A Painting A Day by Laura Wambsgans

"Rolling In" © studio

2012-01-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

"Rolling In" on the easel, shows a good example of taking a small oil "sketch" and creating a large painting from the idea captured in the sketch.

Oil on Canvas, 30" X 40"

My small painting is on the little easel to the right of the larger canvas. I knew I wanted the same proportions for the canvas but didn't have a fresh canvas on hand in that size, so I pulled an old canvas with an idea for a commission (long since finished and delivered) turned the painting upside down to lessen the confusion of waves vs. ducks and starting laying out the seascape.

At this stage the ducks are completely covered and I have laid in the general shapes and color patches, here and there. This is the fun part for me, feeling my way around the painting, making decisions and adjustments.

Here is a close up of the palette. I know it looks like a mess and I am constantly scraping down the glass starting over with a big clean space. The palette is custom. Sounds fancy but in honesty a quick inexpensive solution to needing more palette space. My husband cut a piece of wood and I had the fellow at Newhall Glass Co. cut a piece of glass to fit. I painted the back of glass gray and with not too much trouble I had a terrific palette. I have to give a little shout out for the Gamblin Radiants on the lower right side. Love them!

Oil on Canvas, 30" X 40"

"Santa Clara Riverbed" ©

2012-01-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

I painted this scene on a 5" X 7" panel a while ago, and I finally had the time today to paint the same scene in the studio on a larger canvas. The sky is a bit strange, with the remnants of smoke from one of our more devastating fires. Originally it was a tough decision, whether or not to artistically document the smokey evening sky.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"

"Kitty" ©

2012-01-25T21:35:00.001-08:00

"Kitty" was a member of a family that is dearly missed, as she has passed away. The family asked that I paint her from a few photos that they had taken. Having had many animals that my family has loved dearly I imagined the life that Kitty lead while painting her portrait.

Oil on canvas, 14" X 11"

"Lazy River" ©

2012-01-24T16:45:00.001-08:00

While painting this piece I kept hearing the old song "Up a Lazy River" in my head. My hope was to capture the calm water, cool morning air and sunlight just making an appearance for the day.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 36"

"Stormy Sunday" ©

2012-01-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

Storm clouds are arriving for a rainy Monday, perfect timing as the entire day was full of demonstrations by artists exhibiting in the "Impressions of France" show, at Segil Gallery. This portrait of a tree was my demonstration painting for the group. The exhibit has a great spread in the February issue of the "American Art Collector" magazine.

Oil on panel, 12" X 9"

"Montreuil Bellay River" ©

2012-01-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the artists reception for "Impressions From France" show at Segil gallery in Old Town Monrovia. 9 of the artists that painted France will be there to greet you and share stories, a glass of wine and artwork. We were fortunate to have a write up in the current issue of the "American Art Collector". This painting is one I just found today, tucked away, that is not one of my 12 hanging in the gallery. If you would like to see it in person I would be happy to bring it to the gallery for you, just let me know.

Oil on Linen, 20" X 16"

"Frontenay Gate" ©

2012-01-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend is the opening of the "Impressions From France" exhibit at the Segil Gallery in Monrovia. I was digging though the piles of paintings looking for the best pieces for the show and came across this small plein air piece I painted my first day in France. It's amazing how the memories of that day come flooding back when I look at this little piece. It started to rain at one point and a horse came up to the gate, nuzzling my backpack that I had tucked in the trees to get it out of the rain. Then a lady that lived nearby and offered me a free horse, how I was to get a horse home to California I have no idea. But you see how meaningful the paintings created on location become to artists. Meanwhile in the studio I am working on a large piece for a solo show in April. It will show up here on the blog in a couple of days.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Arroyo Trees" ©

2012-01-13T22:21:00.000-08:00

A long time ago a master painter told me that "green" landscapes were the most difficult of all to paint. At the time I didn't know the difference between viridian and sap green, so his comment didn't mean much. Now years later every time I attempt a green landscape his words come back to me. All green landscapes are difficult but at the same time so very interesting, offering the challenge to come up with a variety of greens to tell the story. Which is what I have tried to do here, with the trees in the Pasadena arroyo.

Oil on canvas, 8" X 6"

"Deep in the Arroyo" ©

2012-01-10T18:05:00.001-08:00

In Pasadena there is a natural arroyo and stream that runs year round. Even though you're in the city, once deep down in the arroyo it feels as though you have been transported to a distant wilderness. Horse and hiking trails lace their way between the trees, small animals slip into the brush as you pass and all the while you can hear the distant call of birds.

Oil on Canvas, 30" X 20"

"Wild Rocks" ©

2012-01-07T21:21:00.001-08:00

When your hiking around Vasquez Rocks the rock structures are totally wild. The landscape looks like another world. This little painting captures the warm December sunlight at the end of the day.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 9"

"Cooking" ©

2012-01-05T23:02:00.000-08:00

When you walk into Gales Restaurant in Pasadena the delicious smell of warm bread and garlic start the dining adventure. There is a show coming up with the theme of daily life in Pasadena. I have painted this interior of a local kitchen over the last few days as one of my possible entries. I'll have to come up with a better title, so if you have a suggestion, let me know!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Sunlight on the Riverbank" ©

2011-12-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

Pardon the photo, Santa brought me a new computer and we are still making friends. I am learning the Mac way, after 18 years of Windows. Today's little painting gives you a peek at the backside of the Hansen Dam recreational area. The sparkly white sand was what attracted me to the scene and became the focal point of the painting.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Softly Setting" ©

2011-12-28T20:53:00.001-08:00

Today a collector and friend called and mentioned that he and his wife were waiting for me to paint some skies once again. Sounded like a great idea to me and so I spent the day in fluffy clouds and juicy paint.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Mailbu Lagoon" ©

2011-12-25T22:01:00.001-08:00

Wishing you and your family the best Christmas holiday ever! After cleaning up the festivities and visiting relatives, I spent a little bit of the day at the easel painting a favorite classic California spot, Malibu Lagoon. Oil on linen panel, 5" X 7"

"Aspen Road" ©

2011-12-22T10:53:00.001-08:00

Aspen lined dirt roads meander up and down the Teton Valley in Idaho. It would be interesting to see the valley in December with snow on the ground. If you would like to see good paintings of the Teton Valley in the winter, check out Bart Walkers work at www.bartwalker.com/.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Deep in the Forest" ©

2011-12-17T22:28:00.000-08:00

Last night was the big show at Cope Studios in Glendale. The people flocked in , had a blast and seemed to really appreciate all the art. I was glad to be included in the show with my paintings. Today, after a day of Christmas shopping, painting "Deep in the Forest" was a welcome break.

Oil on panel, 12" X 9"

"Paramount Ranch" ©

2011-12-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today was the last California Art Club paint out planned by George Malone for the 2011 year. We met at the Paramount Ranch near Malibu and had a beautiful winter day of painting.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 12"

"Winter Puddle" ©

2011-12-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

After the last couple of days of rain there are a few puddles left standing in the sandy canyon soil.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Streaks of Sun"

2011-12-11T21:04:00.001-08:00

Walking along the path with my painting buddies, the views to paint were endless on this December day. What caught my eye was the streaks of sun across the brush and sandy path. The wind blew one easel over and thank goodness we recovered all the Rosemary Brushes that flew to the ground. All we left behind, lost in the bushes, is a favorite painting knife that we will go back and hunt for.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 12"

"Winter Light"

2011-12-08T21:39:00.001-08:00

Painting just down the road from home is a good

reminder that you don't have to drive for miles to find a painting spot.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Kern River, Morning"

2011-12-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

Winter mid-week on the Kern River, completely quiet and void of human activity. A nice place to sit and think for a while.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Half Dome" ©

2011-12-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

Half Dome, so easily identified that one of my daughters friends that cruised past my easel today exclaimed, "Hey that's Half Dome!"

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Desert Dusk" ©

2011-12-01T14:29:00.001-08:00

The Rabbitbush are just ending their show of yellow blooms for the season, here in Southern California. Some naked now are a lovely lavender, blending with the copper Buckwheat and other desert scrub.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"Whitney Canyon Colors"

2011-11-27T23:39:00.000-08:00

Living in So California, the mild weather lends an advantage to painting out. My painting buddy Lorelle and I hiked into Whitney Canyon to paint, meeting the one and only predator dressed in a cape, mankini (pink) and a lovely pink bra. I think someone should write a book, describing all the things plein air painters encounter.

Oil on panel, 10" X 12"

"Nice Place to Be" ©

2011-11-25T22:10:00.000-08:00

About 4pm you witness the last rays of light down in Whitney Canyon. Standing still you can watch the sunlight drift though the trees lighting up different spots as the sun sinks. I was doing just that, thinking what a "nice place to be".

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"

"Simone" ©

2011-11-21T23:13:00.001-08:00

Simone is one of the lovely large white cows that I met in France last year. She was mildly interested in me the day I painted her in a small sketch as one of her "sisters" attempted to snatch my backpack. I quickly dropped my brush and rushed over to save my gear from the dear girl.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 16"

Winter Day ©

2011-11-16T23:25:00.001-08:00

The idea of this little painting was the light streaming though the Oaks with the last bit of warmth striking the very dry sand in the bottom of the creek.

My time was limited as the light slipped away from me. I do like the idea of the painting and it might be worth exploring on a larger canvas in the studio.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Waiting for Sunrise" ©

2011-11-14T21:25:00.001-08:00

Clouds announcing the appearance of the sun for the day, in shades of pink. This was the scene just before sunrise, in the heart of France as we headed out to the bakery for the morning baguettes.

Oil on canvas, 14" X 18"

available for purchase $850.

"Golden Glow" ©

2011-11-11T22:59:00.001-08:00

Walking along this Quigley Canyon trail, that is used by horses more then anything else I saw a buck with large antlers watching me. He went back to nibbling his dinner and I enjoyed the glow from the sinking sun light up the hills beyond the oaks.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

"Golden Moment" ©

2011-11-09T15:18:00.001-08:00

Once in a while there is a moment at the end of the day when the earth seems dusted in gold, just before the sunlit finally dims into dusk.

Oil on Canvas, 38.5" X 17"

sold

"Morning on the Kern River" ©

2011-11-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

You would never know that we were painting in downtown Kernville. A short walk though the park, down the little bank and your on the sandy beach watching the lazy river drift by. It's a bit of an illusion, it's a very dangerous river to stick your toe in. There is a strong current running under the serene surface that will take you down river into the rapids very quickly. Marian Fortunati, Diane Nelson Gold and Sharon Weaver were my painting buddies on this trip. We all painted this morning scene from different vantage points. After we finished, looking at our morning efforts I was once again amazed how artists will approach the same subject so very differently.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 12'

"Desert Flowers" ©

2011-11-03T21:19:00.001-07:00

This small painting was the plein air piece that I finished before packing up my gear and seeing the evening scene of the Rabbitbush that I just posted. This valley that the town of Onyx is nestled into must be the perfect condition for Rabbitbush to thrive in. It was a different subject for me and I struggled to pull it together but working it out helped pull off the studio piece "Radiant Rabbitbush".

Oil on linen panel, 8" X 10"

(available for purchase @ $450.)

"Radiant Rabbitbush" ©

2011-11-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

The tiny town of Onyx, California is known for the 80 or so, Turkey Vultures that come to roost at night in the park pine trees. In the morning they spread their wings to warm up with the day, then fly off into the desert until the next night.

What captured me in this scene was the back lit Rabbitbush and evening light blanketing the desert.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

available for purchase: $1,100.

"Kern River" ©

2011-10-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Driving up the Kern River Canyon there are several spots to pull over and picnic while enjoying the river view. This was my first attempt painting the Kern on the trip last week. The first painting is always exciting, figuring out the palette of the landscape and how to paint what I am seeing that is so different then what I typically paint at home.

Painting on Source Tek panels, #66, always helps, the little lovely linen panels practically paint themselves.

Oil on panel, 10" X 12"

"Riverkern Beach" ©

2011-10-28T23:06:00.001-07:00

About 8:30am, along with artists Marian Fortunati, Diane Nelson Gold and Sharon Weaver we painted at Riverkern Beach, just a few minutes from downtown Kern River, CA. The conditions were perfect for painting, no bugs, snakes, wind and quiet except for a volleyball game at the campground next door. Actually, while your painting you don't hear anything, so the guys yelling didn't matter one bit. We had a great trip, painting and sharing. Lucky girls!

Oil on panel, 10" X 12"

"Sun Dusted Creek"

2011-10-22T21:22:00.001-07:00

Our city purchased more "open space" off Quigley for hiking, biking, horseback riding and just plain enjoyment recently. I was walking late in the day and saw this view. Of course it ended up on canvas, what else was I to do? It's only about a mile from my home, so there will be more paintings of the Quigley Open Space to come.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"King Gillette Ranch, Morning"

2011-10-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the California Art Club's Ventura/Malibu chapter held a paint out at King Gillette Ranch. Located just over the mountain from the ocean, we were out of the haze but could see it drifting over the ridges. George organized the event perfectly as usual, he even sends us maps with little notes of where to park. This was my painting for the day, now looking at it I see bunches of details I should have adjusted while painting but standing out there it's too easy to just paint what you see. The never ending learning continues!

Oil on panel. 9" X 12"

"Morning Stream"

2011-10-17T22:54:00.001-07:00

After being gone all weekend, exhibiting in Pasadena it felt great to be back at the easel today. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and visited the show, I so appreciate your time and purchases. This is a scene in the Teton Valley about a mile from my cabin last summer. I have wanted to explore painting the view since the morning that I saw it. It's typical of the valley, a meandering stream, lined with tall cottonwoods.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Alpine Summer" ©

2011-10-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

This painting is about 75% done, but I was feeling neglectful about not blogging, so I am posting the process. The location is a mystery to me, the image was a gift from another artist. Actually she gave me 1,000's of landscape slides, a treasure chest of beautiful locations around the world.

Once the painting sets up a bit, I'll paint the detail. At the same time I will look at the tree tops to make sure they have some interest and add some rocks in the grass to balance the rocks right to left and lead the viewer a bit.

Working large (for me) my first goal was to get paint all over the canvas, to see how the patterns and values would work out. I have the mountain and sky pretty well figured out at this point.

After the line drawing I painted a local color wash

over the whole painting, very loosely. This is the really fun part, big brushes and great music playing.

Here is a little close up of the clouds, that you really can't see in the big photo. After I took this I did soften all the edges and did a little blending with my fingers. Just don't tell anyone, I don't want any lectures on safety.

This is the initial line drawing, in cadmium red light. It's a pretty rough road map for the painting but it allows easy movement of elements.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 36"

"Midday Shade" ©

2011-10-07T16:25:00.001-07:00

A bit of shade is so very welcome under the arid blue California skies.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"A Serene Moment II", Gamblin Artists Colors Co. Cheer!

2011-10-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

I love Gamblin products. I tried to write that sentence many times (sounding business like) and decided to just go with my heart. Here is an example of one of the many benefits of using Gamblin's Gamar Picture Varnish.

The painting on the right has a "foreign" green in the large trees. After having to see it hang in an exhibit and wanting to snatch it off the wall. I brought it into the studio and removed the varnish, repainted the trees in a color that is harmonious with the rest of the painting and I think it's a better piece now.

Here is the beauty of Gamblin. To remove the Gamar Varnish, all you have to do is wipe it off with Gamsol and a clean white piece of sheet. Sheets are a cool oil painters tool because they don't leave lint, when your cleaning a painting. Another trick if you do have lint is the blue painters tape. Make a circle of tape, sticky side out and gently tap it over the lint. Back to Gamblin, after removing the varnish, repaint the area where you removed the varnish or the whole darn thing, let it dry and varnish again. Taa daa! Your happy and hopefully the painting will find a home with a collector.

"Ruffles of Leaves" ©

2011-10-04T22:22:00.001-07:00

Anytime I see an arch of tree limbs over a path or road, it's a painting, even if it's just in my head. This is a spot I painted last summer and recently a lovely patron said she would like a small version of this scene for a gift.

Oil on canvas, 9" X 12"

"Walker Basin" ©

2011-10-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am standing a couple of curves in the road from the old Rankin Ranch family cemetery. Granite headstones can be touched by the three generations of the family still living in the basin. It's an emotional sight, even for a stranger.

Oil on canvas, 9" X 12"

"Road to Rankin Ranch" ©

2011-09-29T21:45:00.001-07:00

Driving down the mountain as the elevation drops pine trees give way to oaks, as you head to Rankin Ranch. This is the vista just as you arrive, once you hit the basin floor. This little painting is all about the early morning light.

12" X 16", Oil on Canvas

"Rankin Ranch Bridle Trail" ©

2011-09-27T18:10:00.001-07:00

Set up on the side of the bridle path I learned that it's not a good idea to paint on the side of a hill nestled in a tangle of tree roots. True the legs of the tripod can adjust to the hill but after a while some muscles started protesting and I found it frustrating not being able to back away from the easel to look at the painting from a distance. The sound of a snake had me looking for something slithering, a real distraction to the painting process. Plein air painting joys.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 12"

"Walker Basin" ©

2011-09-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

The strange limbs and trunk structure of the trees in the pasture immediately caught my attention when figuring out a spot to paint on the Rankin Ranch. I found out that the cows create the sculptural trees by using the bark as a scratching post.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Old Stage Stop" ©

2011-09-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Pockets full of gold, men stopped here on a break from the dusty trail to Bakersfield. Rankin Ranch has several generations historically documented with great stories of snake races and kids smoking behind the water tank. Today I unpacked my car and repacked it for an art show this weekend at Moorpark Park, in Studio City. If your in town it should be a gem of a small show, under shady trees. It's on the corner of Laurel Canyon and Moorpark St. My spot number is B14.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 12"

"Teton Valley Creek" ©

2011-09-19T20:56:00.001-07:00

Don't mind the bugs and dirt mixed into the paint. I am sure you have heard of "chick" magnets, oil paint is a "bug" magnet. speaking of bugs and dirt, I am headed out to paint at a dude ranch for a few days with about 20 other artists (fun). From what I hear there isn't any Internet available so I'll be off the grid for a bit. Sounds great to me. Consider the "gone painting" shingle hung......

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Eaton Canyon" ©

2011-09-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Eaton Canyon is a classic Southern California location for painting. This Sycamore dressed in it's fall glory greets every visitor as you head up to the waterfall.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

The response to the process images was so positive I thought a bit of brush work might be interesting too, since you can't see the work in the full view of the painting.

This little photo is a close up of part of the mountain.

Here is a bit of the sky.

Finally a bit of the tree. I'll keep working on the painting over the next several days. I have found it's of benefit to set the painting where I can pass it often during the day, spotting details that need adjustment at a glance.

"Deep in the Arroyo" ©

2011-09-14T18:32:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted a painting in process. I thought this painting would be a good example. The last image is the beginning of the piece, where all the major decisions happen. The middle image shows blocked in color shapes. The view is under the 134 freeway, in the Arroyo, with the Colorado Street bridge behind me.

Oil on Canvas, 30" X 24"

Adding large areas of color, following the established pattern of the under painting. I am constantly adjusting and looking in the large mirror behind me to make sure all elements are visible and working.

Beginning the painting I used a wash of burnt sienna to establish patterns and values. I know that the whole painting is about the beautiful light on the sunlit trees, rocks and stream. By painting this wash I can guarantee success telling my story.

"Santa Paula Farmland" ©

2011-09-09T21:13:00.001-07:00

In reality the cloud was all by itself, hanging above the mountain on a clear blue sky and that was what attracted me to the view. And as usual I spread it out a bit to make a better painting, playing goddess, at least that is what my family says. That is one of the many thrills of painting landscapes. Artists can move mountains with the stroke of the brush.

Oil on panel, 8" X 6"

"Morning Clouds" ©

2011-09-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Quiet and cool in the early morning watching the dusting of pink arrive upon the lavendar clouds I imagined most of the world still asleep.

Oil on panel, 6" X 8"

"Summers End" ©

2011-09-06T21:32:00.001-07:00

This weekend under the influence of DayQuil, dampening a summer cold I painted this piece. The idea of the painting is to capture the feeling of the end of summer that Labor Day weekend signifies.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 20"

"Fall Cottonwoods" ©

2011-08-31T20:53:00.001-07:00

An artist buddy dropped off thousands of slides that her father had taken over the years, for me to mine for painting ideas. I wish I could have met him, obviously an adventurer and fisherman. One of his trips to the high country in the fall inspired this little painting of "Fall Cottonwoods".

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Palms in the Afternoon" ©

2011-08-29T16:27:00.001-07:00

These palms live at the employee entrance to the Phoenix Zoo. I was chasing the suns warm light on the Arizona desert last March and saw these beauties. It happens to artists, we see something and just know in our hearts that someday we will paint it. Finally, I had the time.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Newcomb Ranch" ©

2011-08-25T18:28:00.001-07:00

About 20 plein air painters gathered at Newcomb Ranch today to paint. The Angeles Crest Highway from La Canada to Palmdale is open once again. The road is perfect with many turn outs that painters can use for unusual vistas of the San Gabriels from inside the range. We painted all morning, ate lunch in the cafe and shared our paintings with one another.

Helpful hint to artists: Taking a horrible cheap panel I primed it with Gamblin Ground to see if the panel would work better. Absolutely!

sold

"Rolling In" ©

2011-08-24T21:59:00.001-07:00

Another sea foam green wave rolling in at Malibu. Tomorrow I am painting in the mountains so it will be a big shift from thinking about waves and sand.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Sunny Afternoon" ©

2011-08-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Another sunny afternoon in Malibu, what can you say, other then paradise.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Afternoon at Leo Carrillo"

2011-08-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today was Art Day at Janet's house for August. She had the great idea of inviting artists to come and just create for a day at her home. Since most artist work solo this is a welcome chance to connect with other artists in a casual setting. I had been to Leo Carrillo beach the day before painting and with my memory and reference info I painted what I remembered of that lovely late afternoon.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 8"

sold

"One Lane Home" ©

2011-08-15T22:52:00.001-07:00

Painting along side this one lane dirt road, some folks drove slowly past giving us the one finger raised off the steering wheel greeting with a nod of their heads and some drove past at 50 miles an hour leaving us in a huge dust cloud.

Oil on panel, 12" X 12"

"Mirrors to the Sky" ©

2011-08-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

The California Art Club is having an exhibition this fall with an Asian theme and so I researched ideas coming up with rice paddies mirroring the sky above for my submission painting. A painting adventure to the Pacific Asian region is now on my wish list....

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"August Afternoon" ©

2011-08-09T22:03:00.001-07:00

The Cottonwood trees up in Wyoming are tall creatures full of personality. Around my home they are short and wide, it's all about the water source. Makes sense as nature always does once you understand her.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Summer Storm Passing" ©

2011-08-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Over 2600 miles driven, 2225 unread emails, 1600 photos, 17 paintings and 2 weeks later I am back in Southern California. One of the many truths about painting I learned was "too much variety causes chaos, not enough variety causes boredom and it takes 1000's of inspired decisions to find the right balance".

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

Teton Valley Paintings

2011-08-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

After painting for 10 days with Scott Christensen, he asked that we bring a group of paintings into his studio so he could see a "body" of work to critique. While hunting though my wet panel carriers for paintings I found pieces I had done a few days ago and completely forgotten already. Miles of dirt roads, rivers and clouds made time speed up, living months in days.

My animal of the day was a moose, moving really fast across a field of hay. She is the little dark dot in the hay.

"Kids Fishing Pond"

2011-08-01T21:12:00.001-07:00

The weather turns quickly in the Teton Valley. Starting out a painting in full sun, a few minutes later the sky turns dark, the wind kicks up and light rain gives warning to the coming rain. Tonight a complete rainbow arched over the fields, just before a golden glow blanketed the world.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Pine Tree Overlook"

2011-07-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

10" X 10" panels are perfect for the landscapes of Idaho. Room to play up the mountains or sky, which ever is more exciting at the moment.

This morning heading out to paint, I had my creature adventure of the day with 3 horses wandering down the road. You can see them in the photo below. I knew that it was not a good situation, pulled over and took them home.

10" X 10", oil on panel

"Pine Creek Road"

2011-07-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

5 painting marathon today, ending at Spoons Bistro for a well deserved Cobb salad and bottle of wine with co-marathon painter Janet. I have moved up from multi-legged creatures to a 4 legged orange tabby without a tail that takes care of the local brewery's rodents. She adopted my travel studio, aka the trunk of the Honda to hang out while I painted.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Rainey Access"

2011-07-27T07:23:00.001-07:00

"Fishing was great, catching not so good", was the answer yelled out from a passing boat by a fly fisherman. I had to laugh and enjoy the idea that we were both loving the day, no matter what. At the end I had 3 paintings, mosquito bites and my easel tried to fly (it survived).

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Summer Wind"

2011-07-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

The wind picked up tussling the tops of these trees. The movement became my focus for this little painting. Again today I had a painting buddy with many legs. His photo is below, as he was lounging on a Source Tek panel. When I was packing up my gear I had to shoo out another 3 spiders. You wouldn't believe all the bugs in the wet paint.

Scott Christensen's studio, full of art and books, truly a dream studio.

"Within the Apens"

2011-07-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

First day of painting after driving 1,000 miles. In the shade of Aspens and under the protection of serious deet, the variations of green seemed endless. I did have a visitor on the edge of my palette for a long time and was so happy when the temptation to hop into the oil paint (certain death) passed. He posed for the photo below.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Turp Can" ©

2011-07-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I "won" some classes with David Gallup. David currently has an exhibit of his paintings exploring the Channel Islands at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum on the Pepperdine Campus in Malibu. Artists today are so very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from current master painters. This week the class painted this turp can, last week a shark's head. Yep, a real shark.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 9"

2011-07-17T18:23:00.001-07:00

Matilija Poppies blooming in Bailey Canyon greet you at the beginning of the trail heading up to the waterfall. In the early days of the canyon, local trappers snared fox and coyote and shipped the pelts to furriers in Chicago. In 1875, R.J Bailey homesteaded the canyon. He left little but his name. (Source: John McKinney, Dan's Hiking site)

Oil on Canvas, 14" X 18"

2011-07-12T21:56:00.001-07:00

Today a discussion came up with a group of artists about critiquing our own paintings and taking the time to make the very best decisions. The paintings I blog are very rarely never touched again and I thought it might be interesting for people to see what happens in the studio after reflecting. Here is "Though the Trees" finished. Below is the original posting. This is like a game, what did she change? I'll tell you, I took out the tree that I so loved in the middle of the painting. Usually the one thing you love is the item that is of most concern. I gradated the sky, added light in the foliage of the trees, warmed up the trunk of the main tree, brought the path down out of the canvas, lit and warmed up the brush in the foreground, carried the brush to the edge of the hill and lit the tips, pushed the distant trees in the hills further back and warmed up the distant hills a bit. OH, and pushed a bit of the darks back in here and there.

Now I have a painting that I would hang on my wall.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

2011-07-11T22:21:00.001-07:00

A Facebook friend told me yesterday that "the beauty in nature happens when God sighs". Such a lovely thought, it's been on my mind all day. I like to think artists see more beauty in the world then most of humanity. We are allowed to sit and observe nature for hours while attempting to capture the beauty or sigh on canvas. Not a bad gig.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 16"

2011-07-08T21:45:00.001-07:00

Today a small band of plein air painters were given the gift of a new location to explore and capture on canvas. An email started it all, announcing a meadow of wild Irises in bloom, thank you Susan! Amazingly, only an hour from the Santa Clarita Valley at 8300 ft. the air was cool, birds were singing and everywhere you looked was a painting. A perfect painting day!

Oil on linen, 8" X 10"

Ernie Dollman, painting in the forest, above the meadow.

If you look closely you can see Marian Fortunati on the path, while she was deciding where to paint.

One of thousands of wild irises, blooming in the meadow...

2011-07-05T21:28:00.001-07:00

Late in the day, Eaton Canyon is still hot in the shadows, small critters skitter around and the hawks make their last passes. It's a peaceful time to wander the canyon, saying goodbye to the day.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"San Gabriels"

2011-07-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

This holiday weekend I painted our San Gabriels from the Art Center School of Design parking lot. The cropping job comes from working on a borrowed lap top without my software, sorry about that. Hope your 4th is full of sparklers!

Oil on canvas, 18" X 24"

2011-06-30T21:40:00.001-07:00

Imagine sitting on a woven blanket, next to the fire dug into the sand, eating a fresh lobster, French cheese, sipping a glass of wine and watching the sunset over the Cape. This painting was the view, after several dark days.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

2011-06-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Finally I am home and unpacked from traveling to Cape Cod for the opening of Inspired Synergies at the Addison Gallery. This little painting was my demo piece on Sunday. I had a great time demonstrating an approach to this subject, the guests were delightful, asking questions that allowed me to talk while painting. Addison Gallery is the top gallery on the Cape, I had no idea till I got there.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

sold

2011-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Before dawn walking down to the Seine River though the streets of Paris I saw this sleeping soul, rain softly falling turning the sleeping bag into a glistening cocoon and a bouquet of yellow flowers waiting for the sleeper to awaken.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

2011-06-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

A photographer sent me this image as a gift of inspiration to paint. At first I was lost, missing my own reaction to the scene, the cool morning air, the sky changing by the second, since she had taken the photo. Then I just decided to imagine myself being there and came up with this little painting. The lesson learned was that I really need to experience a location first hand to paint as well as I am capable.

Oil on canvas, 14" X 18"

2011-06-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

Standing on the bridge over looking the creek late in the day, it's so peaceful and quiet you can almost hear your heartbeat.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Bosco" ©

2011-06-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Bosco is retired now from a career of endurance rides. At 36 he still has a spark, showing how much spirit his life has held. Bosco's owner asked if I would paint his portrait to add to their family treasures and I was honored to accept the commission.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 14"

sold

2011-06-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Usually on the blog I just show paintings, and talk about the process and location. This posting is a bit of an the exception. Last weekend was the last fine art festival I'll be doing for a couple of months and the next event is a National show, called Inspired Synergies, at the Addison Gallery in Cape Cod.
Last September I joined twelve other artists in continuing a heritage of American artists who traveled to Europe for inspiration. Here are some of the events tied into the opening weekend: Friday, June 24 5:30-7:30 Preview Party, Savor French wines and cheeses while surrounded by art that follows an honored tradition.
Saturday, June 25 4:00-5:00 Sharing Memories
Share reflections on creativity and France with participants and guests discussing the impact of travel and working communally. Lively anecdotes, local characters and colorful markets provide
stories behind the work.
Saturday, June 25 Opening Reception 5:30-7:30
Meet these established and emerging artists from both coasts of the U.S.
Sunday, June 26 11:00-1:00 Painting Demonstration with Laura Wambsgans

If you would like to preview the show go to Addisonart.com and click on Inspired Synergies.

Oil on Panel, painted on location in Frontenay, France

2011-06-02T22:44:00.001-07:00

The sound of Jake breaks and hawks playing interrupted the cacophony of song birds while I painted "A Touch of Spring" today.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

2011-05-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

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" ©

2011-05-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-05-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-23T21:53:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-05-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

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"

sold

2011-05-16T21:36:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-05-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

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.

sold

Oil on Panel, 10" X 8"

2011-05-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

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" ©

2011-05-05T21:59:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-05-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-04-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Technology has changed the art business of commissions. A cell phone photo, emailed to the artist and "taa daa" a commissioned portrait of a well loved pet.

I am still tweaking this little guy, while packing to leave in the morning for the Mission Federal Artwalk in San Diego. I have about 30 new paintings to show and am excited about the weekend. If your in the area stop by, I am in booth #125.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

sold

"Summer Day" ©

2011-04-26T21:04:00.001-07:00

The wind was so strong today the plan to go out painting, blew away. In between varnishing and framing I spent a little easel time with an image from Acadia National Park of a summer day.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

sold

2011-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Next weekend I'll be exhibiting paintings at the Mission Federal Artwalk in San Diego. If your in the area please stop by and say HI (booth #125). This is the first time for me and I have heard that the art walk is blocks of great fine art, delicious food and fun entertainment.

I'll bring 25 paintings, including "A Bit Curious".

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

sold

"Emu" ©

2011-04-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

Adding to the painted menagerie this week I explored a prehistoric looking bird, an Emu.

Oil on Canvas, 8" X 6"

"Loyality" ©

2011-04-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionate, patient and loyal.

Oil on panel, 10" X 8"

sold

A Painting A Day by Laura Wambsgans

"Rolling In" © studio

"Santa Clara Riverbed" ©

"Kitty" ©

"Lazy River" ©

"Stormy Sunday" ©

"Montreuil Bellay River" ©

"Frontenay Gate" ©

"Arroyo Trees" ©

"Deep in the Arroyo" ©

"Wild Rocks" ©

"Cooking" ©

"Sunlight on the Riverbank" ©

"Softly Setting" ©

"Mailbu Lagoon" ©

"Aspen Road" ©

"Deep in the Forest" ©

"Paramount Ranch" ©

"Winter Puddle" ©

"Streaks of Sun"

"Winter Light"

"Kern River, Morning"

"Half Dome" ©

"Desert Dusk" ©

"Whitney Canyon Colors"

"Nice Place to Be" ©

"Simone" ©

Winter Day ©

"Waiting for Sunrise" ©

"Golden Glow" ©

"Golden Moment" ©

"Morning on the Kern River" ©

"Desert Flowers" ©

"Radiant Rabbitbush" ©

"Kern River" ©

"Riverkern Beach" ©

"Sun Dusted Creek"

"King Gillette Ranch, Morning"

"Morning Stream"

"Alpine Summer" ©

"Midday Shade" ©

"A Serene Moment II", Gamblin Artists Colors Co. Cheer!

"Ruffles of Leaves" ©

"Walker Basin" ©

"Road to Rankin Ranch" ©

"Rankin Ranch Bridle Trail" ©

"Walker Basin" ©

"Old Stage Stop" ©

"Teton Valley Creek" ©

"Eaton Canyon" ©

"Deep in the Arroyo" ©

"Santa Paula Farmland" ©

"Morning Clouds" ©

"Summers End" ©

"Fall Cottonwoods" ©

"Palms in the Afternoon" ©

"Newcomb Ranch" ©

"Rolling In" ©

"Sunny Afternoon" ©

"Afternoon at Leo Carrillo"

"One Lane Home" ©

"Mirrors to the Sky" ©

"August Afternoon" ©

"Summer Storm Passing" ©

Teton Valley Paintings

"Kids Fishing Pond"

"Pine Tree Overlook"

"Pine Creek Road"

"Rainey Access"

"Summer Wind"

"Within the Apens"

"Turp Can" ©

"Bailey Canyon" ©

"Though the Trees" ©

"Mountain Stream" ©

"Mt. Pinos Meadow" ©

"Eaton Canyon" ©

"San Gabriels"

"Cape Sunset" ©

"Jennys Pond" ©