"Eucalyptus Trees" ©

This painting is another San Clemente plein air piece. I chose not to enter this piece in the competition because I felt that there wasn't a clear light source and focal point. The sun went behind the hill over my shoulder and that was that. I went back a couple of days later to see if I could spend more time with the view but a wonderful gray mass of clouds floated in off of the ocean creating a lovely moody scene, a totally different view. In truth that is the excitement of plein air painting, you are not in control of the elements and just along for the ride.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Sand Dancer" ©

One day last week in San Clemente I was sitting on the beach with my small Guerrilla Box easel on my lap, ready to paint little studies of people enjoying the sun and sand. This was one of the many luxuries of the week, being able to just paint without any regard about time. I learned a very neat trick. The sand makes a great brush holder. As you are painting you can stick your brush handle down into the sand, while using another brush or squeezing out more paint. This little girl was flying on air down to the water and back up onto dry sand. Her hands were splayed out and her feet performed a ballet, then one moment she actually paused to gaze at the waves and I captured the "Sand Dancer".

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7", $100.

sold

"Evening Light, San Mateo" ©

Perched on a tiny ledge of gravel, over looking the road that follows the San Mateo Creek to the ocean I was entranced by the "Evening Light" filtered through the Eucalyptus trees.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

Lesson learned: Bug spray has no effect on gnats.

"Bluffs" ©

Calafia beach is laced with beautiful bluffs that offer up sandy surfaces to the sun. It's hard to know whether to gaze at the Pacific, or be dazzled by the "Bluffs".

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Sunlight On Trestles Trail" ©

I was headed to a location called Trestles, one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world. One thing I always remind myself when looking for a painting in nature is to TURN AROUND. More often then not, that is moment of Ahh-Haa, which is exactly what happened here. When I saw the dappled light filtering through the sycamore trees, that was it. I never made it to Trestles that day. As surfers and hikers passed me more often then not they would comment that they come down this dirt path because it's the most beautiful way to Trestles.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

sold

"Early Morning, San Clemente State Park"

Last week I was painting in San Clemente, as one of 128 painters in the local plein air competition. We were allowed to submit 2 pieces on Saturday to be presented for awards and sale during the evening gala. "Early Morning" was my first painting of the week and one of my submissions. It was a tough decision, having absolutely no experience in this type of venue, to pick 2 paintings out of 9.

During the week I learned several things everyday. From small stuff, sand makes a great brush holder to larger discoveries, how to paint a wave. It was a week of painting and learning. The artists didn't connect during the week, somehow I hadn't expected to be so alone. This gave me time to reflect, think and absorb.

The artist members of the San Clemente Art Association that produce the competition did a great job in organizing the event and gala evening. Actually they wore many hats and worked terribly hard. Pam Hill, Steve Kell and Annemarie Hall were the Paint San Clemente Event Committee, the words "thank you" are not enough for all of their time and effort.

San Clemente is a beautiful seaside village. After spending a week immersed in the area a description would have to include, red tile roofs, white walls, trains, surfers, palm trees and friendly folks.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

sold

"Sand Canyon" ©

Another title for this painting could be "Dancing Brush". My brush danced all over the linen, creating little dry grass, light playing in the Oak tree and scrub on the mountain. It felt really good to paint "home". As I am hanging my gone painting shingle out once more. This time I am off to San Clemente Beach to paint till Saturday the 21st in the Paint San Clemente, Plein Air Competition. I'll have a laptop with me for blogging if I can get a connection easily. Painting is my priority.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Inland Trail" ©

The lighting system over my easel has taken a break and I have to stop here for the day. My hero husband will wing in, cape flying and fix the lights later this evening. The painting is of a trail that leads from the ocean heading inland along the Big Sur coastline. It's very quiet and cool, with the scent of Eucalyptus trees hanging heavy in the damp sea air. I will work on this painting more and develop every area one more time but it's enough of a statement now to give you the idea of the "Inland Trail".

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 20"

"Light In The Riverbed" ©

Big thanks to everyone that came to the art show this weekend at the Hyatt. Several paintings found new homes and I was able to meet many new collectors which is always a pleasure. I took a break from unpacking show gear to paint the little dry creek that runs in front of my house. The light today is a bit fuzzy but I did find a nice view of "Light In The Riverbed".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Sycamores In December" ©

Tomorrow is the show at the Valencia Hyatt Hotel. Nancy Eckels, Belinda Delpesco, Lorelle Miller and I are pleased and excited to be able to exhibit/show in our "home" town. All of us show all over but it's not often to have the chance here in the Santa Clarita Valley. We have hundreds of paintings. I am bringing 48, 5" X 7" blog paintings, plus another 40 framed pieces. If you would care to come and meet us, we'll be ready for you by 10am. At 6pm the day will come to an end. The Hyatt is at 24500 Town Center Drive. The show is called "By The Artists' Hand". We would enjoy meeting you and hope that everyone will appreciate seeing our work in person rather then on a computer screen or at a far away gallery. My painting on our invitation card is "Sycamores In December".

sold

"Oaks In The Afternoon" ©

This Sunday is a show called "By The Artists' Hand". Nancy Eckels, Lorelle Miller and Belinda Delpesco, along with myself are showing our work at the Valencia Hyatt Hotel. Until Sunday most hours of the day are spent preparing for the show but I sneak easel time on a lovely Big Sur Path (20" X 24") and of course a little painting here and there.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" x 7"

"Ocean Cliffs" ©

Today while preparing for Sunday's show, I slipped in this little painting. Probably because the thought of painting at the beach is surfacing in my mind, while framing finished pieces.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Eaton Afternoon" ©

This past weekend was packed with demonstrating, showing and talking about art in Sierra Madre. It was the 2nd annual Artist's Studio Tour. Since my Mom is a Sierra Madre local she allowed me to play along. Saturday night the artists traveled on a shuttle bus for a speedy preview of the studios, dinner, dancing, laughing and connecting. Sunday morning balloons and signs marked our studio and guests hiked up the hill to "Cedarhawke" (Mom and Dad's home) to see what her studio looked like. I was down three flights greeting folks, painting and explaining to those interested how I paint before they ascended the stairs to her tree top studio.

This evening at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena a small band of Santa Clarita artists joined in donating original artwork to benefit the Pasadena Aids Service Center. As usual Gale was serving delicious bites, free flowing wine and dessert cups. When we left red dots, signaling sold where sprinkled on every wall.

Today just for fun I painted "Eaton Afternoon", not that the weekend wasn't full of fun but painting alone in the quiet is a pleasure all it's own.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"