"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"

sold

"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"

sold

"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!

"Hart Park" ©

Monday I played hooky from the Carriage House Gallery in Descanso Gardens to paint out. Six of us met in Hart Park to paint under the umbrella of the Santa Clarita Artist Association. We had a very nice day and six lovely little paintings were born that morning.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"California Colors" ©

Yesterday while captive within the Carriage House Gallery at Descanso Gardens I attempted to paint. It was a very different process then painting plein air or in the studio. You have the brush ready to make a move, not unlike a chess player, and the movement is put on hold to assist a gallery guest. Upon returning to the easel that move that seemed so emanate, evaporates and you begin again, only to repeat the process. Here is the surprise, the guests are so engaging and interested in the paintings that you are just pulled from the joy of painting to the joy of meeting new people. It's a wonderful life!

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Descanso Dreaming" ©

Yesterday, four artists installed (mostly) landscape paintings at the "Carriage House Gallery" within the Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, California. I was lucky to be one of the four. Part of the agreement with the gardens is that the artists will be at the gallery as much as humanly possible. Today, I hauled my painting gear up the hill with the intent to paint while talking with visitors. The small painting you are viewing is the product of a day of Descanso dreaming, in between customers.

I'll be there tomorrow too, from 10am - 4pm, come on over....

Oil on Raymar linen panel, 6" X 8"

"Days End" ©

The grasses, brush and Oak trees are so dry they look soft to the touch. Of course if you happen to have a "soft" looking bit of grass brush against your bare leg, you know right away it's anything but soft. Luckily as a painter, if I am careful where I stand, I can just absorb the hazy gentleness of nature off in the distance.

Oil on linen, 11" X 14"

"Fields Of Poppies" ©

Without rain our California Poppy fields were barren this year. Today I was considering this and decided just to paint my own. I started with a mountain, threw in Oak trees and laced Poppies, Lupine and a few bushes on the ground. Possibly next spring this scene will become reality. Meanwhile, I can dream.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

sold

"Rabbit Canyon" ©

I wonder how many rabbits live in our valley. The number would be staggering, I am sure. Our humble front yard is home to 3 - 5, it's hard to tell since they all are wearing the same outfit.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10'

"Valley Morning" ©

Just another beautiful day in Southern California. Finally our heat wave broke, everyone seems to be smiling more and moving a bit faster again.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Canyon Trail" ©

After my close call with the Mountain Lion a couple of weeks ago, I am not walking up these deserted trails anymore, at least not alone. But that doesn't mean that I can't PAINT them!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Evening Glass", Snake River ©

Underneath the glassy surface a current flows to the Pacific Ocean. Idaho has gorgeous clouds at the end of the day, as if nature is putting on a final show of color after a day of blanketing brilliant blue over the hills.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 20"