees was something I did a week ago today in Shelburne; the floating figures are preliminary drawings to what I hope will be a large scale oil painting representing some of the dynamics in romantic love relationships. I got the idea while reading a wonderful book entitled "Eros: The Bittersweet". The book examines ancient Greek writing, poetry, art and traditions. The figures are floating in a dream-like environment much the way those in the grasp of Eros may feel when trying to understand themselves and the beloved in the confusing state of attraction.

Lastly, a preliminary pastel and charcoal drawing for a picture based upon Carver's short story entitled "Why Don't You Dance?" In the story a young couple driving through a neighborhood in the early evening come across a yard sale set up by a man who apparently has to sell all of his possessions. The couple meet the owner, he provides drinks, they buy, the couple dance in his driveway to music he provides and there are connections made and emotions to be understood.

View at Shelburne Falls

20" x 22"

2006

Pastel on paper