"Lingering Warmth" © #HansenDam #wambsgans

In a couple of weeks I am flying to Vermont and driving up to the Adriondacks with my gear to paint the classic scenes of the Hudson River group, from long ago.   In this painting I was thinking about those tonal paintings of water and hardwood trees but truly I don't know what to expect as I have never been to the Adriondack National Park.  Along with painting everyday,  I made more linen covered gator board panels, ordered bug repellant clothing and have started making little piles to be packed.  I really can't wait to jump on the plane!

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

"Red Rock Creek" ©

 Recently I read an article by Marc Hanson  about focusing on the one thing that inspired you to paint a particular painting, especially in plein air work.  It's so easy to get distracted with the world around you painting outside that you can easily get lost.  This piece is a studio painting, created while also painting crown moulding, floor moulding, walls and so on during our never ending remodel job.  Even so, I kept Marc's words of advice up front and really concentrated on the brilliant golden tree.

Oil on canvas,  14" X 18"

"Evening Glow" © Garland Park, Carmel Valley

Garland Park is the perfect place to paint near Carmel when the coastal fog is thick as cotton.  The park is only 8 miles from the ocean, covered in trails, dotted with ancient trees and clear skies.  The Carmel River flows year round along the edge of the park, headed to the ocean.  I talked to a ranger about the safety of painting alone and he told me it was perfectly safe in the park.  You wouldn't think that painting alone could be a problem but I have had a few of close calls, one mountain lion, the others human.  When I am involved painting a space ship could land next to me and I wouldn't notice.  Well, maybe but you get the idea. 

Oil on Linen,  16" X 20"

"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"

"Malibu Creek" ©

Standing on the bridge over looking the creek late in the day, it's so peaceful and quiet you can almost hear your heartbeat.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"