"A Tender Moment" ©

At dinner the other evening, my artist friend Marty was showing me photos of her cats and cats at a rescue where she volunteers.  She scrolled past this image and I asked her if I could paint these two cats, quietly sharing a tender moment.  

Oil on Canvas, 14" X 18"

"Morning Swim" ©

Some of you might remember my duck paintings from a few years ago.  I thought a duck painting would be a nice addition to the animal show next month and tried my hand at a fluffy duck once again.  I compared this painting to a few of the old paintings of ducks and am pleased to report I have learned a bit over the years.   If you are a landscape lover, hang in with me, I promise to get back to the mountains and trees soon.  I only need a couple more animal paintings to have a nice group for the show.  (The show is at Gales in Pasadena, everyone is welcome to the reception, live animals, great food and tons of animal paintings.)

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

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"Kitten" ©

This little kitten was just too sweet to pass up, adding to my collection of animal paintings for the show at Gales in Pasadena next month.  I did learn that painting the fur is easier on a smooth canvas rather then a rough cotton duck, while painting the kitten.  It is surprising to me how different the painting process becomes depending on the surface.  

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"

"The Kid" ©

This little guy will be an addition to the animal show at Gales next month.  Love painting those paws!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Pondering" ©

Next month Gale's in Pasadena is having an exhibit of animal paintings. The sale proceeds will benefit the local shelter and a bunch of artists are jumping in to help.  This is my first painting of 10, that will go to the show.  It's been a while since I had the opportunity to paint some fur and feathers and painting this sweet orange tabby pondering helped me to get oriented after months of landscapes. 

Oil on panel, 16" X 12"

"Last Bit of Light" © Elsmere Canyon, Santa Clarita, CA

At the end of the hike with my painting buddies we rounded the bend in Elsmere Canyon to see just the last bit of light before the landscape turned monochromatic for the night.  I knew I had to paint that very moment.

Oil on Canvas,  20" X 24"

"Canyon Creek Trail", Elsmere Canyon

Early morning on a chilly winters day, Elsmere Canyon's inhabitants are waking up as the morning sun starts to warm things up.  This spot is along the creekside trail heading into the interior of the canyon.  The last of the golden leaves dangling on the brush was what intrigued me to paint the view.  I just went back the other day and all the golden leaves are gone till next year.  

Oil on Canvas 16" X 20"

 This is how the painting was approached in the beginning.  Rather then drawing out the composition I placed swatches of local color all over the canvas, finding the painting as I went along.  

About 1/2 finished, I now know where all the elements of the composition are located and have the general palette nailed down.  From this point on it's just a matter of painting the piece.  One of the big color influences on this painting and the previous painting was the introduction of "Kings Blue" to my palette.  Recently I went to Dick Blicks to purchase a tube of Holbeins Gray Blue, my standard go to tube when painting sunny day skies and just about the same value/color as Vasari's "Bice".  The art store in Pasadena doesn't carry Holbein any longer and so I substituted the Gray Blue with a tube of Williamsburg "Kings Blue".  It mixes beautifully with every color from  Rose to Cadmium Orange to Quinacridone Violet, creating beautiful grays.  In the photo the little pile of "Kings Blue" is next to the white pile on the right side of my palette.  

"Canyon Trail" © Elsmere Canyon

This painting is the scene you view hiking down into Elsmere Canyon from the ridge to the creek that snakes along the canyon floor.  The more I paint and explore this canyon the more I appreciate the fight to keep the canyon pristine rather then a landfill.  

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"

"Cliff Hanger" ©

Rounding the bend of the trail, high above Elsmere Canyon this lone tree lives clinging to the rocks.  It has such great character and seems to defy nature, buffering wild winds and tough weather conditions.  I had to paint it.  

Oil on canvas,  24" X 30"

"Sunny Winter Day" © Elsmere Canyon

We are going back tomorrow to paint Elsmere Canyon again.  This canyon has views that are strikingly similar to Bryce Canyon, the high Sierras, central California and the woodlands of Descanso Gardens.  It's a painters paradise whether you are painting from high upon the "Beast" trail or down on the "Creek" trail, even in the nakedness of winter.  

Oil on canvas, 9" X 12" study

"Elsmere Canyon Trail" © Santa Clarita Valley Open Spaces

In March the City of Santa Clarita is planning on an exhibition of artwork depicting Elsmere Canyon, a newly designated open space.  Any artist interested in participating would be welcome, just email Jeff Barber at the city and let him know.  Meanwhile my little band of painting buddies are out painting the canyon.  This is my first painting of the area and while out hiking I could see the winter remnants of beautiful wild flowers.  The canyon is quite scenic in the winter and I can just imagine what it looks like full of spring blooms.  

Oil on Canvas,  18" X 24" 

"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"

"King Tides" © Newport Beach Back Bay

Oil on linen, 11" X 14"

Source Tek panel, Oil Primed 

King tides is not a scientific term, it describes an unusually high tide that only occurs a few times a year.  Last Saturday painting at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center we watched the King tides  cover the bay in silver strips and bands during the morning and then give back the marshy brush completely by the late afternoon.  Painting along side me was Rich Gallego, Lorelle Miller and Bruce (sorry Bruce I didn't get your last name).  Rich is painting on the ridge and Lorelle is set up on the hill.   All you heard while painting were sea birds, jets from John Wayne airport and the feet of the many walkers/runners on the sandy trail.  

"Corriganville Park, Winter" © Simi Valley, CA

Every month George Malone, fellow member of the California Art Club arranges a paint out for one and all.  Today when the sprinkles puddled up on my panel I packed up my gear and figured I had enough work on the panel to stop on this one.  Corriganville Park was a gem that George had found for us.  The area reminded me a bit of Vasquez Rocks with the addition of trees, paths and elevated spots.  Even with the flat light of an incoming storm the park had views to paint in every direction.  

Oil on panel, 12" X 12"

This is the best plein air location organizer and all around nice guy, George Malone, painting under sprinkling skies.

"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"

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"Fox Field Find" © Quigley Canyon Open Space

The cloud cover seemed to dampen the sounds of nature in Fox Field this morning.  The rain coming in later today will fill the riverbeds and give this dry canyon a drink.  A rider and horse galloped by and the deer I was hoping to see stayed bedded down in the cool morning air.  If you are a painter or hiker the new Quigley Open Space in Placerita Canyon has several loops of beautiful trails in the wilderness to explore.

Oil on panel, 10" X 12", plein air

"Rabbit Bush", Placerita Canyon ©

For weeks I have been telling my painting buddies about the Rabbit Bush blooming at the end of my canyon.  Today Lorelle Miller and I headed out with our gear to paint the golden bushes.  

Just after setting up to start this painting I was reminded of painting on Catalina Island.  I wonder if other plein air painters experience the recollection of other  painting trips while painting out.   I think it was the sound of a distant motorcycle on the 14 freeway that sounded like a dingy motor on the Avalon bay.  Go figure.  In this photo you can see the beginning step of the painting, blocked out in large shapes of light and dark.

In this shot the painting is half way completed.  I took this photo and the lens on my digital camera decided not to retract.  It still is hanging out.  I can't be too hard on it, this Cannon has traveld the world with me taking thousands of photographs.   Today I was thankful for the little camera on my cell phone and an old point and shoot I have stashed in my car.  

Almost done......

Off in the distance Lorelle, was painting a lovely painting of the Rabbit Bush from another vantage point.   I love the oak tree that dwarfs Lorelle.  

This is a general photo of the area.  We are at the corner of Placerita Canyon and Sierra Highway.  If you paint and live nearby, it's a super spot.

Oil on panel,  10" X 12"

"Colors of Sedona" © Sedona, AZ

Taking a quick break from cooking for tomorrow I painted this little sketch, to practice the beautiful colors that cover the land before the sun sets on Sedona.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

Oil on panel,   8" X 10"

"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"

"City Lights, Universal City Overlook" ©

Landing on the runway at LAX the city lights have always reminded me of jewels laid out on black velvet.  Looking at the city lights from the Universal City Overlook on Mulhulland Drive was my best shot at a simular view.  This piece taught me quite a bit about attempting to paint a city view at night.  I have to admit I had a great time painting this one.  

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

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"Zion, Morning" © Zion National Park, Utah

After 6 years of blogging I have finally reached my goal of 1,000 paintings on this blog.  In this posting I am showing the process working from the small original to a larger studio painting.  Leave it to the family to spot an area that needs addressing.  My daughter suggested that I change the width of the river  as it recedes from the viewer and I agree with her.  Fortunately working in oil I have the luxury of making changes as long as needed to create a decent painting.  So I'll keep after this one.

This is the very beginning of the painting process.  On the left you can see the little study that has all the information for a larger painting.  Sometimes the larger paintings never measure up to the little guys but I am going to give it a go here. 

At this point I have paint all over the canvas and each shape is addressed in large flat color.  

Slowly I am fine tuning each area, checking values , color and design.  If the painting is lacking in any of those areas I have the option of pushing or pulling until the piece works thanks to working in oil paint. 

"Zion, Morning", 20" X 24"  Oil on Canvas  

"October Light" ©

It's nice to be able to walk out the front door and paint the brush late in the day.  With the wind kicked up the amount of dust in the air is elevated and the world has a golden glow till the sun sets.  

Oil on Canvas,  11" X 14"

"Cottonwood Cove, Lopez Lake" ©

   

Painting very early in the morning on the edge of Cottonwood Cove the only company I had were several mule deer and about ten wild turkeys.  When I was packing up my gear I turned around to see  two large birds warming their wings in the morning sun.  It was difficult to decide if they were Condors, Turkey Vultures or one of the other 150 species of birds that inhabit the lake.  I was reminded of the lesson to keep a closer eye on what is going on around me while painting in the bushes.

Oil on Source Tek Linen Panel,  12" X 16"

Maybe one of you know what type of bird these are?  They were huge!

Before and After, 21st Annual Pasadena Heritage Craftsman Weekend

After a day of driving, unloading and hanging here is my little booth and home for the weekend.  I am exhibiting my paintings at the 21st Annual Pasadena Heritage Craftsman Weekend show at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.  The paintings are hanging on Pro Panels and those were one of the best investments I have ever made. I took these photos with my cell phone so the paintings are somewhat washed out but you can get the idea, I hope.  

This is what you get when you walk up to your space at the convention center.  I moved the table behind the curtain and will use it for wrapping paintings that have been purchased during the weekend.  The chairs will probably never be used.  Somehow the days fly by and eating/sitting never happen.  It will be a great weekend and I am looking forward to talking to everyone about the paintings.

If you are in the area stop by:

The Pasadena Convention Center, Exhibition Hall B

300 East Green Street

Pasadena, CA 91101

10am - 5pm

"Morning Fog" © San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

During the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival I left my hosts home at dawn every morning so I could set up my easel for the early morning light.  I was driving out a ranch road in Arroyo Grande and saw the fog just lifting allowing the sunlight to backlight the distant trees.  All the color in the fog was too much to pass up.  The original painting has subtle hues of violet, viridian and ochre in the fog.

Oil on Linen Panel, 9" X 12"

This is how the little "Morning Fog" painting looked after I framed it for exhibition in the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.  

"Pismo Dunes" © San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

This plein air painting is a view from the Pismo Dunes looking inland towards the Monarch Grove.  The ocean is to my left across the dunes and sandy beach offering slow rolling waves sparkling in the distance.  What I wanted to capture was the morning light just grazing the distant dunes and trees, from the cool shade of the pines and cypress trees.  This was the largest painting that I created during the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival.  

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

On Friday morning each artist turned in six plein air paintings from the week to the museum staff and chose three to be hung for jurying.  After the exhibition opening night the artists could hang additional artwork to their portion of the walls.  The exhibit was hung beautifully and the staff could not have been more professional in handling the artwork.  It was a real pleasure to participate in the event.

"Monarch Grove" © San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

Early in the morning I was hunting a painting spot, turned around and spotted this view.  I ran back to my car and gathered up my gear.  Then standing with the ocean singing to me from behind I painted the distant trees where the Monarch butterfly's hang in golden clumps on their journey south.  

My original view long gone with the time passing here is an image of my little set up.  The umbrella is an addition to my standard gear.  For years I used John Cosby's advice of just turning your easel away from the sun, rather then dealing with an umbrella.  My friend Lorelle and I were discussing umbrellas and the advantages and so I thought the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival would be a super time to try out using an umbrella.  I think from now on it will be a a permanent addition to my gear.  I purchased this one from EasyL and it was a piece of cake to adjust as the sun shifted.  The vents on top help it resist blowing away and there is even a small leash to ty to the tripod leg so if it did start to fly away it wouldn't go far.  This was very comforting painting up on cliff edge tops.  

Oil on Linen,  11" X 14"

"San Luis Creek" © San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

Last week at the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival I participated in the "Quick Draw".  For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, artists are given a set amount of time in which to have their canvas stamped, set up an easel, paint a painting, frame it and deliver the finished piece to the staging site.  Talk about pressure, at first you feel as if you have "hours" to get the job done, then you glance at your watch to see only 20 minutes remaining to pull the painting together.  Meanwhile people are watching and chatting with you about your choice of paint, subject, what they are painting at home and about the process.  I enjoy the whole event and especially the people.  I painted in the creek beside the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art and in this image you will see my finished painting hanging on my EasyL Easel.  

Once all the artists were told to set down their brushes we all framed our paintings and brought them to the mission walkway for display.  People walked up and down looking at each one deciding on which paintings they would like to win at the auction.  At the same time a judge picked a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner of all 34 paintings.

This is my painting at the auction.  I was in the back sitting on a rock wall watching the action.  It was a real thrill to see several people bidding on my painting, trying to win it as the price kept climbing like crazy.  I felt giddy, grateful, excited and relieved when it was all over.  What a rush!

I won 3rd place and received a ribbon which I gave to the collector that purchased the painting, a King of Frames gift certificate and a bundle of SourceTek panels.  In case you are curious about the other winners my friend Raymond Harris won 1st place and a new friend John Guernesy from Georgia won 2nd place.  It was quite a day and nice way to end the week.  

Oil on Linen Panel, 12" X 9"