"Placerita Canyon Evening" © #santaclarita #landscape #laurawambsgans

With a little rain, spring greens are popping up in the canyon.  After so many months of muted gray brush the bright green is almost shocking and clearly a delight for all living things.  

Oil, 16" X 20"

"Fall Colors", © Sand Canyon, Santa Clarita, CA

Lately I have been painting walls rather then canvas but I slipped off for an afternoon and found a spot down the road on the side of Sand Canyon that just glowed in the late November light.  I would much rather wield an oil paint brush then a roller full of egg shell latex paint, that is for sure.  

Oil on Panel,  12" X 16"

"Walker Ranch Trailhead" ©

A couple of days ago I checked on the washed out Walker Ranch trail and it was totally repaired. If any of you hike in the SCV this spot might be recognizable, as the trailhead to Walker Ranch in Placerita Canyon.

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

"Back Road" ©

This scene is the back road to Walker Ranch in Newhall. Just around the corner are several white Bee boxes and it's a good idea to skirt the mass of humming Bees and paint a few yards away.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"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"

"Winter Light"

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"

sold

"Nice Place to Be" ©

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"

Winter Day ©

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"

"Golden Glow" ©

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"

"Road to Rankin Ranch" ©

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