"Eaton Canyon" ©

Late in the day, Eaton Canyon is still hot in the shadows, small critters skitter around and the hawks make their last passes. It's a peaceful time to wander the canyon, saying goodbye to the day.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

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"San Gabriels"

This holiday weekend I painted our San Gabriels from the Art Center School of Design parking lot. The cropping job comes from working on a borrowed lap top without my software, sorry about that. Hope your 4th is full of sparklers!

Oil on canvas, 18" X 24"

"Cape Sunset" ©

Imagine sitting on a woven blanket, next to the fire dug into the sand, eating a fresh lobster, French cheese, sipping a glass of wine and watching the sunset over the Cape. This painting was the view, after several dark days.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Jennys Pond" ©

Finally I am home and unpacked from traveling to Cape Cod for the opening of Inspired Synergies at the Addison Gallery. This little painting was my demo piece on Sunday. I had a great time demonstrating an approach to this subject, the guests were delightful, asking questions that allowed me to talk while painting. Addison Gallery is the top gallery on the Cape, I had no idea till I got there.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

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"Asleep on a Paris Street" ©

Before dawn walking down to the Seine River though the streets of Paris I saw this sleeping soul, rain softly falling turning the sleeping bag into a glistening cocoon and a bouquet of yellow flowers waiting for the sleeper to awaken.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

"Morning Fog" ©

A photographer sent me this image as a gift of inspiration to paint. At first I was lost, missing my own reaction to the scene, the cool morning air, the sky changing by the second, since she had taken the photo. Then I just decided to imagine myself being there and came up with this little painting. The lesson learned was that I really need to experience a location first hand to paint as well as I am capable.

Oil on canvas, 14" X 18"

"Malibu Creek" ©

Standing on the bridge over looking the creek late in the day, it's so peaceful and quiet you can almost hear your heartbeat.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Bosco" ©

Bosco is retired now from a career of endurance rides. At 36 he still has a spark, showing how much spirit his life has held. Bosco's owner asked if I would paint his portrait to add to their family treasures and I was honored to accept the commission.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 14"

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"Frontenay Gate" ©

Usually on the blog I just show paintings, and talk about the process and location. This posting is a bit of an the exception. Last weekend was the last fine art festival I'll be doing for a couple of months and the next event is a National show, called Inspired Synergies, at the Addison Gallery in Cape Cod.
Last September I joined twelve other artists in continuing a heritage of American artists who traveled to Europe for inspiration. Here are some of the events tied into the opening weekend: Friday, June 24 5:30-7:30 Preview Party, Savor French wines and cheeses while surrounded by art that follows an honored tradition.
Saturday, June 25 4:00-5:00 Sharing Memories
Share reflections on creativity and France with participants and guests discussing the impact of travel and working communally. Lively anecdotes, local characters and colorful markets provide
stories behind the work.
Saturday, June 25 Opening Reception 5:30-7:30
Meet these established and emerging artists from both coasts of the U.S.
Sunday, June 26 11:00-1:00 Painting Demonstration with Laura Wambsgans

If you would like to preview the show go to Addisonart.com and click on Inspired Synergies.

Oil on Panel, painted on location in Frontenay, France

"A Touch of Spring" ©

The sound of Jake breaks and hawks playing interrupted the cacophony of song birds while I painted "A Touch of Spring" today.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Through the Trees" ©

Central California is blanketed with golden rolling hills, edged with stands of Eucalyptus trees. In this painting the path crests the hill in the shade of the trees, allowing a view though the trees.


Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

Here are a few photographs of the process:

At this point the painting is finally taking shape. I have paint all over the canvas in the general color and value.

Beginning the painting, all the time looking for patterns, deciding on how to direct the viewer into the painting to the distant hills. Placing color in a value on each area of the painting allows me to see what I need to push and pull to tell the story.



















Usually I paint on a white canvas but found this one tucked away with a warm wash and thought it would make a good start for "Through the Trees". At this stage I am figuring out the composition and just beginning to punch in the darks.

"May Clouds" ©

High winds allowed masses of cotton clouds to drift overhead. Distractedly painting this weekend in between all the "life stuff", I painted this piece 4 times, scraping down each time to raw canvas. The lesson learned: never paint without full concentration.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

"Trail Through the Trees" ©

Recently I went to the small town of Ojai to photograph an extraordinary horse for a commissioned painting and came across this tiny trail though the Eucalyptus trees. The way the light filtered down onto the golden grass grabbed my attention.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Creek Demo" Valencia Fine Art Festival

Last weekend at Valencia Fine Art Festival the organizers encouraged artists to demonstrate their media for the public. While visiting with folks I painted a small version of "Heritage Valley Creek" as a demo. It was a perfect weekend of showing, visiting with artists, good weather and best of all, great company.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Sunlit Solitude" ©

Packing up the art mobile (Ford Expedition / gas eater) for 3 days of showing this weekend at the first ever "Valencia Fine Art Festival" at the Valencia Town Center Patios in, you guessed it, Valencia CA. If your in Southern California and looking for entertainment come on by, besides tons of art / artists the patios are full boutiques and interesting restaurants.

"Sunlit Solitude" was purchased by a new collector out of the show hanging at Gale's in Pasadena till June 10th. Having a painting find it's permanent home is the perfect end to the process.

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"

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"Heritage Valley Creek" ©

When nature provides a scene like this you really can't miss, just hand her the brush and stand back.

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

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"Desert Sentries" ©

Years ago a seasoned painter was explaining with excitement about painting trees, the different personalities, varied greens and the body language of the limbs. I just didn't understand at that time and now years later, I get it. Experience was needed to appreciate nature. These desert palms sway in the wind, house birds within the fronds and critters find safe haven in their skirts.

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Oil on Panel, 10" X 8"

"Evening At Vasquez" ©

Vasquez Rocks, glowing in the final sunlight of the day was a welcome challenge to paint, after wrapping up another weekend showing at an art festival.

Oil on Linen, 14" X 18"

"Sundown" ©

I'll be showing this weekend at the 49th Annual Sierra Madre Art Fair, May 7 - 8, 9:30am - 6pm Saturday, 9:30am - 5pm Sunday Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA. If your in the area come on by, there will be live music, fair food, tons of art and fantastic weather.

Oil on Panel, 8" x 10"

"Whitney Canyon Trail" ©

This scene in Whitney Canyon, is just before you come to the water falls. One of the newer protected spaces of the Santa Clarita Valley it's a great place to hike. I photographed this painting while painting a few times so you can see the progress.

At this stage the entire canvas has paint on it. As I paint each element I will adjust the value and color, to support the idea of the piece and be assured of variety.

Large masses of color notes begin to create a road map of how the painting will proceed.

Beginning to find the composition, I roughly marked the canvas as to where the big elements would be placed.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 24"

"Unconditional Love" ©

Technology has changed the art business of commissions. A cell phone photo, emailed to the artist and "taa daa" a commissioned portrait of a well loved pet.

I am still tweaking this little guy, while packing to leave in the morning for the Mission Federal Artwalk in San Diego. I have about 30 new paintings to show and am excited about the weekend. If your in the area stop by, I am in booth #125.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

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"Summer Day" ©

The wind was so strong today the plan to go out painting, blew away. In between varnishing and framing I spent a little easel time with an image from Acadia National Park of a summer day.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

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"A Bit Curious" ©

Next weekend I'll be exhibiting paintings at the Mission Federal Artwalk in San Diego. If your in the area please stop by and say HI (booth #125). This is the first time for me and I have heard that the art walk is blocks of great fine art, delicious food and fun entertainment.

I'll bring 25 paintings, including "A Bit Curious".

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

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"Emu" ©

Adding to the painted menagerie this week I explored a prehistoric looking bird, an Emu.

Oil on Canvas, 8" X 6"

"Loyality" ©

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionate, patient and loyal.

Oil on panel, 10" X 8"

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"Orange Marmalade" ©

There are cat people and there are dog people, I love both!

Oil on Canvas, 14" X 11"

"Tempting Trail" ©

This weekend I had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Museum of Ventura County (www.venturamuseum.org). The museum is a gem along the Pacific Coast and if you have never visited I would highly recommend it. Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Colors That Echo" ©

There are a lot of sounds in the Arizona desert canyons, even the colors seem to sing.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Sand Dollar Beach, Sunset" ©

This little study of Sand Dollar Beach at sunset was one of the "ideas" that I came up with while in Big Sur recently. If I design the rocks and really explore the color I may have the makings of a decent larger painting.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

Art Show at Gale's

Today Belinda Del Pesco (www.belindadelpesco.com) and I delivered 40 paintings to Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena for a 2 month show. Belinda paints stunning watercolor paintings that I had appreciated on her blog but in person are breathtaking. If you are in Southern California, we would love for you to attend the reception tomorrow (Sunday) from 4pm - 6pm, wine, food and art!

Gale's Restaurant, 452 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena, CA 626.432.6705

This photo shows one of the many walls we covered with paintings!

"Ocean Bluff Trail" ©

Imagine the path still damp from the recent rain, the ocean singing in the distance, walking under the canopy of eucalyptus trees along the bluff above the sea and you'll feel the spot where this painting was born.

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

"Sand Dollar Beach" ©

With Highway 1 closed at Carmel and Gorda, the Big Sur stretch was vacant last weekend, along with the camp grounds. This must have been what it was like in the 60's. Another week and all the wild flowers will pop open, I saw bits of red, purple, orange and yellow announcing what was yet to come.

Oil on Linen panel, 8" X 10"

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"Rushing River" ©

Early in the morning, snow melt rushed past, drowning out all distractions. Watching the water is as hypnotic as ocean waves or a campfire leaping. With this painting I wanted to capture that hypnotic draw of the water on canvas. Oil on Linen, 20" X 24"

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"Oak Glen Canyon" ©

The path heads to an apple orchard, just ready to blossom. Homesteaded decades ago the inhabitants long gone but the orchard continues it's life cycle, a testament to the lives long gone.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7" (study for larger painting)

"Still Life" study ©

When you surrender to an instructor and paint exactly as directed with all of your heart the painting created is a complete stranger to you. I had the pleasure of working with C.W. Mundy recently at the Scottsdale Artists' School, thanks to the generosity of P. Riggs. C.W. freely passed out nuggets of painting truths for us to chew on all week. Here are a few: The difference between a “scene painting” and a powerful painting is the resolve of the piece – darkest dark and lightest light in the centrality of focus. A quality artist is an excellent director. A series of mediocre decisions creates a mediocre painting. If there is a problem in a painting, it's usually with the values. The two most important things I learned is to keep my values closer together, say 3 -7, rather then 1 - 10 and that "I" am the director and can paint in what ever way my passion leads me.

Oil on Panel, 16" X 20"

"Canyon Creek" ©

It's no wonder Sedona is known as home to stunning red rocks. Late in the day the stone reflects the sun and radiates the heat collected as the sun passed over head.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

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"Slide Rock Canyon" ©

Heading towards Flagstaff from Sedona the road follows a meandering canyon creek. I found this painting spot late in the afternoon, the red rock cliffs holding the warmth of the day as the temperature dropped quickly.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"Rocks of Papago" ©

In Scottsdale Arizona, Papago Park is the closest location I found to paint that was fairly safe and interesting. I painted this rock formation several times, exploring different ways to describe the stone in paint. Too early for snakes, other then one Jack Rabbit, all I had were birds for company.

Oil on Panel, 11" X 14"

"End Of The Day" ©

The end of the day cool of the red rock butte with the distant mountain range lit up in the last of the sunlight was what attracted me to this view, while painting in Arizona.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Sycamore Canyon" ©

Some trees feel like old friends. I have painted this tree at least 5 times from different angles over the years and look forward to our next meeting.

I am hanging my "gone painting" shingle again. Heading to the Red Rock country of Arizona to sling paint!

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

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