"Canyon Country Clouds" ©

Our small canyon sits on the edge of Canyon Country. The winter clouds were dancing again and my brush danced right along to create this painting, today.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

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"Golden Time" ©

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Today I simply had great fun with color. I pushed to the "neo impressionism" limit, as far as I could. Also of note, I experimented with a new ground of hardwood covered in white gesso. It was very different from canvas and allowed some movement of my brush that was quite exciting.

Oil on board, 8" X 10"

"Golden Sycamores" ©

I spent the day with Frederic Edwin Church, or should I say with his paintings. The Huntington Library in San Marino, is hosting "Treasures From Olana, Landscapes by Frederic Edwin Church" until Jan. 3rd. Since the Rose Parade is going to bring millions of visitors into the L.A. area, I took the day to learn from Mr. Church, without having to duck around the throngs of heads destined to invade the gallery. Then I came back to my easel and painted a few "Golden Sycamores". Could a day get any better?

Oil on canvas board, 5" X 7"

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"Road In Winter" ©

A storm is approaching this evening. Our valley was muted, grey, lavender and blue, all day. Just the very tips of some trees have the last of the, now dusty yellow leaves. I let the chickens out of the coop for one last dust bath before the rain. This painting is about how the day felt.

Oil on Canvas, 5" X 7"

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"Early December Morning" ©

Christmas Day. Early, on this cold December morning, there are still a few trees in the valley with gold hanging.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

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"Sierra" ©

There is a very special lady that boards her horses, where my daughter rides. This is "Sierra", her favorite mare, the painting is a "thank you" for all of her kindness.

Oil on Canvas

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"Sycamore In Gold" © Landscape

In January I am happily heading up a group of plein air painters for our local art association. I went out hunting our first location, hitting an all time favorite spot, the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Standing in the brush, trees all around I thought about just painting the feeling of the moment, and letting all the "learned" motions that come into painting sit in the background of my mind. So, if I am successful you will "feel" the golden moment of a California winter just before the leaves fall.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16" sold

"December Clouds" © Landscape

Our valley may not host snow storms, but we sure have gorgeous clouds. These beauties were passing over Canyon Country.

Oil on Canvas Board, 8" X 8"

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"Oaks In The Afternoon" © Landscape

All day I was working on a studio painting of Zion. I had hoped to finish this piece to "blog" today but I just can't rush and more honestly, I enjoy savoring each moment. So with my palette loaded with the colors of Zion canyon I painted this scene of the dry creek in front of my house. I envy the painters that have snow right now and dream of painting a winter wonderland someday. This is our winter, the Oaks never change color, the green brush turns gold, rust and finally soft lavender.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Valley Below" © Landscape

This is the end of the trail. Peeking though the chaparral I could see the valley below. From this point there isn't a way down, which means the wildlife can live without any fear or disruption from man, this makes me smile in my heart.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Cotton Woods" © Landscape

Some of the Cotton Woods still have gold, flitting in the breeze, even with last nights storm.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Stark Landscape" ©

At the Pasadena Museum of California Art, one room is full of Puthuff paintings. My nose was 1/4 inch away from these beauties. I was inspired by his treatment of trees and painted "Stark".

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Cloudy Skies" © Landscape

It seems like clouds miss our small valley for so many months that when they do arrive it's all you can see. They move swiftly, creating shadow patterns skipping over the landscape.

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

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"Roses" ©

After last weekends storm the last of the roses in the yard fell to the ground. I will miss them and wait till spring for the new buds. Today I painted a few so that I could just simply think about roses.

9" X 12" Oil on Canvas

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"Solo In Gold" © Landscape

This beautiful tree is surrounded by Coastal Oaks that never alter their green coats. Early in the morning, I just couldn't pass up the chance to paint her. Thanks again to these little paintings for the daily blog I felt that it would be permitted to "feature" one lovely, solo tree in gold.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Valley Floor In Fall" © Landscape

Tree tops in gold and amber lay at the feet of the San Gabriel Mountain range. Probably not the most "acceptable" composition but "Sunday Fun" was what my brushes requested.

Oil on Canvas board, 5" X 7"

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"Golden Pond" © Landscape

One hour was all the Christmas crunch would allow today. After a few paintings using a cooler palette, it was a pleasure to play in gold. "Golden Pond" is the result when the timer rang.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"McKenzie" © portrait

Daily painting allows painters to explore subjects that we might otherwise just ponder. Today I was asked "what are you going to paint?, not having a clue and seeing McKenzie all bundled up for winter, I just couldn't resist a small study.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

"Silver Pampas" ©

Silver Pampas grass does not grow naturally in our valley. Landscapers use it often and every time I drive past a clump I slow the car and gaze longingly. The wind and sunlight have a great time dancing in the razor sharp leaves and fluffy tuffs.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

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"Winter White II" ©

I just couldn't let this field of "Winter White" go, not just yet, and so today's painting is another view. These two may "hang" together.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Winter White" ©

As a young lady you are taught the difference between "winter white", worn after Labor Day and "summer white, worn late spring till Labor Day arrives again. This field of dry wild grass was the perfect display of "winter white".

Oil On Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Egg Shell Nautilus" ©

Last week our community of daily painters decided to post "eggs" on Monday. Usually I paint landscapes outside, so this was really just plain fun. My sculpting roots reared up, as I "played" with the shells. The result of egg Monday and a bit of paint is "Egg Shell Nautilus".

Oil on Canvas Board, 4" X 6"
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"Santa Clara River" ©

First I saw a coyote with gray sides, then two others, smaller, darker. Maybe a family, living in the riverbed, hunting rabbits, drinking our run off. Their lives must be perfect, living in a safe, beautiful river bed, protected from humanity crushing in on the open spaces.

Oil on Canvas Board, 11" X 14"

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"November Clouds" ©

Nature never fails to amaze me. Just when the landscape becomes gray, dry and brittle, clouds arrive in the valley. You hardly notice the ground anymore, as you stare into the sky soaking up the show.

Oil on Canvas Board, 4" X 6"


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"End Of The Day" ©

Just a bit more of daylight left, at the end of the day.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Aspens" ©

When I first started exploring the media of paint a well-seasoned artist was describing trees, the dancing trunks, patterned sky holes, the subtle changes of color within their leaves. It was almost romantic and I felt as though I was listening through ear muffs, unable to comprehend this admiration and love for all the earth's trees, and yet so desperately wanting to see. Fortunately I didn't say a word and felt deep down that someday I would understand this language about trees. It's taken years and finally I can see clearly though artists eyes these lovely inhabitants that surround us quietly.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"


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"Red House" ©

A buddy and I went out painting and came home freezing. Wimpy Californians just are not use to anything below 60 degrees. For this little painting I was standing at the corner of Vasquez Canyon Road and Bouquet Canyon. I could paint at that very corner for a month, it's so beautiful.

Oil on Linen Board, 8" X 10"

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"Sand Canyon Storm" ©

Clouds marched into our valley today. The sunlight played tag, hill to hill, tree to tree, peeking in and out of the clouds. The rain should begin at midnight.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

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"Plein Air Painter, Jim" ©

Crystal Cove, Newport Beach at the end of a long day of painting, Jim is still at it. The tide and sun are now joining forces to end our day.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Santa Clara River" ©

Big box buildings pop up on the horizon almost daily, or so it seems. The Santa Clara River winds her way through the valley, fending off the white structures.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"Laguna Canyon" ©

The people of Laguna Beach purchased the land in the Laguna Canyon to prevent building and protect the wilderness. Two deer came bounding out of the brush, glanced in my direction and as quickly disappeared back into the brush. Painting in the canyon you can just imagine the early California Plein Air painters, discovering the unique light, the beautiful range of colors and thriving in the healthy beach environment.

Oil on Linen Board, 8" X 10"

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"Ice Cream" ©

November in California. What could be better then cold vanilla ice cream to top off a day at the beach?

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Small Sailing" ©

Tied to the dock in Dana Point Harbor this small sail boat just glowed in the late afternoon sun. I stood and painted as the pint sized crew of the pirate ship wandered past asking all the great questions children ask.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"


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"Crystal Cove" ©

Since Wednesday, this is the first time I have been able to get onto the internet. Some poor folk took the connection cable off the hotel computer, rending the big box useless to all the guests. It was bound to happen that one day I would run into a hitch posting "A Painting A Day", so please accept my apology. This painting was painted early in the morning looking north along the Pacific Ocean in the historic Crystal Cove.

Oil on Linen Board, 9" X 12"


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"Breaking Clouds" ©

This morning rain softly fell, leaving droplets hanging off the "Bird Of Paradise" tips. Standing on the beach, Dana Point in the distance, the clouds broke allowing the sun to kiss a few buildings and sprinkle light across the sand.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"Laguna Light" ©

Standing on the edge of the Pacific Ocean you feel so small. Today I painted the view from a grassy cliff side park. The photo of the painting was taken as it sat on the grass against my easel and is not quite level but hopefully you can see enough of the painting to get a feel for the location.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Bridle Path To The Sea" ©

There is a comfort in painting a view that you have previously painted. It is never the same, yet familiar and takes you back in time to the original feelings of the place. This bridle path leads to the Pacific Ocean which is where I am headed in a couple of hours and so the subject seemed just perfect for today.

Oil on Canvas, 5" X 7"

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"Path To Paradise" ©

Next week I'll be painting in Laguna Beach, a completely different sense of light and color from my usual high desert landscapes. "Path To Paradise" is a piece painted from sketches done on a trip to Kaui.

Oil on Canvas

"Brilliant Bush" ©

I am in the creek again, looking east, the last of daylight hitting my right shoulder. When you are very quite for a while the small creatures that inhabit the brush start going about their business. Someday, I would like to paint the light penetrating a wild rabbits ear. They actually glow a beautiful peach color.

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12" sold

"Afternoon Walk" ©

Time prevented an outing, sitting at my easel the idea of picking up the small brush to work on a 5" X 7" canvas felt dull. Quickly I grabbed a larger canvas and a huge brush. Excitement rushed in the door and off we went, "Afternoon Walk" is the result.

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

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"Shade To Sun" ©

Today I was exploring new colors and toying again with looking out from under a tree into the daylight. Days of exploration are not always successful, and yet these days can be the most exciting. Discoveries, revelations abound and my brush grew!

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Fall Light" ©

It wasn't until I began posting this painting that I realized that I used the word "light" in the previous title. The way that light falls within the landscape is what attracts my brush. The light, ever changing, brilliant or soft can instantly stop my steps.

Oil on Canvas, 5" X 7"


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"The Glory Of Fall" ©

It happens in a few days, or so it seems, the fall colors are blazing in full glory. I am late for my show reception, please forgive and enjoy!

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Evening Light" ©

Classic California view, gorgeous mountains bathing in the last of the light for the day and a path leading you home. To top it off, I had to pleasure of painting this moment of "Evening Light".

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

Donated to the Santa Clarita Artists Association "Art Classic XVIII"

"Safe Haven" ©

A small, one room hut levitating over shallow waters is your only protection from the passing storm. The evening light show never fails to take your breath away.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"



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"Beneath The Oaks" ©

The other day I had "Ruby" (my 1947 Farmall Cub) out for a spin around the neighborhood. We were following an ATV/horse trail along the creek and suddenly the trail dived right into the creek. We stopped, this was the view from under the oaks, then I gently found the reverse gear and backed the old gal out to safety.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"



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"Cold Creek" ©

This tiny creek boarders a bird sanctuary about 20 miles from my home. The small tunnel allows the creek to flow under the road. If you are very quiet you'll see Egrets and Cranes in the foliage along the creek.

Oil on Canvas, 3" X 5"

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"Oxbow Bend, Grand Tetons" ©

As agreed the night before I stole away in the dark and headed to Oxbow Bend. At one point as the sky just gave a hint of light a herd of elk was crossing the highway. I turned off my headlights and engine to watch their shadowed bodies, leap, lope, dance and mosey from one pasture to the other. The energy exploding in the darkness was glorious and frightening. I felt as if I was witnessing a secret ceremony. Finally, the show of shadows ended and I drove on to Oxbow Bend. The day before we had passed the point I wanted to paint after rafting the Snake River. Little did I know that photographers favored this spot. I found a notch in the road away from the foot long lenses and set up to paint. It was 5:30 A.M., 35 degrees, within minutes my fingers were numb, the oil paint became stiff and sticky. Remembering the morning I was miserable physically, mentally I was soaring! Daylight tickled the Tetons, the very tips lit up pink, birds calls echoed across the Snake River beside me. I was truly in awe of our amazing planet and so grateful that the land had been preserved. That morning was priceless and will remain in my mind forever. I have painted three paintings inspired by that morning, the original 9” X 12” sketch, a 20” X 30” studio painting and finally the tiny piece, my daily painting for October 27th.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"


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"Brush Blaze" ©

California has fall color! This view captured me with the blazing brush colors. Beyond the second mountain is a gorgeous lake. I hope to paint on the shore soon.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Mario and Tilly" ©

Silent film star William S. Hart owned a ranch a few miles away, which is now a park. Very early the other morning I was headed to the back wilderness area of Hart Park and met Mario walking Tilly. The early morning light grazing his shirt and Tillys fur stopped me dead in my tracks.

Oil on Canvas Board, 4" X 6"




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