This is my second painting of Fern Ridge Reservoir here in Lane County, Oregon—one of those places I find myself returning to again and again.
It captures a familiar kind of Oregon spring day: partly cloudy skies where the sun slips in and out, never staying hidden for long. Around here, a little cloud cover doesn’t keep us indoors. In fact, it’s just about perfect weather for getting out on the water.
Fern Ridge Reservoir is our local lake, and it draws all kinds—boaters, paddle boarders, kayakers—each finding their own rhythm across its wide, open surface. At roughly 9,000 acres in the summer months, it’s large enough to feel expansive, yet welcoming. Tucked into the shallows, especially among the tall grasses that rise from the water, you can still find quiet pockets where it feels like you have the whole place to yourself.
Beyond recreation, the reservoir plays an important role in the region. It was created in the 1940s as part of a flood control project, and today it also supports irrigation, wildlife habitat, and seasonal bird migrations. In fact, it’s a popular spot for birdwatchers, especially in the spring and fall.
This painting reflects that sense of calm—the slow drift of a warm afternoon, the gentle movement of water, and the way time seems to soften and stretch when you’re out there.
Below, you can see the stages this piece went through as it came to life.
I used a 4 by 4 inch stretched canvas, and Golden Heavy Body acrylic paint for this piece. ‘Fern Ridge Reservoir Sunrise, Veneta OR,’ an original acrylic painting by DVD © 2026.
Price: $40.00 Available at The Maker’s Mall, Veneta Oregon
