"Placerita Creek" ©

Green and gold mixed together as fall sinks into winter, is the story behind this painting.  Placerita Canyon creek runs though the nature center where I discovered this view last week.  The color is leaving more and more each day as the weather cools.  It's tough for painting,  short days and the briefest of daylight striking the ground from the south quickly approaching.  The good news is that it is too cold for snakes to be very active, the bad news is my new car was hit today.  What can you do, life marches on.  

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Over Grown Trail" ©

You can still pick your way through the brush to the creek, watching out for snakes and holes. Not long ago this trail was used often by kids on quads, keeping the wild weeks from taking over. I was wandering about 6pm and found myself captivated by the color mix of lavenders and golds.

Oil on Linen, 14" X 18"

"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"

"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"

"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"

"Light In The Riverbed" ©

Big thanks to everyone that came to the art show this weekend at the Hyatt. Several paintings found new homes and I was able to meet many new collectors which is always a pleasure. I took a break from unpacking show gear to paint the little dry creek that runs in front of my house. The light today is a bit fuzzy but I did find a nice view of "Light In The Riverbed".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Quiet Light" ©

Today at the easel I felt at ease to paint my home turf without a care about upcoming shows or commissions. We have been on the road, traveling to Santa Maria to ride the rails in our Fairmont M-14 Speeder. Yesterday was the grand opening reception at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena. Many thanks to everyone that took the time to come and support the show. I am not sure who bought paintings, but I am deeply thankful and sincerely hope they bring joy to your homes and hearts. With the past few days behind me, I painted the creek that rambles past my home down the canyon at a spot where it spreads out wide offering up the blue and pink mountains in the distance. I love this view, it's quiet and beautifully lit.

"Arriving Rain" ©

This view is from the ridge overlooking the creek in front of our home, looking to the east. Clouds had come into the valley, mixing it up with blue skies and fluffy white clouds until the enough of the storm had taken over the sky to rain on the earth.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"