Saturday, March 30, 2013

"A Day at the Vineyard" ©


A nice way to end the day, sipping wine, watching the sun sink and the light closing over the vineyard. The show last weekend in Newport Beach went well and I met a gentleman that read my name tag and told me that he has one of my paintings hanging in his entry way.  We figured out that he acquired the painting from Gales Restaurant in Pasadena where I have exhibited art occasionally for the last several years.  What a small world.  I do have good news, this spring I will be one of 3 artists showing long term at Gales.  The food is delicious and the art is always a nice addition to the walls, so if you are in the area stop by for lunch or dinner.

Oil on Canvas,  12" X 16"

Monday, March 25, 2013

"Last Bit of Light", plein air


It's been a while since I have written about the process of painting, this little study allows a bit of discussion.  If you look back to January 31, "Last Bit of Light", you will see the studio piece of this little plein air painting.  By comparing the two, you can see where I pushed the drama of the scene and added detail to emphasis the theme.  This painting is just a quick capture of the place and colors, very loose, very fast.  I am anxious to get back in the canyon with spring just about to pop!

Oil, 6" X 8"

sold

Saturday, March 23, 2013

"Eucalyptus Trees" ©


Today I exhibited paintings with several artists including friends Rich Gallego and Lorelle Miller at the  lovely Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina in Newport Beach as an addition to a vintage car show, wine tasting and fashion show.   This little painting was my "demo" piece that I painted while talking to the car collectors.  

Oil on panel, 11" X 14"

sold

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

"Jackson Lake, Winter" ©


The snow was a "no show" this week, after several days of warm weather.  Yet, the merry band of plein air painters went on our planned trip to paint the white stuff.  The shore of Jackson Lake was colored in the muted grays of winter.  One fellow that pulled over to see what I was painting said this little lake is the most beautiful spot in the area, no matter what time of year.  I agree....

Oil on panel, 12" X 12"

Thursday, March 14, 2013

"Seaside Sentinels" ©


I learned something the last couple of weeks, never paint when you are sick.  Talk about frustration.  Finally I am almost "me" again, winning over the cold that has been hanging on and painted this scene that has been in the back of my mind for a long time.  The Art for Animal show that started last Sunday was a huge success.  Watching red dots and paintings flying off the walls was exactly what all of us had hoped for.  The representative from the Humane Society explained to me how much the funds would help out with their new building.  Next week I am off to paint in the snow.....

Oil on Canvas,  20" X 24"

Saturday, March 09, 2013

"Malibu Creek" ©


Malibu Creek State Park is always full of good spots to paint.  For this view I am standing on the main trail headed to the bridge.  It's my understanding that Ronald Reagan owned the land years ago and rode his horse all over the hills and canyons and MASH was filmed just over the hill.  It's fun to day dream and imagine those days.

8" X 10", Oil on panel

Thursday, March 07, 2013

"Beach Day" ©



One of the many advantages of making paintings is that you can paint a picture of where you would like to be.  Even though it's cold and raining outside, I could emerse myself in a sunny day at the beach, creating this little painting.  I popped a couple of children in the scene and may take them out in the morning when looking with fresh eyes, again one of the advantages of painting in oil.  

Oil on canvas,  14" X 18"

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

"Sunny Days" ©


Last week our family grew by one, Eva, a greatly anticipated grand daughter.  In between all the excitement I painted on this piece, a few minutes here and there.  I almost gave up, usually I paint a painting from beginning to end without much interruption, as you would write a story, keeping the original idea in mind.  This painting with it's starts and stops, seemed to get lost.  I'll keep after it a bit.

Oil, 18" X 24"    
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