"Through the Trees" ©

Central California is blanketed with golden rolling hills, edged with stands of Eucalyptus trees. In this painting the path crests the hill in the shade of the trees, allowing a view though the trees.


Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

Here are a few photographs of the process:

At this point the painting is finally taking shape. I have paint all over the canvas in the general color and value.

Beginning the painting, all the time looking for patterns, deciding on how to direct the viewer into the painting to the distant hills. Placing color in a value on each area of the painting allows me to see what I need to push and pull to tell the story.



















Usually I paint on a white canvas but found this one tucked away with a warm wash and thought it would make a good start for "Through the Trees". At this stage I am figuring out the composition and just beginning to punch in the darks.

"May Clouds" ©

High winds allowed masses of cotton clouds to drift overhead. Distractedly painting this weekend in between all the "life stuff", I painted this piece 4 times, scraping down each time to raw canvas. The lesson learned: never paint without full concentration.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"Trail Through the Trees" ©

Recently I went to the small town of Ojai to photograph an extraordinary horse for a commissioned painting and came across this tiny trail though the Eucalyptus trees. The way the light filtered down onto the golden grass grabbed my attention.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Creek Demo" Valencia Fine Art Festival

Last weekend at Valencia Fine Art Festival the organizers encouraged artists to demonstrate their media for the public. While visiting with folks I painted a small version of "Heritage Valley Creek" as a demo. It was a perfect weekend of showing, visiting with artists, good weather and best of all, great company.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Sunlit Solitude" ©

Packing up the art mobile (Ford Expedition / gas eater) for 3 days of showing this weekend at the first ever "Valencia Fine Art Festival" at the Valencia Town Center Patios in, you guessed it, Valencia CA. If your in Southern California and looking for entertainment come on by, besides tons of art / artists the patios are full boutiques and interesting restaurants.

"Sunlit Solitude" was purchased by a new collector out of the show hanging at Gale's in Pasadena till June 10th. Having a painting find it's permanent home is the perfect end to the process.

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"

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"Heritage Valley Creek" ©

When nature provides a scene like this you really can't miss, just hand her the brush and stand back.

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

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"Desert Sentries" ©

Years ago a seasoned painter was explaining with excitement about painting trees, the different personalities, varied greens and the body language of the limbs. I just didn't understand at that time and now years later, I get it. Experience was needed to appreciate nature. These desert palms sway in the wind, house birds within the fronds and critters find safe haven in their skirts.

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Oil on Panel, 10" X 8"

"Evening At Vasquez" ©

Vasquez Rocks, glowing in the final sunlight of the day was a welcome challenge to paint, after wrapping up another weekend showing at an art festival.

Oil on Linen, 14" X 18"

"Sundown" ©

I'll be showing this weekend at the 49th Annual Sierra Madre Art Fair, May 7 - 8, 9:30am - 6pm Saturday, 9:30am - 5pm Sunday Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA. If your in the area come on by, there will be live music, fair food, tons of art and fantastic weather.

Oil on Panel, 8" x 10"

"Whitney Canyon Trail" ©

This scene in Whitney Canyon, is just before you come to the water falls. One of the newer protected spaces of the Santa Clarita Valley it's a great place to hike. I photographed this painting while painting a few times so you can see the progress.

At this stage the entire canvas has paint on it. As I paint each element I will adjust the value and color, to support the idea of the piece and be assured of variety.

Large masses of color notes begin to create a road map of how the painting will proceed.

Beginning to find the composition, I roughly marked the canvas as to where the big elements would be placed.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"