"San Juan, Afternoon" ©

I went out painting, hiking in with my gear packed on my back and stepped into a hole, falling flat, no one witnessed my flying dismount but in the aftermath shaking, my painting went no where. So humbled I came home and painted in the safety of my studio. Tomorrow is a new day!

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Morning Veil of Mist" ©

First look out the window, I saw what looked like the world covered in gauze. A morning veil of mist is rare in my canyon, since we are so far inland from the sea, I had to paint it.

Oil on Linen, 20" X 24"

"Montreuil-Bellay River" ©

This view is of a river that branches off the La Loire Le Thouet and cuts along the 15th and 16th century ramparts of Montreuil-Bellay, one of the most beautiful architectural areas in the Loire Valley, France.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 16"

"Winter Day" ©

First day back at the easel in three, the longest I have gone without painting since I can remember. I shot a couple of images of the progress, to show my thought process. Any thoughts or critique welcome (yeah you Bart).

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"

"From Blue Skies" ©

From blue skies to gray, rain is gently soaking all of Southern California under blanket of clouds.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Golden Reflections" ©

After the storm today all of the golden leaves will be blown onto the lake, bare trunks and branches will wait for spring.

Oil on linen panel, 9" x 12"

"Sunlit Solitude" ©

A few days of heat, a few days of rain and all of nature seems confused. The golden leaves are hanging on and green grasses emerge as if spring has arrived.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

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"Canyon Morning" ©

The easel and the Christmas tree are competing for my attention. Probably all artists suffer this tug of the two at this time of year. Today I painted the canyon in the morning before starting the day of shopping and decorating. Luckily I have views to paint within a couple of minutes from home.

Oil on canvas, 12" X 16"

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"San Juan Afternoon" ©

Last weekend I demonstrated oil painting at the Valencia Town Center Mall. Painting in the dark I was able to get most of it down so today I softened edges, changed some values and generally tried to bring the painting to a conclusion.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 16"

"Walker Ranch" ©

31 degrees, 7am, the sun is just grazing the earth in our canyon for the day, fighting the storm clouds on their way out.

Oil on Linen, 20" X 24"

"Tejon Creek" ©

Headed to Fort Bragg last weekend to run our speeder on the Skunk Railroad, as we headed up the 5 Freeway the view of the Tejon Ranch was stunning. To capture the winter hues I jumped at the chance to paint this dry creek at the ranch.

Oil on panel, 6" X 8"

"Hog Heaven" ©

A pile of straw and a puddle, hog heaven.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

Happy Thanksgiving!

"November Snow" ©

It snowed today up the hill. This scene is one I have painted in the past, still a favorite and the painting has already found a home, thankfully.

Oil on Canvas, 8" X 10"

"The Scent Of Rain" ©

It's coming, you can tell by the scent of rain in the air.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Frenchman's Flat" ©

Plein air painting I am always hunting for that "good idea" that can be worked into a studio painting. As simple as this little piece is the rim lighting and canyon walls folding into one another was the idea I hoped to gather.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Paramount Ranch" ©

Thanks to George Malone and the California Art Club we had the opportunity to paint at the Paramount Movie Ranch in Agoura. The day couldn't have been more beautiful, especially the clouds drifting in from the sea.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Cottonwoods In The Afternoon" ©

The painting is simply about being there, on the bank, looking over the water to the Cottonwoods beyond, with a trout breaking the surface now and again.

Oil on canvas, 12" X 9"

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"Sliver Of Sunlight" ©

I was mowing the lawn, my mind drifting and thought about the hills of Malibu. Nice thing about painting, you can dive into a piece and be any place you desire. So the decision was made to spend the rest of the day painting a sliver of sunlight in the Malibu hills, what could be better?

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Sunlit Vineyard" ©

Yesterday I painted in the 3rd Annual Falkner Vineyard Invitational, near Temecula, Ca. When I saw the little road that leads though the vineyard to the eucalyptus trees in the distance I got excited, set up and got to work. 31 artists painted thoughout the vineyard and we ended the day with glasses of wine, thanks to Falkner Vineyard and Segil Fine Art Source.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"A Break In The Moss" ©

This morning walking down to Hansen Dam to paint I discovered the lake blanketed in moss. The ducks cut right through the carpet effortlessly, while conversing with one another. The cool breeze gave clue to break in the heat, thank goodness.

Oil on Panel, 11" X 14"

"Grand Canyon" ©

I have always wanted to paint the Grand Canyon with it's rock formations in the rosy morning light. Now that travel and shows are slowing down till spring there is time to experiment, guilt free. So today, I played!

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Colors In The Canyon" ©

Today I went to a figure painting session, it felt great to paint a lovely lady, Jennifer, although I kept finding myself holding my breath. What a challenge for a landscape painter. After pushing my brain and brush so hard it was nice to paint a local canyon and breath calmly.

Oil on panel, 6" X 8"

"Afternoon Warmth" ©

This is the season for miniature paintings to be submitted for the flurry of December holiday shows. It's a great excuse for me to explore compositions and palettes quickly on these little canvases.

Oil on panel, 6" X 8"

"Bridle Trail" Will Rogers State Park ©

Yesterday the California Art Club had a paint out at Will Rogers State Park, near the ocean. The deer wandered about oblivious to people clicking away on their cameras, while the varied eucalyptus trees tempted the painters. I chose to paint this little scene on the bridle path, being very careful to give the horses plenty of room to pass. Thank you George and the CAC for a great day!

9" X 12" Oil on Panel

"Gardens of Place du Cardinal, Morning Mist" © Richelieu, France

The one and only sculptor on the France trip, Karen and I wandered onto the grounds of the Place du Cardinal very early in the morning. We were the first people to see the sun cut though the morning mist. The acres of gardens sat quietly in the cool air waiting for the day to begin.

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"Moss Covered Canal" ©

The moss is so thick at first glance the canal looks like a pathway. This canal is part of the Chateau de Saint Loupe built between 1609 and 1626, now owned by Count Charles-Henri de Bartillat. If you would like to spend the night in a castle this might just be the spot, it's extraordinary.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

"Placerita Canyon, Late In The Day" ©

Today I was suppose to go painting in Whitney Canyon, my painting buddy bailed and I promised my husband I wouldn't go into the canyon alone. Now what?

There are several small works shows in the wings, probably gallery owners are thinking of holiday shoppers, so I painted my street, AGAIN. I thought hard about this and decided that since Monet painted hay stacks several times and Kevin Macpherson painted his pond hundreds of times, I have artistic permission to paint my street as much as desired. Plus it might make a nice entry for one of the small works shows. Good use of a blown day.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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"A Brief Interlude" ©

Clouds are a rarity in our valley, other then a distant thunderhead rising out of the desert heat. Today clouds blanketed the world, thunder rumbled, lighting flashed ushering in the rain. You could feel the relief each leaf felt and then the skies broke open with a brief interlude, until it rained again.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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p.s. I tried to post this last night and the wet phone lines chewed open by squirrels gave up and I was off the gird.

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"Late In The Day" ©

I haven't painted this scene in a couple of years. It's just out my driveway about 50 yards down the dirt road and luckily the weeds haven't been abated yet. This weekend I'll be showing paintings at the 19th Annual Craftsman Furnishings and Decorative Arts Show, at the Pasadena Convention Center and thought it would be nice to paint the view that is on my business cards. Even though it's just wild brush and dripping oaks, "Late In The Day" it's beautiful.

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"Vache" ©

Painting a "cow" from life in France was a challenge. She didn't seem to understand or care that I wished for her to stand still. I would lose track of her in the herd, yet in just a couple of hours I began to be able to identify each cow, known in France as "Vache".

8" X 10", Oil on panel

"Le Pont de Gourg'e" ©

Early in the morning driving to the Parthenay's famous livestock sale and market I saw this view at a glance and immediately knew it was a painting that needed to be painted. Standing on the bridge built in the 11th Century, the surroundings were silently awaiting the warmth of the morning sunlight, I was smitten. A larger painting of this scene is warranted and I'll try to paint well enough to portray the serenity I felt.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Eaton Canyon, Afternoon" ©

Next weekend I am showing paintings during the Pasadena Heritage's Craftsman Weekend event. This little painting is my donation for the silent auction that will benefit the organization Pasadena Heritage which has played a vital role in preserving Old Pasadena, the Colorado Street Bridge and many other Pasadena landmarks. I am hoping it will be dry by then......

Oil on Panel, 6" X 8"

*my donation was bid upon and went to a new home.

"Ella" ©

No, I didn't meet any pigs in France, just lots of sheep and cows. At least up close and personal. Two different days cows got into my painting back pack that I had left too close to the fence. I really think they are quite curious. And they slurp when they drink, big time. Little Ella was painted on request and I enjoyed spending the day with her. Oil on panel, 8" X 10" sold

"Frontenay Gate" ©

Property lines are marked in France, maybe by a bit of wire or possibly a huge stone wall, either way everyone knows and respect the line. Painting this piece I was standing in a public park looking at private property beyond the gate. The arch way created by the trees are what caught my eye and brush. Eventually the land owner offered me a horse to bring home to America.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Tranquil Tunnel" © Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet, France

The French word "thouet" is an ancient Gaelic word meaning tranquil. It's a perfect word for the tributary river meandering through St. Loup-s. Painting this piece clouds blocked the sun randomly as if the light switch was being thrown every few minutes. Occasionally the sun would light up the the distant trees within the "tranquil tunnel" and that was my hope to capture.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"15th Century Remains" © Montreuil-Bellay, France

The charming 15th century village of Montreuil-Bellay overlooks the meandering river and what is left of an ancient bridge. While painting this piece I was imagining the hands that pitched and laid the stone and how many souls and hoofs had crossed.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Le Thouet" © Saint Loup sur Thouet, France

Painting along the bank, local French residence walking their small white dogs (why they are all small and white I have no idea other possibly that is all that is available or desirable) they would look at this little painting evolving, smile and give me rapid encouragement and declare it was beautiful. Far from home their warm smiles and words were so very welcome and gently pushed me though the painting.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Until Tomorrow" ©

The painting in France adventure continues: As the sun left us each evening, sinking below the treeline we would watch in awe, tired from painting all day, happy a dinner, wine and conversation would follow. We knew it was only "Until Tomorrow" till we would feel the sun again.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Brilliant Blue Promise", St. Loup-s Thouret, France

While setting up to paint on the river bank the skies opened up for the first time since landing in France. The skies parted revealing a brilliant blue promise for the days to come.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Fields Of Frontenay" ©

I arrived home from France happy and tired. Painting and living with a group of women artists from across the U.S. was an experience of a lifetime. This painting was the first piece of the trip and a typical view for the region. While painting the church bells rang out the time, at one point I thought a cow was singing with the bells. Later I found out that the cow just knew that it was the "dinner" bell and she was really hungry.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Lake Tahoe Stream" ©

Driving around Lake Tahoe last weekend we saw several small streams allowing snow melt to feed into the turquoise waters of the lake. Hiking in a bit off the road this view of the Aspen trunks reaching up amongst the pines to bask in the sunlight on the bank of the tiny stream caught my brush.

Oil on Panel, 6" X 8'

I am hanging my "gone painting" shingle out once again. Heading to France, near Poitiers to paint for a couple of weeks. I will have my laptop and hope to post to the blog. I'll do my best.

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"Cottonwoods" ©

Today unpacking from the Tahoe trip and starting to pack for France I thought I would take a quick break and get the brush wet. Thinking of the Teton Valley's lovely Cottonwoods, this little study took shape. Oil on panel, 8" X 6" sold

"Malibu Lagoon Evening" ©

The Malibu Lagoon is golden this time of year, summer is ending and fall is looming around the corner. The mountains glowing in the distance caught my attention when finding this scene. I am traveling over the next 4 days and hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.

Oil on Canvas, 14" X 18"

"Cold Creek" ©

The morning sun is just grazing the cold creek at the start of a new day.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Ram" ©

Framing paintings ate up most of my day but I did manage to paint this little Ram in between drilling, boxing and wiring.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Marilyn Posing" ©

I had the chance to paint Marilyn again, on a smaller panel. What a face she has and you can't turn your back on her. I have no clue what she will do, bite, trample, lick? The folks at the Gentle Barn just told me not to and with an animal that big you don't question the authorities.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 12"

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"Goat" ©

A gallery called looking for some of my animal paintings, so I have the opportunity to paint more fur and feathers. This goat lives out at the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country and was willing to pose.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 9"

"Waiting For Rain" ©

Tonight I shot this painting on my studio easel because the Canvas is 12" X 12" and photographing tighter (just the painting) I lose part of the painting. I know you photo folks are giggling at me.

All of the natural Southern California landscape is starting to droop. The greens have turned gold, the rusty brush is gray and the sandy riverbed sinks under foot. I think we are all "waiting for rain".

Oil on Panel, 12" X 12"

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