"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"