"Approaching Winter Storm", © #SantaClarita #laurawambsgans

For the next couple of months this painting, along with 4 others are hanging in the College of the Canyons Art Gallery.  The exhibit is called Plein Air, California Landscape painting and has some very good pieces.  Mike Hernandez, Alan Garber and Karl Dempwolf have paintings that are worth studying for a long time.  Karl loaned two original William Wendt paintings and there is a nice collection from Steve and Doris Marie Zimmer.  A good painting buddy and friend Lorelle Miller has several paintings in the show too and it's always a bonus to hang with a friend.  

Oil on canvas, 24X30

"Winter's Light" © Santa Clara Riverbed

Hundreds of people whiz past this view on McBean Parkway everyday.  While Christmas shopping I whizzed by, slammed on the brakes, found a nearby parking lot and walked back to the spot, stunned at the sunlight bouncing here and there in the riverbed.  I knew I had to paint it and finally have had the time after the holiday commissions and celebrations.  My wish for everyone is a wonderful holiday and the most important thing of all, good health next year and always. 

Oil on Canvas,  20" X 24"

"Sunlit Glow" @ Santa Clara Riverbed

In between the gentle rains I found this view of the Santa Clara Riverbed from the parking lot of the Midas auto repair shop.  The leaves were freshly washed, adding to the sunlit glow of the trees.  A couple of kids asked me what I was looking at for the painting and it took a minute for the idea to crystalize in their minds.  I think they will see the riverbed in a new way from now on.  

Oil on Canvas, 14" X 18"

"Bits of Gold", © McBean Bridge, Santa Clarita, CA

In between the rain, the clouds broke enough to paint the riverbed.  The storm has been so gentle that the last of the leaves are still dangling, leaving bits of gold in the riverbed.

Oil on panel, 6" X 8"

sold

"Santa Clara Riverbed" ©

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"

"Santa Clara Riverbed" ©

The Santa Clara Riverbed is a vast expanse of damp sand waiting for rain with the colors of the California winter hanging in the brush.

Working on a large commission in the studio all week, I took a break for this small study.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Winter Day" ©

First day back at the easel in three, the longest I have gone without painting since I can remember. I shot a couple of images of the progress, to show my thought process. Any thoughts or critique welcome (yeah you Bart).

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"

"The Sun's Goodbye" ©

This little painting is a simple statement to the quiet beauty of the Santa Clara Riverbed.

Oil on Linen
9" X 12'

"Riverbed Jewels" @

Hard to believe this view is just off a major road, with hundreds of cars whizzing by daily. I wanted to try out an idea for this painting to see if it would work on a larger canvas. I think with some minor adjustments it might be nice.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Joey and Yellie" ©

Yellie is beautiful, inside and out, so I am still trying to "get" her but I really have had fun exploring the two of them and will keep on till I have it. Ever polite and faithful Joey is one of those dogs that is one in a million. The two of them together are priceless.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Evening, Santa Clara Riverbed" ©

The Santa Clara River weaves lazily across the Santa Clarita Valley. In the winter rain water cuts deeply into the sand, in the summer the dry sand glistens between the bushes and Cottonwood trees, until the evening light when the sand cools and reflects the blue sky. This is the moment I captured in "Evening, Santa Clara Riverbed".

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"