"Rabbit Bush", Placerita Canyon ©

For weeks I have been telling my painting buddies about the Rabbit Bush blooming at the end of my canyon.  Today Lorelle Miller and I headed out with our gear to paint the golden bushes.  

Just after setting up to start this painting I was reminded of painting on Catalina Island.  I wonder if other plein air painters experience the recollection of other  painting trips while painting out.   I think it was the sound of a distant motorcycle on the 14 freeway that sounded like a dingy motor on the Avalon bay.  Go figure.  In this photo you can see the beginning step of the painting, blocked out in large shapes of light and dark.

In this shot the painting is half way completed.  I took this photo and the lens on my digital camera decided not to retract.  It still is hanging out.  I can't be too hard on it, this Cannon has traveld the world with me taking thousands of photographs.   Today I was thankful for the little camera on my cell phone and an old point and shoot I have stashed in my car.  

Almost done......

Off in the distance Lorelle, was painting a lovely painting of the Rabbit Bush from another vantage point.   I love the oak tree that dwarfs Lorelle.  

This is a general photo of the area.  We are at the corner of Placerita Canyon and Sierra Highway.  If you paint and live nearby, it's a super spot.

Oil on panel,  10" X 12"

"Winter Puddle" ©

After the last couple of days of rain there are a few puddles left standing in the sandy canyon soil.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Streaks of Sun"

Walking along the path with my painting buddies, the views to paint were endless on this December day. What caught my eye was the streaks of sun across the brush and sandy path. The wind blew one easel over and thank goodness we recovered all the Rosemary Brushes that flew to the ground. All we left behind, lost in the bushes, is a favorite painting knife that we will go back and hunt for.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 12"