"High Country" ©

Overlooking the river below, this tree has a million dollar view, in the high country.

Oil on Linen, 18" X 24"

"High Desert" ©

Today while gallery sitting at The Descanso Gardens, I painted the "High Desert". One visitor said, "you are painting and listening to glorious music, can you wish for anything more?" Sincerely, I answered, no. He went on to tell his grandchildren, see what she is doing, this lady is a famous artist! I was very careful not to blow his story by laughing. It was a wonderful day, made even better as I was able to write up two paintings by Belinda DelPesco (check out her blog listed to the right) for a gentleman that is moving from Virginia to sunny California. (I am using the term write up rather then sell because the paintings sold themselves. Exquisite!

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

Purchase from the artist

"Out Cold" ©

All day I painted on an 18" X 24" landscape, which is not anywhere near finished. Needing a break I had the idea to just paint a little painting that would be a pleasure. My old carving buddy, William had sent me a photo of his grand daughter, asleep in her car seat, all bundled up complete with a knit hat. She and I spent the evening together and while painting her, I really enjoyed getting to know her sweet face.

Oil on canvas, 4" X 6"

"Floater In White" ©

The half frozen lake at R-Ranch had hundreds of ducks, nibbling, preening and floating. The lake really was frozen, I pushed my boot against a sheet of ice near the shore, sending out cracks several feet away from the pressure. Can you imagine being so well insulated that you could float around in ice water perfectly comfortable?

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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To purchase from the artist

"Splash Of Snow" ©

Out on horseback I came across this view during last weekends trip to R-Ranch in the Sequoias. Snow was splashed about in the shade and gully's that the sun couldn't reach. It was perfect for sunny Southern California painters that aren't conditioned for cold. We painted the snow without suffering!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Sequoia Creek" ©

Painting along side this tiny ice cold creek the light shifted by the second. Within an hour the oil paint was so chilly that it quit working, becoming unwilling to mix or move on the panel. Being from Southern California I am not on to the tricks of the high country painters, something that I need to investigate.

Oil on panel, 7" X 5"

"Along The Kern River" ©

Last weekend as we traveled to the Redwood forest on the road following the Kern River this stunning view appeared. Our small group of painters past the golden sycamores reflecting in the lazy water with visions of pine trees and snow ahead of us.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Silence Of Snow" ©

I am hanging my "gone painting" shingle. A small band of plein air painters are headed to the Redwoods. We will be staying at a ranch with horses, a lake, forests and a short drive to the "giants". A trip such as this provides new inspiration and is a wonderful kick off to the New Year.

16" X 20", Oil on canvas

"Trees In Summer" ©

Today I was pondering of what to paint for you. My thoughts drifted back to last summer while I was painting in Idaho. The brush started dancing on the linen and before I knew what was happening I was painting the view that I absorbed each afternoon. This bank of trees lined the meadow behind the Blue Heron Inn, where I lodged.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Winter Clouds" ©

We have clouds.....so rarely do we have clouds. Driving, I am having difficulty not rear ending the vehicles in front of me because my attention is in the sky. Clouds make shadows upon one another, they make patterns on the ground below and the colors within colors are glorious.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Sycamores In December" ©

Another artist saw this painting and told me that she knew exactly where these trees live. I thought that seemed impossible, Southern California has sycamore trees along stream beds everywhere. She pulled out a photograph of her painting and sure enough it was the exact same location and trees. She chose a shady spot in the creek under the first tree. Again I am reminded how intimate painters become with each view. In case you are curious these lovely sycamores live along Placerita Creek in the Nature Center. They are almost naked now.....

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20" sold

"Val Verde" ©

End of the road in the small village of Val Verde. This painting was a quick plein air, color notes for a future studio piece. Surprising what a bit of rain can do.

Oil on panel, 6" X 8"

"Rejoice, Rain" ©

Finally, long awaited rain, drifting down from the sky. The creeks ran, branches twinkled and I am sure I could hear the ground slurping with glee.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Lady Face Mountain" II ©

Lady Face Mountain sits south of the 101 Freeway in Agoura. This painting was created from the small study done a few weeks ago. All it needs is a frame and off it will go to it's new home that faces this mountain.

One comment on mountain paintings. As I study the gulleys, fingers, cliffs and all the undulations that make up the structure of the range it's amazing to me how intimate my relationship with the mountain becomes. I would recognize this range now in any painting or photograph instantly. It's similar to the experience of painting a portrait. You learn every inch of the persons face so intensely that it you are connected to the sitter way beyond normal observation. A relationship is created like none other.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Trail Though The Trees" ©

We didn't hike down the hill, but chose to lean against the log on the ground basking in the sun. Warm in the sun, cool in the shade, it was a picture perfect day on the coast.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Misty Morning" ©

I have been working on this painting for a few days now. It's far enough along to post. In the morning I'll take a fresh look to see if it's actually "done". Are they ever finished? It seems I am never satisfied, always seeing one more brush stroke needed.

The first time I painted the bridle path that riders take from the equestrian campground to the ocean in Montana De Oro was several years ago. Every year I paint it again, longing to be there.

Oil on canvas, 24" X 20"

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"Santa Clara River, Winter" ©

Today a small band of artists met at the edge of the Santa Clara River to paint together. At the end of our paint out, we each shared our mornings efforts. They were all beauties. The McDonald's where we had our mini art show, never looked so good. It is always amazing how ten artists can observe the same view and their artwork is completely unique.

To the lovely lady on the bike, if you ever would care to join us, please do!

Oil on Raymar Panel, 8" X 10"

"Piru Creek" ©

In the late spring I have seen men fly fishing in this section of the Piru Creek. While painting I have watched them, standing in the water for hours, casting out, reeling in. I wonder if their minds wander away from the task at hand to how beautiful the sunlight looks tap dancing across the water. Or how the hawk calling from above cuts through the wind tweaking with dangling leaves and the creek waters wrapping around half submersed stones.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Blanketed Boughs" ©

Happy Thanksgiving! Let the holidays begin....

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"San Gabriels" ©

Today I visited Kendra Page's annual art exhibit in Glendale. Her paintings are always full of inspiration for me. I came home really ready to attack the easel. The experience reminded me how important it is to leave the studio and see other artists work at least a few times a month.

This is the view of the west end of the San Gabriel mountain range, that I saw on my way home.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Dry Creek" ©

We are still waiting for rain.....this is one of thousands of dry creeks, patiently waiting.

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"Country Road" ©

Today I painted all day on a commission painting, that I started yesterday. When the sun went down and I was spent, I took the big painting off my easel, put up a tiny panel and painted a country road. A very nice way to end the day.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Herd Warmth" ©

Today I was stroking "Jessie" my daughters horse. Mindlessly, feeling the contours of her body, the direction of her coat as it shifted and I became aware of how warm she was. How warm I was leaning against her side. I can imagine that these cows out on the frozen field are feeling the warmth from one another, waiting for spring.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Aspen Gold" ©

I was told that Aspen stands are the largest single organisms on the planet, every tree connected by one root system. In the summer the leaves flip in the wind, creating a sparkle dance in the breeze. Then once a year they give up their summer sparkle for gold, warning of the winter to come. Just like the grand finale of fireworks on the fourth of July.

Oil on panel, 12" X 16"

"Lady Face Mountain" ©

The marine layer is making it's way towards Lady Face Mountain from the Pacific.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Frozen Silence" ©

The bug that is making it's rounds in Los Angeles, finally struck my home. We have all been ill for days and I have a show on Saturday. Today my legs wouldn't move, but I found sitting I could paint a bit. Even though the temperature was 79 degrees outside I wore my jacket all day, still freezing. This little painting probably wasn't helping. How interesting, I can't talk (silent) and I am freezing....hummm

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Season Of Gold" ©

Every season has color and lighting associated with the name. The colors of fall create a season of gold.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Golden Pond" ©

I have been unable to find a trail to this pond. Driving east on the 210 Fwy, just past Wheatland, this pond tempts me on every trip. Whizzing by on the freeway I look longingly for as long as possible at 65 miles per hour, making sure I don't rear one of the huge semi-trucks in the slow lane. It doesn't seem to matter, whether it's early in the morning or the final light of the day, it's a glorious golden pond. I think that the view may warrant a large studio painting.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Ridge View" ©

The Pasadena Museum Of California Art is exhibiting Benjamin Chambers Brown (1865-1942), a plein air painter who was one of the first artists to settle and paint in Pasadena. Alone, in the side gallery I was able to move back and forth, get very close to really observe the brush strokes and layers of paint. Looking at the exhibit I found commonalities between the paintings in composition and values. It was a wonderful lesson, Mr. Brown bestowed upon me today. And with that lesson and his inspiration I painted the view from the ridge.

"Heading Home" ©

Last spring, under cloudy skies, I drove from Cambria to Santa Clarita, California. I viewed this little ranch road as I was heading home.

5" X 7", Oil on Panel

"Native California" ©

This painting is a large version of an earlier painting that was 8" X 10", done by request.

Everything in this painting is native to California. I can just imagine the rabbits zipping across the path and a lone hawk circling above.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

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"Waiting For Rain" ©

All of Southern California is waiting for rain.....

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Smokey Sunset" ©

Almost monochromatic, that was my first thought looking across the road this afternoon. The air is still thick with smoke, draping our valley with it's sheer grey veil. This small painting is of our smokey sunset this evening.

Oil on Raymar Panel, 6" X 8"

"Towsley Canyon" ©

Towsley Canyon is just south of Stevenson Ranch on the Old Road. I am hoping that the fire past over this lovely valley on it's march to the ocean. "Thank You" is not near strong enough language to cover my feelings towards the fire fighters and to everyone for your good thoughts.

Humble gratitude is flowing with every breath.

Oil on Raymar panel, 6" X 8"

sold

"San Francisquito Canyon" ©

Yesterday a strange voice sounded over a bull horn. It was muffled and I ran out the front door, seeing the police cruiser, I knew it was about the fire down the canyon. I have never seen a poker faced police officer, no panic, no clues as to the danger, just his instruction "mandatory evacuation". Ok what do you take? I am usually organized, but faced with no time, making instant decisions was truly tough. My husband and I went into survival mode instantly. We make a tremendous team and each did what we were good at. 10 minutes later we were ready to roll and there was a knock at the door. Another officer just said, "go now", if you don't we can't save you if the situation gets deadly. A few hours later, we were allowed home and left our belongings in the car, just in case.

Today another fire rages on the north side of the valley in San Francisquito Canyon. I have painted the riverbed that snakes through the canyon for the past four years. Listening to the news in my studio, helplessly I painted the hills that hug the west side of the canyon as I remember them and hope that the fire fighters are safe and win!

"Silent Communion" ©

With the latest commission finished I jumped into this Sand Canyon landscape view. The horse and rider keep engaging my attention. I wonder how far they have to go and how often they ride down this trail and I am a bit envious of the silent communion between the two.

Oil on panel, 16" X 20"

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"Tickling Sunlight" ©

This path is out in San Francisquito Canyon. I was driving up the road and caught this view for one second. Immediately I slammed on the breaks because a painting was waiting just behind me. The whole piece is about the sunlight tickling the trees.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 8"

For the next few days I will be painting on a commission piece for an incredibly patient patron. Nothing else will be worked on until this painting is finished for her. The painting is so close to being complete, the finishing touches are all that remain to be done. I so dearly want the piece to be perfect. Impossible, I know but my goal.

sold

"Canyon Lands" ©

My last day of painting at the Descanso Gallery was spent in gallery 2 without a view of any sort. The posted sign at the garden entry gate announced that the artists would be painting at the gallery, so my dancing brush painted 3 lines of canyon walls. From there I just let the color take over. I was thinking about driving early in the morning up in Utah on the road that stretches between Salina and Green River. It's one of the most glorious sights, watching the first rays of sunlight bounce off the steep canyon walls. Keeping the painting simple and fun allowed me to chat while the gallery guests seemed to enjoy the process.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Autumn Evening" ©

Today painting in the Descano Gallery, I decided to play with the colors of early evening that we have been enjoying this lovely October. This was the last day to paint at the gallery, tomorrow we deflower the walls of the paintings that have lived there for a month. The sold works will be distributed to their new owners and the four of us can go back to our studios and paint BIG again! I have had an almost completed commission tugging at my heart and now I will be able to complete the final 2% and breath easier. It's a wonderful life.....

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Gold Dust" ©

At the end of the day, looking west in front of my home it looks as if all the wild brush has been dusted with gold. This is one of the many advantages of living on a dirt road.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Creekside" ©

Over the weekend I painted this piece at the Descanso Gardens Gallery. The show is almost over, only 4 more days, it's amazing how fast a month goes by. Our final reward came today when we saw the elusive Bobcat that lives within the garden. Two leaps and he was across the road and up in the "Y" of an old Oak tree. Truly a magnificent animal. With my heart rate excellerated I went back to my painting "Creekside".

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Big Sur" ©

During a conversation with a museum director, he told me that it takes 1,000 paintings to begin to understand the process, which was another reason to start this blog. This small painting is my 250th post, I am a quarter of the way.

The view is Highway 1, along the Big Sur coast. Today, in the Descanso Gallery I painted this piece with dark clouds brooding above and chilly air drifting in.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

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"Tree Line" ©

Usually the "rule" is to avoid a line of trees, serving as a barrier to the rest of the painting. Once again the process of blogging is allowing me to experiment and paint a line of trees. This painting is another Descanso Gallery piece.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Lakeside Palms" ©

This little rough sketch of a painting was all about exploring. Painting in Gallery 2 of the Descanso Carriage House Gallery, I have the luxury of "noodling", a bit here, a bit there. Guests wander in and we talk about art, where they are traveling from and the grandchildren. My time to paint stops and starts at traffic light speed. This makes for an interesting time, but not always a successful painting. Tomorrow will be a new day and a new painting.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"September Sky"

We have had clouds lately, which have been gone for months in my little valley. I love watching the shapes and colors as the wind whips the puffs of soft colors overhead. *October 7th, this painting is finally dry enough to lay on the scanning bed and post. This is a very good example of the difference between photographing on the easel late at night and scanning the painting.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Yellow Clouds" ©

Is there anything more beautiful then puffy yellow clouds on a cerulean blue sky? This is the painting that I worked on Wednesday at the Carriage House Gallery. The highlight of my day was a visit from my high school art teacher. It's not often that you are able to let a teacher see how they personally effected your path. All teachers are treasures, for sure and mine is a spectacular diamond, still sparkling brighter then ever.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10'

"Mountains Of Blue" ©

Today, in my painting area of gallery 2 at Descanso Gardens I was considering what to paint. On my way to La Canada Flintridge, the mountains kept my attention with gorgeous shades of blue. And so this little landscape was born from memories of color in my mind.

A quick note, I shot the photo by laying the painting in the sun on the drive at the gallery. The sunlight sparkles on the brush strokes but I think the main idea is present.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Cotton Candy Sky" ©

I painted this piece in the second room of the Descanso Gallery sitting in the dark corner. Making up for the lack of light I pushed the colors until this painting was singing, along with me.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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"Tuscan Gold" ©

Friday September 28, the Canyon Theatre Guild is hosting their annual gala "Under The Tuscan Moon". That evening will also be the debut of the "Canyon Theatre Guild Gala Fine Art Invitational", which I am fortunate to be one of the ten artists exhibiting. Part of the festivities will be an auction and I happily agreed to paint an auction painting. In keeping with the theme of the night, I painted a Tuscan scene which is only partially shown because of the format 20" X 20". This gala is going to be pure entertainment, great people, good food and flowing wine!