I just finished a new series of acrylic paintings inspired by mountain biking.

Over the winter the mountain bike trails in Bend, Oregon were muddy so I rode my bike on the road. I frequently went on Skyliner Road leading up to Tumalo Falls, it was a steady climb on the way out so I had plenty of time to stare at the ground. I noticed the road was fairly new but the elements were already deciding the asphalts fate and cracks were emerging. And to me the cracks created the most interesting shapes. They were evidence of nature groaning at humans trying to control her landscape. One afternoon I had to get off my bike and take photos, here is one of them:

I use my own photography as inspiration for all of my acrylic work. I use the photo to create the composition and resolve the color palette. Then I mix my paints and begin painting in my straight edge style. Here is a finished painting alongside the original sketch.