"Julia Pfeiffer Falls" © #Bigsurart

The Julia Pfeiffer Falls has been an iconic location for photographers and painters for decades.  Usually the scene is captured in the late afternoon, with the falls and cliff face warmly lit.  I happened upon the scene early in the morning and was struck how the opposite lighting created a whole new view and thought I would give it a try.  

20X16, oil    

"Point Dume" ©

Point Dume is one of the many beautiful beaches in the Malibu area with long stretches of white sand  rimmed by majestic cliffs welcoming long walks alone or a day at the beach with friends and family. 

Oil on linen, 11" X 14" 

"Kelp and Cliffs, Whalers Cove" ©

I never knew how LOUD otters could be until I painted this painting.  Three otters were floating, slithering over and around each other and eating for the couple of hours I spent painting this one.  Floating and slithering they were pretty quiet, eating on the other hand is a very noisy activity.  One little guy was slapping his catch on another object with relentless patience.   While another little guy was eating what looked like kelp but sounded like raw carrots, for hours.  You can't help but watch their antics and smile.  They moved with such grace and ease though the water no wonder everyone enjoyed the otter show at Whalers Cove.

Oil on Linen, plein air, 9" X 12"