"Walker Ranch, Midday" ©

I have finished the last in the series of Walker Ranch, painted at different times of day. This was such an interesting idea, I plan to continue the concept of "time of day" exploration.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 30"

"Walker Ranch, Evening"

This painting is the same view as "Walker Ranch, Morning". Painting the same view at different times of day was an idea from Robert Walker (no relation to the Ranch). Really pushing the concept of time of day and having it on my mind the entire time painting the piece was very helpful.

A little blog update, the last blog was painting 600, a small cheer peeped out of me when I saw that number. I am still painting large pieces for my November show so my postings aren't so "daily", once I am back from painting in Maine and all of the show pieces are done, I'll be back with the small paintings.

Oil on canvas, 24" X 30"

"Malibu Lagoon"

As long as I kept painting the families of ducks would pass under the bridge that I was standing on. Eye contact, duck to human, and the little feathered buoys would swim off warily. This painting is from yesterday mornings SCAA paint out in the Malibu Lagoon.

9" X 12", oil on panel

"Walker Ranch, Morning"

7am, the eastern end of Walker Ranch is just waking up.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 30"

sold

"A Long Way Home"

We saw this homestead in "Big Sky" country and thought, boy are we a long way from home. It's truly all about the sky.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"

"Desert Sky" ©

The "Friends Of Hart Park" asked me to paint a little painting for an upcoming auction to raise funds for the park. I am happily donating a "Desert Sky".

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"San Juan Capistrano" ©

Yep, everyone paints the Mission, except me. I have to go out and find a lovely spot along the San Juan River, completely alone, just bunnies and little black flying bugs that love my eyes. Actually I painted this view during the San Clemente Competition and loved it so much I wanted to visit it again large.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 36"

p.s. the darks look really dark in this photo, trust me there are bushes, twigs and rocks in there.

"Sweetie" ©

At Rancho Oso several barn yard animals are living the good life. "Sweetie" was hanging out with a lamb, looking adorable.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Desert Evening" ©

It's amazing how different a mountain looks throughout the day. In the morning they are pale and distant, midday flushed in sunlight all of the ribs and gulley's are washed out and finally in the evening they glow with the last of the sunlight.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Sunlit Oaks" ©

This location is half way between Sand Canyon and Sierra Highway on Placerita Canyon. The light playing in the Oaks was what captured me and lead to the painting.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Rancho Oso" ©

Not much time to paint at the ranch this past weekend, just this little study of this wild tree. No one knew exactly the type, maybe a Cottonwood that had a rough life. Other then the Santa Ynez River, the creeks and streams had dried up for the summer. It's a lovely valley especially in the evening.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Trestles Trail" ©

The trail to Trestles surfing beach runs along side the San Mateo Riverbed, so thick with trees and brush the river is buried. I was tempted to find a way down into the riverbed when a local explained that it might not be safe for a lone painter. Being on my own, I opted to wimp out and stick to the trail.

Tonight I am packing my paints for a long 4th of July weekend at Rancho Oso, in Santa Barbara on the Santa Ynez River. Yes, the kids are packing horses and tack, they'll ride, I'll paint. What could be better?

Oil on Panel, 12" X 16"

"Cottons, North" ©

I am standing on the beach at Trestles, looking at Cotton's and in the furthest distance, Dana Point. It was a very gray day, without many people wandering the beach. Standing at my easel I watched a pod of dolphins cruising the coast, while thinking about why I live inland. This painting was entered in the San Clemente Plein Air Competition last weekend. It's hanging right next to the first place painting, nice company.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"