"San Gabriels Spring II" ©

Between yesterday's post and today this baby was the one that I choose to use as a basic template for the larger painting. The shade in the foreground seems to always appeal to me, as if the viewer is standing in the shadows looking out into the sunlit world. And what a beautiful world it is!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"San Gabriels In Spring" ©

A very big title for a very small painting, "San Gabriels In Spring". Today I worked out a couple of small studies of this view, this is one, and laid out a larger 16" X 20", using the best color harmony and composition from the smaller pieces. We'll see if the finished painting will be better with all of this thought and practice.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Sea Sparkles" ©

Practice, practice, practice. In June I will be painting the sea for a week long competition. Under pressure the only way I'll be painting with any confidence is to practice the colors of the sea, sand and rocks. Over the next several weeks I am committed to practicing. When not actually painting the sea, I'll be studying how waves move, sea birds, shoreline plant life and so on. "Sea Sparkles" is a study of color, hopefully the first of many.

Oil on linen, 9" X 12" sold

"Sharing Sheets" ©

Eight O'clock, Lucky went to bed, regardless of the activity in the household. He preferred not to be disturbed and in his own subtle way let you know. But as my time to hit the sheets arrived I would stand by the bedside, look at him snoozing and with regret say "OK buddy, my turn". Lucky would slowly lift up and off the bed with a thud, tail down, head down and mosey off to his second choice spot. He never asked and I didn't mind "Sharing Sheets". Still missing you, buddy.....

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

My apologies for the sparkly (white dots) photo, I shot this outside in the sunlight.

"Sunlit Cliff" ©

Looking at this painting with a fresh eye this morning I can see the "Sunlit Cliff" should have more to say about the cliff. Blogging is such a great tool for painters, almost as though you have a good friend willing to critique in an honest, positive way. I'll keep playing with the sunlight.....

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"Desert Trail" ©

The daily colors of the desert are soft to the eye, unlike the coastline that blasts vibrant blazes of blue. And yet the desert is just as able to hypnotize the viewer with it's enchanting subtle pastels. Late in the day the desert floor and encircling mountains put on a brilliant show of color, for a brief moment. That moment is what I was attempting to capture in "Desert Trail".

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"A Real Beauty" ©

This lovely floating jewel gave me the chance for a break from pure landscape painting. She was simply "A Real Beauty".

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"Canyon View" ©

We need a bit more rain to hold off the golden hues of summertime. I can see the change creeping into the canyon more and more everyday. It's inevitable, I know, but the greens of spring could hang around a month or two more.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

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"Spring, Eaton Canyon" ©

Allowing a painting to ferment in the studio lets me see details that need addressing one at a time, over time, rushing is impossible. I have been painting on this piece for several days. Stopping to paint a "daily painting" has been distracting and I am rethinking the process. The desire to paint better, paint well, paint consistently is overpowering. This painting is a step in that direction. Now it will ferment and I will respond. Eaton Canyon looked just like this 2 weeks ago, when I sketched the view. I couldn't wait to bring it to life on canvas.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 30"

"Guarding The Sea" ©

Small life guard stations dot the Pacific Coast, flags waving in the breeze, signaling to parents that their children will be safe while swimming. I have always been tempted to climb up the steps of one of these structures (unmanned of course), just for the view but the signs warning of such behavior have prevented my accent. One day I'll brave the wrath!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Two Flats, Blocks In The Back" ©

Not a straight inch on her. Tucked in the back of Rancho Camulos, this old timer is spending her final days, keeping cool under the Pepper Trees.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Desert Day Break" ©

Watching a DVD of a master painter while in the middle of a painting is not recommended. I had the opportunity to see Ted Goeshner paint a scene in Paris, that was eye opening and full of good information. This painting was already started and when I went back to the easel, I was mumbling "well that is wrong and oh I should have done this, and so on". The next painting will include all that I can remember of the DVD and will be better!

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Watering Can" ©

The docents at Rancho Camulos enjoy dressing up and playing the part of the residents long since gone. Beth was kind enough to water this lovely vine, holding the pose for several artists. I wasn't going to post this effort but my daughter encouraged me to blog the painting. She said "look at it in the dark, the painting glows". And so here it is, the "Watering Can".

Oil on panel, 12" X 9"

"Rest Stop" ©

The idle of diesel engines, dogs straining at the end of their leash looking for a bit of grass, children scurrying to the concrete buildings that signal relief after hours in the car, all going on with this view in the distance at the "Rest Stop".

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Quiet Light" ©

Today at the easel I felt at ease to paint my home turf without a care about upcoming shows or commissions. We have been on the road, traveling to Santa Maria to ride the rails in our Fairmont M-14 Speeder. Yesterday was the grand opening reception at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena. Many thanks to everyone that took the time to come and support the show. I am not sure who bought paintings, but I am deeply thankful and sincerely hope they bring joy to your homes and hearts. With the past few days behind me, I painted the creek that rambles past my home down the canyon at a spot where it spreads out wide offering up the blue and pink mountains in the distance. I love this view, it's quiet and beautifully lit.

"Piru Farmland" ©

Oceans of vegetable greens ripple in the wind. The valley that runs from Piru to Santa Paula is a quilt of farms, hemmed in by eucalyptus and poplar trees. Orange groves stop and start varying the view. This painting is a tiny glimpse of the beauty of Piru this spring.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Rancho Camulos" ©

The perfume of orange blossoms hung heavy throughout the grove. I sat painting in the middle, a small lizard sunning a few feet away and off in the distance I could hear the laughter of strawberry pickers lunching. Thirty plein air painters attended the Ranchos Spring Plein Air Day. The costumed docents welcomed us with hot coffee and pastries, served tortilla soup and an array of salads for lunch, offered tours and posed. The artists were pleased to be so well cared for. I saw some beautiful paintings that were born today, thanks to the loving staff of Rancho Camulos.

Oil on Linen Panel, 8" X 10"