"Canyon Country Clouds" ©

Our small canyon sits on the edge of Canyon Country. The winter clouds were dancing again and my brush danced right along to create this painting, today.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

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"Golden Time" ©

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Today I simply had great fun with color. I pushed to the "neo impressionism" limit, as far as I could. Also of note, I experimented with a new ground of hardwood covered in white gesso. It was very different from canvas and allowed some movement of my brush that was quite exciting.

Oil on board, 8" X 10"

"Golden Sycamores" ©

I spent the day with Frederic Edwin Church, or should I say with his paintings. The Huntington Library in San Marino, is hosting "Treasures From Olana, Landscapes by Frederic Edwin Church" until Jan. 3rd. Since the Rose Parade is going to bring millions of visitors into the L.A. area, I took the day to learn from Mr. Church, without having to duck around the throngs of heads destined to invade the gallery. Then I came back to my easel and painted a few "Golden Sycamores". Could a day get any better?

Oil on canvas board, 5" X 7"

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"Road In Winter" ©

A storm is approaching this evening. Our valley was muted, grey, lavender and blue, all day. Just the very tips of some trees have the last of the, now dusty yellow leaves. I let the chickens out of the coop for one last dust bath before the rain. This painting is about how the day felt.

Oil on Canvas, 5" X 7"

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"Early December Morning" ©

Christmas Day. Early, on this cold December morning, there are still a few trees in the valley with gold hanging.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

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"Sierra" ©

There is a very special lady that boards her horses, where my daughter rides. This is "Sierra", her favorite mare, the painting is a "thank you" for all of her kindness.

Oil on Canvas

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"Sycamore In Gold" © Landscape

In January I am happily heading up a group of plein air painters for our local art association. I went out hunting our first location, hitting an all time favorite spot, the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Standing in the brush, trees all around I thought about just painting the feeling of the moment, and letting all the "learned" motions that come into painting sit in the background of my mind. So, if I am successful you will "feel" the golden moment of a California winter just before the leaves fall.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16" sold

"December Clouds" © Landscape

Our valley may not host snow storms, but we sure have gorgeous clouds. These beauties were passing over Canyon Country.

Oil on Canvas Board, 8" X 8"

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"Oaks In The Afternoon" © Landscape

All day I was working on a studio painting of Zion. I had hoped to finish this piece to "blog" today but I just can't rush and more honestly, I enjoy savoring each moment. So with my palette loaded with the colors of Zion canyon I painted this scene of the dry creek in front of my house. I envy the painters that have snow right now and dream of painting a winter wonderland someday. This is our winter, the Oaks never change color, the green brush turns gold, rust and finally soft lavender.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Valley Below" © Landscape

This is the end of the trail. Peeking though the chaparral I could see the valley below. From this point there isn't a way down, which means the wildlife can live without any fear or disruption from man, this makes me smile in my heart.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Cotton Woods" © Landscape

Some of the Cotton Woods still have gold, flitting in the breeze, even with last nights storm.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Stark Landscape" ©

At the Pasadena Museum of California Art, one room is full of Puthuff paintings. My nose was 1/4 inch away from these beauties. I was inspired by his treatment of trees and painted "Stark".

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

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"Cloudy Skies" © Landscape

It seems like clouds miss our small valley for so many months that when they do arrive it's all you can see. They move swiftly, creating shadow patterns skipping over the landscape.

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

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"Roses" ©

After last weekends storm the last of the roses in the yard fell to the ground. I will miss them and wait till spring for the new buds. Today I painted a few so that I could just simply think about roses.

9" X 12" Oil on Canvas

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"Solo In Gold" © Landscape

This beautiful tree is surrounded by Coastal Oaks that never alter their green coats. Early in the morning, I just couldn't pass up the chance to paint her. Thanks again to these little paintings for the daily blog I felt that it would be permitted to "feature" one lovely, solo tree in gold.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Valley Floor In Fall" © Landscape

Tree tops in gold and amber lay at the feet of the San Gabriel Mountain range. Probably not the most "acceptable" composition but "Sunday Fun" was what my brushes requested.

Oil on Canvas board, 5" X 7"

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"Golden Pond" © Landscape

One hour was all the Christmas crunch would allow today. After a few paintings using a cooler palette, it was a pleasure to play in gold. "Golden Pond" is the result when the timer rang.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"McKenzie" © portrait

Daily painting allows painters to explore subjects that we might otherwise just ponder. Today I was asked "what are you going to paint?, not having a clue and seeing McKenzie all bundled up for winter, I just couldn't resist a small study.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" X 7"

"Silver Pampas" ©

Silver Pampas grass does not grow naturally in our valley. Landscapers use it often and every time I drive past a clump I slow the car and gaze longingly. The wind and sunlight have a great time dancing in the razor sharp leaves and fluffy tuffs.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

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"Winter White II" ©

I just couldn't let this field of "Winter White" go, not just yet, and so today's painting is another view. These two may "hang" together.

Oil on Canvas Board, 6" X 8"

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"Winter White" ©

As a young lady you are taught the difference between "winter white", worn after Labor Day and "summer white, worn late spring till Labor Day arrives again. This field of dry wild grass was the perfect display of "winter white".

Oil On Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Egg Shell Nautilus" ©

Last week our community of daily painters decided to post "eggs" on Monday. Usually I paint landscapes outside, so this was really just plain fun. My sculpting roots reared up, as I "played" with the shells. The result of egg Monday and a bit of paint is "Egg Shell Nautilus".

Oil on Canvas Board, 4" X 6"
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"Santa Clara River" ©

First I saw a coyote with gray sides, then two others, smaller, darker. Maybe a family, living in the riverbed, hunting rabbits, drinking our run off. Their lives must be perfect, living in a safe, beautiful river bed, protected from humanity crushing in on the open spaces.

Oil on Canvas Board, 11" X 14"

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