"Canyon Walk" ©

Walking out from under the canopy of leaves, the brush opened up enough to see the distant mountains and the late afternoon sunlight grazing the trees.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Sierra Madre Villa" ©

The gold leaves, red roof and burnished walls attracted me to this view. On the other side of the Villa is a long reflecting pond surrounded by Cypress Trees. It was a toss up of which view to paint. The golden leaves won.

Oil on Raymar Panel, 8" X 10"

"Pico Trail" ©

Once in a while you luck out and have a receptive and interactive audience when your speaking in public. Today was my lucky day as I was the guest speaker for "60 Minutes With An Artist", in Valencia. The Santa Clarita Artists Association sponsored the event and I had my fingers crossed for at least a few warm bodies in the seats. We had a full house and they were awesome. The time flew as they asked perfect questions to spur me on. To calm down from the fun after arriving back home, I painted a little piece of the Pico Trail.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Winter Clouds Passing" ©

This scene is so typical of California, with the exception of the clouds. We have been treated to an extraordinary display of storm clouds this month.

At night it's tough to shoot a painting this large, so I backed off and shot from a distance. My easel is Oak, so you can tell this painting isn't as "hot" as it appears. I did want to post this piece as best I could just so you a glimpse of the concept and what I have been painting for the last couple of days. Painting on linen again I am reminded of the elegance and again wonder why I drift away.

Oil on Linen, 20" X 24"

"One Ear Up" ©

Once a Shepard owned our family, Sadie. As a pup one day one ear popped up, a few weeks later, the other followed suit. When I saw the same changes going on as Kila was growing, memories of Sadie came flooding back.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Mt. Wilson Trail" ©

Mt. Wilson Trail heads out above the small village of Sierra Madre. After leaving the lush growth, due to the lower elevation and homeowners generous sprinklers you come face to face with this Palm Tree. Completely out of it's element, flourishing, beating all odds.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Canyon Quiet" ©

Someday artists will visit Eaton Canyon and talk about the old days when all you could see is wilderness. Thank goodness it's the "old days" now.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"

"Fox Field" © revised

I promised artists to post this painting again after fixing the echoed shape in the sky that the original painting demonstrated. Look back a day or two to the first version of this piece. The smaller tree had a perfect halo of sky, then the larger tree had a perfect batch of leaves making an arch, following the shapes. I didn't see this until posting, which happens a lot. One of the many advantages of blogging. It would be fair to say I tweak 90% of the paintings after posting to this blog. It's another source of critique.

"Sierra Madre Wash" ©

Here is the first look at the larger version of the Sierra Madre Wash. If you notice the small study that I worked from sitting to the left of the larger canvas, you can see how valuable the little paintings become. Without the color notes and reminder of a place and it's much more difficult to paint the larger piece. I will let this painting, set up before going back in to punch some of the river rocks and bright spots in the painting. The show it's going to isn't for a couple of months so I have lots of time to tweak.

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 20"

"Jennifer" ©

My third time working from a live model. The difference between this type of painting and working plein air is huge. The light is constant, your inside (no bugs, snakes, wind etc.) and the level of concentration I can reach is much higher. I am in awe looking at the other artists works. A couple hundred more attempts and it will start to click. I am just jazzed with the process and so pleased to have the opportunity.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Fox Field" ©

Our trees have to be confused, 39 degrees one day, 60 degrees the next. Yesterday was one of the sunny days, in a parade of storms. Fox Field in Newhall was sparkling.

A note to artists. Often I don't see an issue with a painting until I blog the image. Tonight I see that the Oak tree creates a dark shape, echoing the smaller tree exactly. Good grief what was I thinking? Even though it was there, it's my job as the "artist" to make sure that each shape is varied and interesting. I'll go back in with paint and change that shape pronto.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Melody Ranch, Back Wall" ©

Melody Ranch movie studios are two blocks away from home, but forbidden territory to my easel. Driving though the wash in between rain cells this is the view of the back wall. What I would give for a week within the walls.....

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Walker Ranch" ©

The wind was biting cold, biting right though my jeans this morning, while I was standing high above Walker Ranch.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Arriving Storm" ©

From on the roof I can hear the gentle drumming of drops, signaling in the welcome rain.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Castaic Lake, Morning"

Exploring compositions in a small format allows for a quick decision as to whether or not a particular view is worth painting on a large canvas. I think this view from an early morning walk along the shore of Castaic Lake has possibilities. Note to artists: This piece was painting on canvas panel, versus my favorite slick wood panel. The canvas caused the brush to stall, little pin holes of white were a distraction and photographing it was a real challenge with the canvas weave catching all sources of light. Can you guess I prefer the wood? oh yeah.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Cynthia" ©

I learned two important lessons during this 3 hour session with a model. Lesson one, never paint a portrait from the side. Being new to the group I let everyone find their spot, then fit myself in on the side. To me it's just not an exciting view, I miss the models eyes, or at least one eye. Lesson Two, an artist that paints portraits regularly explained to me that it's more elegant to have the head sized down small in relation to the size of the canvas. Last time I had the head quite large, so I attempted in this piece to go smaller. Next time my goal will be to paint looser. I learned so much and am grateful for the opportunity to paint from life.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Another Day" ©

I am painting on three commissioned pieces and slipped this little painting in between, so that I could post "Another Day".

Oil on Canvas, 5" X 7"

"Stormy" ©

My husband walked up to me as I was tweaking this little painting and he said he kind of liked this moody piece, so I asked him what he would title it as? Without hesitation he said "Stormy". Simply put and right on the money, as usual. Thanks Mikey....

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"January Dusk" ©

Gallery sitting all day at Descanso Gardens, I watched the clouds quickly passing overhead as if they were on their own speedway. Then as the evening grew close the whites turned to lavender, gray and brilliant edged pinks. Our very own light show, what a wonderful world.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Vanessa" ©

Today before tackling the horse painting again, I went to the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga to paint a live model. Artist Julie Snyder has arranged this 3 hour workshop for any artist that would like to draw or paint a live person. The time flew, besides the music playing all you could hear were the sounds of a studio, brushes on canvas and charcoal rubbing against paper. I had a blast and can't wait to go back! If you would like to see a real figure painters work visit Julie's website at http://www.juliesnyder.com/.

Oil on Panel, 11" X 14"

"Winter Clouds" ©

It's been such a long time since we were blanketed in gorgeous clouds. This cloud collection in variations of white were hanging over the San Francisquito riverbed.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

p.s. back to the horses......

"The San Gabriels" ©

The 60" X 48" painting of three horses was taken off the easel today so that I could paint a small piece for this blog today. It was such a drastic switch I included a photo of the little canvas on the easel. To place a MOUNTAIN on a tiny canvas is so much fun, just a hoot. I wish it had been on one of my wood panels but I am out of stock, so this is actually canvas on board. Tomorrow I'll go shopping for panels, this is a serious shortage in the studio. Not really but I sure miss the wooden panel. The view is the San Gabriel Mountains from the bottom of Baldwin in Arcadia, I just left out all hints of concrete and automobiles. Artists have the life!

Oil on canvas panel, 5" X 7"

"Wild Yard" ©

The Ward ranch in Sierra Madre is well cared for, except this wild yard next to the drive. There are a few orange trees full of oranges despite the lack of attention, and you can find signs of a past history on this land amongst the weeds. I was captivated by the sunlight grazing the green weeds, creating an emerald glaze on each tip.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Canyon Creek" ©

Music drifts down the canyon as the creek runs down the wash. The Sierra Madre Canyon has it's own unique culture, one of sharing, there is a "free" wall, when you want rid of an item just place it on the "free" wall and another soul will make use of it. The residents stick together in time of need, illness or just an extra place to park. Once every few years they fight fire as it threatens their existence. In this little painting I was looking to capture the sunlight busting through the thick canyon trees, lighting the tiny cabins porch all the while thinking of these things.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam Path" ©

Paths snake in and out of the dense brush, created by small creatures, horses, fishermen
and possibly Barefoot Ted. In this path painting the brush open up allowing you to breath, until you duck back into the canopy of gold.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Pastel Canyon" ©

50 cars sat outside the entrance to Towsley Canyon Park in the soft morning light, waiting for their owners that had fled the sheets to move muscle. The brush in it's winter nakedness turned the canyon into a palette of pastels.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Hansen Dam Evening" ©

Today I took the little Hansen Dam III and blew it up a bit to 11" X 14". This gave me a bit more room to explore the Pepper tree in the foreground and work each part of the painting to a deeper level. (A note to artists, I worked on linen again and wow wee, it's so elegant and lovely to paint on.) I drove past this area on the freeway yesterday, near the waters edge all of the golden leaves have blown away and the trees are gray barren sticks. It might be interesting to paint one of the Hansen Dam scenes, now naked. Maybe tomorrow?

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Kern River Rocks"

This morning a good friend asked me via email if you did not need an income from your paintings what would you paint? A very interesting question for artists to ponder. Rocks came to my mind right off, the shapes, the temperature shifts of color, the way they fall on one another, they are always appealing. With that jump start I painted "Kern River Rocks".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Rancho La Vista"

For my husband that spent so much of his childhood on Rancho La Vista the closed entry gates signal the end of an era. His grandparents lived on the ranch for decades, raising their 4 children in a small cottage deep in the orange groves. The stories of feeding cows, building hay forts and learning to ski on the pond are all that's left now as the new owners are making the ranch into their own dream.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam, Winter VI"

One last view of Hansen Dam in the winter, looking north from the south side of the water. Today was the twice annual California Art Club critique at the Autry Museum. I painted this before going very fast so that I would have a blog for tonight, now after hearing all of the thoughts of the panel I can just imagine what they would say about this little study. Here goes: More structure in the trees, connect the dark trees in an interesting way, create a light path and a definite focal point and on and on. It was a day spent not painting but well worth the time to straighten me out a bit. One of the many benefits of belonging to the club. Thanks CAC!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Hopland" ©

This is a huge day in my blogging effort. This painting is number 500! I am more then half way to my goal of 1000, since I don't blog everything. In the past I have mentioned that Jean Stern of Irvine Museum told me once that after I paint 1000 canvases I will "begin to understand the process of painting". I believe him with all my heart, at only 1/2 way there I can see that he is so right as he always is. Jean is a treasure and humanity is fortunate to have his incite, love of art, good sense of humor and generosity.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Peanut"

Peanut has a complete wardrobe. He is wearing his red hoodie sweater on a windy day at the beach in this painting. Actually I have never met Peanut but his Mom loves him dearly and sent me a photo to paint from. He sure is adorable.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Hansen Dam Winter, V"

This scene is so typical of California right now, barren hills reaching out to the water below. Exploring the Hansen Dam area in paintings has been a nice break each day from a large (60" X 48") commission that I am working on. I am at the point of designing, which for me, takes the most time. This stage of developing a painting is so important, if the design/composition is poor it doesn't matter how beautifully the piece is painted it will still be poor. The investment of time is well worth it. Shifting back and forth from small 5" X 7" paintings to the large canvas allows for some fun.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam, Winter IV"

Still soaking up all I can from the Hansen Dam adventure, I took one of the small studies and painted a larger view of Hansen Dam in the winter.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Hansen Dam, Winter III" ©

Soft notes of color, in a tiny study of December near Hansen Dam. I think that this would make a lovely large painting. Compositionally I would change the lit mid-ground to a flat area, rather then an incline, as the incline mimics the angle of the mountain tops and in a large piece this would be repetitive. Also I would add a trunk system to the Pepper Tree on the left and maybe a cloud shape if needed. Otherwise it's ready to go.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam, Winter II" ©

If you can imagine standing at the waters edge and being totally enveloped by gold. The leaves, the light and the reflections in the water, all golden. What a glorious world, and right off the 210 Freeway!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Hansen Dam, Winter" ©

Yesterday, driving home from the Descanso Garden Gallery I spotted this brilliant show of gold. Instantly pulling off the freeway, finding a place to park I was off and running, in search of a way to get closer to the "gold". Everywhere I turned the view took the breath out of me. I was even talking to myself about the amazing light and color. There will be several paintings out of the material gathered. Here is the first little study of Hansen Dam in the winter.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Midday Chill II" ©

The original "Midday Chill" was posted a few postings ago. The view appealed to me and I felt it warranted a larger canvas.

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

"Danielle and Joey" ©

"Danielle and Joey" were painted on request by her family. They supplied a super photograph and just asked me to do my best. Danielle is lovely girl I wouldn't mind adopting and I care for her a great deal. Joey is one of those amazing dogs, that come along once in a lifetime. Spending time with these two, even if it's just on canvas, was like going on vacation during the holiday scramble.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

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"In Between Storms" ©

Another storm is pounding Southern California today. White dusted mountains were visable until the afternoon when the valley became veiled completely in white gauze clouds. This little painting is the view near the 14 freeway and San Fernando Road, "In Between The Storms".

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"