"Winter Clouds" ©

It's been such a long time since we were blanketed in gorgeous clouds. This cloud collection in variations of white were hanging over the San Francisquito riverbed.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

p.s. back to the horses......

"San Francisquito Riverbed" ©

One of the benefits of development in the Santa Clarita Valley are new views accessed by constructed trails. Judging by the amount of folks passing today the trails are appreciated very much. This view is just north of Decoro along the "San Francisquito Riverbed".

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Riverbed Trail" ©

After climbing through fallen tree trunks and over rocks I came to this view. Looking out from within all the wild brush, rocks and sticks, out across the small field to the distant trees that boarder a valley out of view and I thought "aah haa", here is the painting. Viewing the painting in person you see all of the wild brush that has piled up against the group of trees on the left. The debate of whether to blog these photos that are so lacking in telling the truth about the paintings or to pass and just exhibit them to live viewers continues in my mind. For now I continue and share with you my view from the "Riverbed Trail".

Oil on Linen, 16" X 12"

"Filmore" ©

Delivering a painting to Lake Hughes, visiting the Poppy Reserve and preparing for the Wistaria Festival tomorrow didn't leave much time to "paint" today. After dinner I sat at the easel and painted Filmore for two reasons, one my husband, Mike was there this morning and told me how beautiful it was and second I'll be there painting on Tuesday. I am very excited with the prospect, there could be 50 painters working at the same location, Rancho Camulos.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Above Avalon" ©

Deer follow this trail, high above Avalon on Catalina Island. Delicate long legs, large all hearing ears, ever on alert but truly not very shy, at least of human kind.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Herd Warmth" ©

Today I was stroking "Jessie" my daughters horse. Mindlessly, feeling the contours of her body, the direction of her coat as it shifted and I became aware of how warm she was. How warm I was leaning against her side. I can imagine that these cows out on the frozen field are feeling the warmth from one another, waiting for spring.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Towsley Canyon" ©

Towsley Canyon is just south of Stevenson Ranch on the Old Road. I am hoping that the fire past over this lovely valley on it's march to the ocean. "Thank You" is not near strong enough language to cover my feelings towards the fire fighters and to everyone for your good thoughts.

Humble gratitude is flowing with every breath.

Oil on Raymar panel, 6" X 8"

sold

"San Francisquito Canyon" ©

Yesterday a strange voice sounded over a bull horn. It was muffled and I ran out the front door, seeing the police cruiser, I knew it was about the fire down the canyon. I have never seen a poker faced police officer, no panic, no clues as to the danger, just his instruction "mandatory evacuation". Ok what do you take? I am usually organized, but faced with no time, making instant decisions was truly tough. My husband and I went into survival mode instantly. We make a tremendous team and each did what we were good at. 10 minutes later we were ready to roll and there was a knock at the door. Another officer just said, "go now", if you don't we can't save you if the situation gets deadly. A few hours later, we were allowed home and left our belongings in the car, just in case.

Today another fire rages on the north side of the valley in San Francisquito Canyon. I have painted the riverbed that snakes through the canyon for the past four years. Listening to the news in my studio, helplessly I painted the hills that hug the west side of the canyon as I remember them and hope that the fire fighters are safe and win!