"San Clemente Beach Path" ©

This little painting is one of the plein air pieces that I painted during the "Paint San Clemente" event.  I was standing on the edge of the beach path, the train tracks and ocean were on my right.  During the week the path is wide open, without the parade of people running and walking past.  There are changes I would make looking at this now but at the time it was what I saw and how I responded.  

Oil on Linen,  11" X 14"

"Calafia Palms" ©

Calafia Beach in San Clemente is packed with families frolicking in the warm Pacific waters, once the sun breaks the marine layer of clouds.  I painted this piece very early in the morning looking up the little canyon from the parking lot before the sun and people arrived for the day.  The interesting shapes of the palm trees were captivating.  

Oil on Panel 16" X 12"

The "Paint San Clemente" event ended last weekend with an art fair in the park outside the gallery.  I like to participate in these occasionally and  think it is valuable to hear peoples comments on my paintings.  Often when sales occur online or in a  gallery, you never actually talk to the new owners.  I enjoy having the personal contact and knowing the families that will hang my paintings in their homes.  

"Monday Morning, San Clemente State Park"

Painting San Clemente last week during the plein air event I tried to search out spots that were beautiful  and possibly different locations from where the other artists would choose to paint.  Early Monday morning I was exploring the state park, while the low cloud cover refused to burn away.  I decided to paint these Eucalyptus trees and while I was working away a fellow walked past and told me that he walked though there everyday and never noticed how beautiful the trees are.  He made my day.  

Oil on Linen,  12" X 16"

sold

"Breaking Up" ©

Late one afternoon in Carmel the clouds began to break up and the promise of a sunset was let loose.  I was chasing that feeling with this piece.  Tomorrow morning I am off to San Clemente for the plein air event.  I'll post what I can from the event.  Sometimes it's tough to get online and selfishly I don't want to give up painting time to sit in Starbucks and blog.  Tomorrow is the quick draw then we have the week to paint, delivering our 2 best pieces for the gala next Saturday night.  With 100 artists participating it's a lot of fun.  

Oil on Canvas,  12" X 16"

"Morning Haze" ©

Last month plein air painting in Carmel California I had a good start on this scene and decided to give it a go in the studio.  The morning air had the effect of gold gauze and it was my hope to capture that.  

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Tammy" ©

This little painting will be a birthday gift for a gentleman turning 80 next month.  His wife was looking for one of those gifts that are so difficult to find for the person that has everything and decided that a portrait of his beloved Tammy would be perfect.  

Oil on Panel, 12" X 9"

"Rocky Cliff" ©

Painter, Margot Lennartz told me once that often rocks look like potatoes in paintings.  During her many critiques of artists paintings, over and over again she would mention the potato problem.  It was one of her common comments that seemed to pop up on so many artists paintings.  Today I am posting my "don't paint potatoes" practice.  

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 16"