"Sycamores" ©

This group of Sycamore live in the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, just down the road from my home.  The California drought has been rough on all the plant life and this years rains have brought promise for wildflowers and some beautiful landscapes that have been absent for a long time.  

From the creating side of this piece, it's so difficult for me to decide "it's done".  I keep attacking the trees, pushing light here and there, adding limbs and tweaking here and there.  I stopped at this point and will let it rest for a few days, out of my sight and look at it anew.  Usually, only then is it really easy to see, what needs to be addressed to make it a good painting or possibly, decide it's truly finished.  

18" X 24", Oil

"Summer Waters" ©

The Rio Grande river is still flowing, even though our country is so very dry.  This was the scene early in the July morning headed from Monte Vista to Center Colorado on the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad.  

Oil on Linen,  12" X 16"

"Bowman Bay" ©

I was told that Bowman Bay was one of the favorite "unknown" spots for locals on Whidbey Island.  I found the tiny bay late one afternoon and just stood there wishing all my painting buddies and family could see this beautiful place.  I think this little study might grow up one day to be a larger studio piece that I could spend a long time orchestrating the cliff and trees.  

Oil on panel,  11" X 14"

"Paramount Ranch" ©

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" ©

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"