"Trestles Trail" ©

The trail to Trestles surfing beach runs along side the San Mateo Riverbed, so thick with trees and brush the river is buried. I was tempted to find a way down into the riverbed when a local explained that it might not be safe for a lone painter. Being on my own, I opted to wimp out and stick to the trail.

Tonight I am packing my paints for a long 4th of July weekend at Rancho Oso, in Santa Barbara on the Santa Ynez River. Yes, the kids are packing horses and tack, they'll ride, I'll paint. What could be better?

Oil on Panel, 12" X 16"

"Cottons, North" ©

I am standing on the beach at Trestles, looking at Cotton's and in the furthest distance, Dana Point. It was a very gray day, without many people wandering the beach. Standing at my easel I watched a pod of dolphins cruising the coast, while thinking about why I live inland. This painting was entered in the San Clemente Plein Air Competition last weekend. It's hanging right next to the first place painting, nice company.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Surfing" ©

This is the last second before the ride is over. What attacted me to this surfer over the others was his brilliant yellow board, against all the colors of the sea. Surfing has changed, little ankle leashes prevent having to swim to shore to retieve the board after a spill, short boards allow for quicker moves, waiting for a wave the water level is around your waist rather then you actually floating on top and finally "turning turtle" has been replaced by a slick move of just pushing the tip of the nose down with you on top diving down under the rolling white water. Amazing what can change in 30 years.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

sold

"Sunlight On Trestles Trail" ©

I was headed to a location called Trestles, one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world. One thing I always remind myself when looking for a painting in nature is to TURN AROUND. More often then not, that is moment of Ahh-Haa, which is exactly what happened here. When I saw the dappled light filtering through the sycamore trees, that was it. I never made it to Trestles that day. As surfers and hikers passed me more often then not they would comment that they come down this dirt path because it's the most beautiful way to Trestles.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

sold