"Pacific Sunrise" ©

The soft pastel colors of the suns first light is what attracted me to this scene. Here are two photos so you can really see the small painting, one on the easel and one close up.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

Purchase ($100. U.S. shipped, unframed): from the artist Sold

"Malibu Trail" ©

My family never comments on a painting but this one evoked the words, "I want to be there". I put my brush down and knew the painting said what I wanted it to say, that Malibu State Park is a place to be and renew.

Oil on canvas, 12" X 16"

"Spring Time" ©

You really have to watch the cows with your painting gear. A cow actually licked all the paint off another artists painting while his back was turned. These three were watching for a while then bounced off, pretending to be frightened.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Twin Rocks, Catalina Island" ©

Early morning drifts of moisture obscured the massive stone face, then the sun would push it's way to kiss the rock here and there. At first I thought why even try to paint this view when I can't even see it, then watching this push and pull of clouds and sun, I couldn't help myself.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

"Devil's Punch Bowl" ©

Yesterday Lorelle Miller and I presented "Chasing Open Spaces" an artistic project where artists are historically documenting the SCV's rural areas on a panel for the Antelope Valley Conservancy. Afterwards we hit the road and drove to St. Andrews Abbey in the desert, looking for a spot to paint, we weren't inspired and drove on to Devil's Punch Bowl and wow wee, we found our views. Other then some excitement with a rattler, we finished off the day painting and enjoying the sun setting behind a large Joshua tree forest.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 9"

"Midday" ©

Did you know that when cows eat damp grass and weeds their teeth squeak. It's true, I was painting this scene and heard an odd sound behind me and this cow was having breakfast 1o feet away. I also think they watch you paint, why else stand in one spot, head lowered, just staring at you. The cows in my painting took off and ran before I could really nail them in but I'll try a large studio piece and work the cows out.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Sun Grazed Oaks" ©

Midday is one of the most difficult times to paint. Although painting these lovely Oaks midday worked well, the light bouncing off each bunch of leaves.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

Affaire In The Gardens, Beverly Hills

I spent all of last weekend exhibiting paintings at the "Affaire In The Gardens". My booth was a mixture of landscapes and several animal paintings, which was very interesting. Sales were balanced between the two subjects and visitors seem to respond kindly to both. I met wonderful artists that became good neighbors, the event runs like clockwork and I can recommend the show to both artists and guests. During the show I demonstrated painting and will post my painting as soon as I get it unpacked and photographed. It was a very successful weekend and I sure appreciated everyone that stopped by to visit and take a look at my efforts on canvas.

"Olivia" ©

Olivia was rescued in Texas and flown to LA by a family with hearts as big as Texas. She is learning to trust with new day.

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

"Trans Catalina Trail" ©

Early evening, traversing the island of Catalina I followed this trail till I could see the ocean in the distance. The birds were busy wrapping up their day, singing their last songs as the sun started to dip creating long cool shadows.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Dear Marilyn" ©

This front view of Marilyn is probably the last animal painting that will be dry enough to show at the Beverly Hills Afaire In The Gardens next weekend. I may be able to sneak in one more dog, named Olivia, just adorable but time is running out. Marilyn is living large at the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country and I was able to get this view because you can't turn your back on dear Marilyn.

Oil on Linen, 24" x 20"

Catalina Plein Air

If you add a little figure painting in this image you would have the whole view of me plein air painting. This was the best I could do alone. You can see the location, inland on the Island of Catalina and the beauty of the rolling hills, diving into Manzanita groves and the rising mountains in the distance driving the fog back to sea. A small fox came quite close and bounded as if on air through the wild grasses. The earth surface glows with true iridescence because of the natural Steatite. I wish you could hear the many bird songs that are the music of the inland. It was a magical week of painting.

Sierra Madre Art Fair

A dear friend and collector Ken was kind enough to take this photo of my parents and me, yesterday at the art fair. This is the rear view of the booth that my Mom and I shared, as we have the past 3 years. We had a very successful show but more importantly we so enjoyed the people that stopped by visited and looked at our paintings.

Today I spent the day putting all the gear and paintings away and packed to leave as the sun comes up for the boat to Catalina. I'll be painting on the island for 2 upcoming shows that feature the interior wildflowers. I'll be off line, just painting my heart out, till the end of the week.....