"Desert Sanctuary" ©

I should have been addressing invitations and framing all day, but the easel was so magnetic I couldn't fight the pull. This is an odd painting, a combination of views, all in Borrego Springs. I was imagining traveling across the barren sands, suffering the lose of all comfort and this glorious white structure off in the distance, promising at least a drink of cool water. Of course I was sipping ice tea, listening to great music in the lap of comfort while painting away the day.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

sold

"California Colors" ©

An artist friend saw this painting last evening and said "it's classic California". True enough, this view could be down near San Diego, in the Central coast area or Northern California.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Along The Coast" ©

California has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. I am working very hard preparing for an upcoming show at Gales Restaurant in Pasadena. The little daily paintings are taking a beating, while my attention is focused on varnishing, framing and all the little details that it takes to pull off a show. I only have one month left. "Along The Coast" was a nice break from the drudgery.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Saguaro Cactus" ©

I have been advised never to paint a subject that would be considered "odd". Saguaro Cactus are odd, especially when vast desert acreage is covered by these strange figures. Today I threw advice to the wind and played in my paint.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Between Storms" ©

This spring our storms seem to have clean breaks, in between pouring rain. The canyon I live in is sandy riverbed and the puddles disappear as quickly as they fill every hole. This view I have painted in between storms is down the road a few miles. There is a chain across the entrance to this rural road to discourage vehicles and I probably should not venture in but I love the view and "sneak" in often.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Clouds" ©

The clouds were racing overhead all day. A quiet symphony of sun, rain, dark heavy clouds, brilliant fluffy clouds, pink cotton ball clouds all playing their parts, topped off by a golden glow for the final movement.

Oil on canvas, 6" x 8"

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"Dangling Branch"

Rest stops are sprinkled along our major highways. I first saw this tree at a rest stop in Utah near the Idaho boarder. It was early in the morning; the grass was still wet from the night. Usually I don't stop, ever, while driving long distance alone but I could see this tree from the highway on approach and it just pulled me in. I felt safe. Painting the back lit dangling branch, makes me those feelings of being protected, safe and magnetized by the beauty of nature, once again.

Oil on Linen, 18" X 24"

"Zion Morning" ©

Zion National Park is a wonderland of stone, trees and wildlife. Today's painting is my attempt to capture the early morning light that bathed my family as we hiked the canyon.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"Big Sur Bluff" ©

Billowing clouds at the end of the day, top off the view of the bluff, along the Pacific coast.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"The Old Depot" ©

The Recreational Railroad Coalition is working with the City Council of Ione, California to convince the Union Railroad to allow the RRC to clean up a couple of miles of rail starting in front of the Old Depot. After running the Amador Foothill Railroad last weekend I can understand the desire to gather up as many miles of track as you can. The Old Depot is in shambles but just packed with character. In this painting the emotion I was looking for was abandonment and loneliness.
Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"California Coast" ©

The Big Sur coastline is calling to my family. It seems a camping trip is in order, meanwhile I painted our favorite sandy stretch of sand.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Foothills" ©

It just takes 10 inches of rain and a bit of sun to drape green blankets of velvety growth over the "Foothills".

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Farmland" ©

Tomorrow morning my family will be heading up the state of California to Ione, a small town in the Gold Country. Trailering behind our pickup will be "Speedy" our Canadian Fairmont Motor Car, for her first trip on real rails. We are all excited with the prospect of Speedy's maiden voyage, she came into our family last spring and finally we are all ready to put her steel wheels against railroad track. As a painter I am full of anticipation to see the landscape from this new vantage point, guaranteed to be inspirational, riding through "Farmland" Be back Monday......

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"
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"Floater II" ©

The first "Floater" sold the day I posted her and the new owner suggested that I paint another floater for the upcoming show. Thankful for the suggestion, here is "Floater II". Now if I can just hold on to her for a bit.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

sold

"Lazy Trail" ©

Today I had the pleasure of gallery sitting at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. It would be a very long day except I bring my gear and paint. It's just great, good music, nice people and beautiful gardens all around. If you are ever in the area it's worth a visit.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"