"Falls Gold" ©

"Falls Gold", 20" X 24", oil

Natures natural color harmony is difficult to resist.  Lavender and hues of blue are the perfect backdrop for falls golden leaves.

"Julia Pfeiffer Falls" © #Bigsurart

The Julia Pfeiffer Falls has been an iconic location for photographers and painters for decades.  Usually the scene is captured in the late afternoon, with the falls and cliff face warmly lit.  I happened upon the scene early in the morning and was struck how the opposite lighting created a whole new view and thought I would give it a try.  

20X16, oil    

"Sycamore" © #landscapeoilpainting #trees #laurawambsgans

Sycamore trees always seem to have a unique and interesting branch structure.  You can get to know one and no matter how long in between visits, you will know your old friend the minute it comes into view.  It may have lost a limb, yet like a friend that is aging you don't really notice, it's the same tree.  I painted this one, simply because I wanted to explore those branches once again.  

Oil on Canvas.  24X20 

"The Rangers Rocks" © #canyondechelly #desertpainting #navajoreservation #laurawambsgans

Last spring when my friends and I went painting in Canyon de Chelly our Navajo guide, Irene explained to us that this is the spot where some of the scenes for the recent Lone Ranger movie were filmed.  It was easy to envision a tall white horse running between the canyon walls.  

Oil on Canvas,  16" X 20"

"Estuary of Carmel" ©

Twice I have stood on the sandy beach beside the spot where the Carmel River greets the ocean painting as the sun sank behind me into the Pacific Ocean capturing this view.  It's a tough scene with all the rocks and shifts and yet so very inviting I can't help but try to get it down on canvas.  I used the little plein air pieces to work out this larger canvas.  Those little babies are worth their weight in gold.  One time I was told to never sell the plein air pieces because of all the information they contain and I understand the thinking better now then ever.  Meanwhile I am preparing for a trip to Lake Arrowhead to paint in the event "Paint the Lakes" starting Thursday morning.  I can't wait to meet the other artists and explore the 3 lakes we are allowed to paint.  

Oil on Linen,  18" X 24"

"Art Alfresco and El Matador Beach" ©

Today was the monthly California Art Club paint out, hosted by George Malone.  George picked El Matador beach for our gathering spot and the day couldn't have been more perfect.  With most children back in school the parking lot and beach had plenty of room.  So you don't think I paint with sun on my palette and shade on the painting you should know I turned my easel for the photograph, since I had my back to the sandstone cliff as I couldn't get back far enough for you to see the whole spot from where I was actually painting.  One thing I learned today is not to set up so close to the cliff as the wind blew sand off the cliff onto my painting.  It's covered in sand and the paint as some chunks floating on the surface.  The other thing I learned today is Gamblin's new warm white is a luscious and good replacement for Titanium white when painting outside.  I can't wait to try their other newly introduced colors.

What grabbed my attention was the lone big rock lit from above with the shadowed bigger rock behind it adding to the drama of the scene.  

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

Last weekend I showed paintings at the Ventura Museum for their event "Art Alfresco".  Below you can see my booth set up, before they opened the doors to the public.  I was able to meet several new art lovers and collectors and the weekend was a success for everyone.  I'll be back in two years for the next event.  If you are ever in Ventura looking for a dinner spot, try out Sushi Marina.  The service and food couldn't have been better.  

"Rocky Canyon" ©

What captured my attention with this view was the idea of a pool of water, too small to make it over the cliff down the falls.  At first I thought it would be great fun to paint the rocks but without being able to paint alla prima as usual, it's much more difficult to keep my place.  I should explain a bit, we are under construction and my easel is about 20 feet from the main work.  The otters I wrote about previously were much less of a distraction.  Too bad they can't lay tile.  

Oil on canvas,  18" X 24"

"Deep in the Forest" ©

Last night was the big show at Cope Studios in Glendale. The people flocked in , had a blast and seemed to really appreciate all the art. I was glad to be included in the show with my paintings. Today, after a day of Christmas shopping, painting "Deep in the Forest" was a welcome break.

Oil on panel, 12" X 9"

"Mountain Stream" ©

A Facebook friend told me yesterday that "the beauty in nature happens when God sighs". Such a lovely thought, it's been on my mind all day. I like to think artists see more beauty in the world then most of humanity. We are allowed to sit and observe nature for hours while attempting to capture the beauty or sigh on canvas. Not a bad gig.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 16"