"Deep Within The Trees" ©

Along the Pacific coast in the Big Sur area it doesn't take many steps to be "Deep Within The Trees". This small study is the seed for a 20" X 24" studio piece that hopefully will mature into a beautiful painting.

Oil on Raymar Panel, 8" X 6"

"Dawn" ©

5AM, cold, quiet, completely empty the sun just barely grazed the distant off shore cloud bank. Observing the sea I noticed that the wave was almost black due to the lack of back light that you normally see once that large orange globe rises. Sea birds pierced the sand in search of their morning meal. Sea shells that would find their way into plastic pink buckets by small chubby fingers delighted with each find, dotted the wet sand. Even I couldn't resist the most unusual shaped shells. As the light increased and the clouds rallied in pink, a few walkers appeared. And slowly over the next couple of hours the sleepy seaside community arrived, fishing poles in hand, dogs running with abandon, coffee cups and bicycle handle bars being maneuvered expertly. Another day in paradise at "Dawn".Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"A Patch Of Sun" ©

This morning rain pattered on the roof as I lay under the covers hiding from the morning chill. My first thought was of the scheduled paint out and that the rain was sure to detour artists from coming. Three of us were strong willed and didn't let the weather keep us home. As we painted the sun played peek a boo all morning long. We were able to chose between painting the cloud dimmed landscape or "A Patch Of Sun".
Oil on Canvas, 8" X 10"

"Passing Storm" ©

Southern California has been hit by a myriad of weather patterns over the last couple of days. From hail to tornadoes, mud slides to snow we seem to be experiencing a potpourri of Mother Natures best. This little painting is of the storm clouds passing near where the 126 Highway and 5 freeway meet. My valley has really been spared from too much damage, for which we are all thankful. Tomorrow morning I am playing ring leader of a small band of plein air painters, everyone of us hoping for dry skies.

Oil on canvas, 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"

"Along The Snake River" ©

We floated down the Snake River in Yellowstone two summers ago. Last summer I stayed at the Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast in Rigby Idaho, which is placed on the bank of the Snake River. It seems fitting that with summer temperatures heating up the land my mind would drift back into dreams of the lovely cool Snake River.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

46th Annual Sierra Madre Art Fair

Last weekend is a blur of meeting old friends and discovering new ones, surrounded by a hundred booths of fine art. I shared a booth with my Mom, Carolyn Gravatte. She really is the "Sierra Madre" painter, as she paints local scenes capturing the personality of the village. This show is a pleasure to participate in because it's so well organized and everyone is there to enjoy the art, food and music. The boy scouts guard the art Friday and Saturday night so the artists can leave their set up and sleep well knowing that all will be well in the morning. Each day I set up my easel to paint but never had the time to paint. We had a terrific show and I would like to thank each and every visitor for coming by despite the 100 plus temps. See you all next year....

"In Morning Light" ©

"In Morning Light" was just juried into the upcoming California Art Club exhibit "Natural Beauty". It's a long show, 6 months at the Women's City Club of Pasadena, within walking distance of the Pasadena Museum of California Art, nice duo to hit in a day. Meanwhile this weekend I am showing with my Mom at the Sierra Madre 46th Annual Art Show. Sierra Madre is my parents home town and it's a great weekend to meet her art buyers and very good friends. *This photo is a scan of the submitted slide to the jury, which is the reason for the black boarder.

"Lone Home" ©

Once in a while the original concept for a painting fails to find it's way onto the canvas. This painting while seemingly finished missed the mark. I had the joy of taking my palette knife and scraping away the brush strokes down to the linen. Now the excitement of attacking once again will fill my dreams, until tomorrow.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14" unavailable, never to be seen again......

"One Wet Dog" ©

His best friend is a Lab named Tibbs. Hank was retrieving a tennis ball as many times as it was thrown on Limekiln Beach. Painting wet fur and a hint of wet sand as background was a new challenge for me.

Oil on Canvas, 8" X 10"

"Limekiln Creek" ©

A flock of small children stood all around my easel asking just what you would expect. "What are you doing?", "How do you mix paint", "What color is that?", and then adding to the conversation tales of their painting experience and trials, which I came to hear are very great for 5 year olds. I had set up on the outskirts of the campground just above the creek, deep in the redwoods to paint "Limekiln Creek". We all had a great time. The children came and went, patience drifting away, then finally when the painting was almost finished the oldest said "who are you going to give it to"? I knew her mind was pleading for it, but thought better of sending a wet oil painting to some unsuspecting parents tent.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Canyon Glow" ©

Finally a painting that has the "feel" that I have been searching for with every attempt painting Eaton Canyon lately. It was almost sunset, I had parked in the dirt lot next to the holding arena for horses. Hiking into the canyon from that point I was able to see views that I hadn't experienced before. A small rabbit froze on the trail, I wondered if he were desensitized to humans or wondering where my other two legs were. The last of the sunlight was picking it's way through the rocks as I strove to do the same. I felt alive with the visual delight enveloping my eyes no matter which way my head swiveled. If you look back though the blogs I have made several tries at putting the visual and sensory input of that hike onto canvas, without much success. "Canyon Glow" has issues, they all do, but this one is the closest at capturing that spring day. A good piece to hang my "Gone Painting" shingle on, as I am headed to Big Sur on the California coast till Monday. Of course the painting gear will be stuffed into the car first before the tent. My goal is for a decent Big Sur painting to post on Monday, along with family fun.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Rancho Morning" ©

This painting is another view of the Rancho Camulos, in Piru. The large building, graced by the Bougainvillea was in it's day a place to grind corn and make wine. I have never had the chance to peek in, it's time long past.

Oil on Canvas, 8" X 10"

"Mount Wilson Trail" ©

A few weeks before the devastating Sierra Madre Fire I hiked the Mount Wilson Trail. Today it hit me that the trail was probably caught in the middle of the fire and now just a path through a charred mountainside. This lovely tree is one that anyone hiking the trail has to pass. While I painted her I was hoping that just maybe she was spared. I'll have to go back and see.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"
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"Bookends" ©

Great success at the "Art Matters" exhibit was followed by disaster at the Rancho Camulos Spring Fiesta. I was painting on this small piece while visiting with folks when a sudden gust of wind picked up my pop top and sent it sailing up into the sky, one big white kite. Next all of my panels went crashing to the ground in a heap with paintings splashed about, some in the lawn, some still tethered to their panels. After what seemed like minutes I looked back at my plein air easel, lying face down in the grass along with my unfinished painting. It was as if a giant was playing pick up sticks with my whole set up. He took his trunk like fingers and swirled everything into a heap. The damage to my bars was so extensive, putting the show back up was impossible. And so I slowly picked through the rubble, finding pieces and organizing my work. Today I pulled out the painting I had started and just picked off the grass, filled in the scrap marks and painted fresh. These trees really do look like "bookends". As an artist I know I am suppose to avoid bookends, but with Saturday still reeling around in my mind I went with the true scene.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"San Gabriels In Spring III" ©

If you are in Southern California, this weekend is full of art shows. I am lucky to be included in two, plus my paintings hanging at Gales Restaurant in Pasadena have been held over for a while. The two shows are polar opposites, "Art Matters" at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino and the "Rancho Camulos Fiesta" at the Rancho on Highway 126 near Piru. The artwork I was able to see being delivered to "Art Matters" was stunning (really gorgeous) and the event promises to be very elegant kicking off with a cocktail reception and dinner tomorrow evening. On Saturday the "Rancho Camulos Fiesta" will be very relaxed, with an antique tractor show, all kinds of art and jewelry vender's and costumed docents giving tours of the Rancho. The artists that painted out at the Rancho last month were all invited to bring paintings for sale during the Fiesta. If that isn't enough art for you, Margot Lennartz is opening at the Descanso Garden Gallery on Sunday and Linda Brown is opening at Segil Fine Art Source in Monrovia on Saturday evening. Just thinking of the days to come is exciting!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

"San Gabriels Spring II" ©

Between yesterday's post and today this baby was the one that I choose to use as a basic template for the larger painting. The shade in the foreground seems to always appeal to me, as if the viewer is standing in the shadows looking out into the sunlit world. And what a beautiful world it is!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"San Gabriels In Spring" ©

A very big title for a very small painting, "San Gabriels In Spring". Today I worked out a couple of small studies of this view, this is one, and laid out a larger 16" X 20", using the best color harmony and composition from the smaller pieces. We'll see if the finished painting will be better with all of this thought and practice.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Sea Sparkles" ©

Practice, practice, practice. In June I will be painting the sea for a week long competition. Under pressure the only way I'll be painting with any confidence is to practice the colors of the sea, sand and rocks. Over the next several weeks I am committed to practicing. When not actually painting the sea, I'll be studying how waves move, sea birds, shoreline plant life and so on. "Sea Sparkles" is a study of color, hopefully the first of many.

Oil on linen, 9" X 12" sold

"Sharing Sheets" ©

Eight O'clock, Lucky went to bed, regardless of the activity in the household. He preferred not to be disturbed and in his own subtle way let you know. But as my time to hit the sheets arrived I would stand by the bedside, look at him snoozing and with regret say "OK buddy, my turn". Lucky would slowly lift up and off the bed with a thud, tail down, head down and mosey off to his second choice spot. He never asked and I didn't mind "Sharing Sheets". Still missing you, buddy.....

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

My apologies for the sparkly (white dots) photo, I shot this outside in the sunlight.

"Sunlit Cliff" ©

Looking at this painting with a fresh eye this morning I can see the "Sunlit Cliff" should have more to say about the cliff. Blogging is such a great tool for painters, almost as though you have a good friend willing to critique in an honest, positive way. I'll keep playing with the sunlight.....

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"Desert Trail" ©

The daily colors of the desert are soft to the eye, unlike the coastline that blasts vibrant blazes of blue. And yet the desert is just as able to hypnotize the viewer with it's enchanting subtle pastels. Late in the day the desert floor and encircling mountains put on a brilliant show of color, for a brief moment. That moment is what I was attempting to capture in "Desert Trail".

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"A Real Beauty" ©

This lovely floating jewel gave me the chance for a break from pure landscape painting. She was simply "A Real Beauty".

Oil on Canvas, 9" X 12"

"Canyon View" ©

We need a bit more rain to hold off the golden hues of summertime. I can see the change creeping into the canyon more and more everyday. It's inevitable, I know, but the greens of spring could hang around a month or two more.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

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"Spring, Eaton Canyon" ©

Allowing a painting to ferment in the studio lets me see details that need addressing one at a time, over time, rushing is impossible. I have been painting on this piece for several days. Stopping to paint a "daily painting" has been distracting and I am rethinking the process. The desire to paint better, paint well, paint consistently is overpowering. This painting is a step in that direction. Now it will ferment and I will respond. Eaton Canyon looked just like this 2 weeks ago, when I sketched the view. I couldn't wait to bring it to life on canvas.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 30"

"Guarding The Sea" ©

Small life guard stations dot the Pacific Coast, flags waving in the breeze, signaling to parents that their children will be safe while swimming. I have always been tempted to climb up the steps of one of these structures (unmanned of course), just for the view but the signs warning of such behavior have prevented my accent. One day I'll brave the wrath!

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Two Flats, Blocks In The Back" ©

Not a straight inch on her. Tucked in the back of Rancho Camulos, this old timer is spending her final days, keeping cool under the Pepper Trees.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Desert Day Break" ©

Watching a DVD of a master painter while in the middle of a painting is not recommended. I had the opportunity to see Ted Goeshner paint a scene in Paris, that was eye opening and full of good information. This painting was already started and when I went back to the easel, I was mumbling "well that is wrong and oh I should have done this, and so on". The next painting will include all that I can remember of the DVD and will be better!

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Watering Can" ©

The docents at Rancho Camulos enjoy dressing up and playing the part of the residents long since gone. Beth was kind enough to water this lovely vine, holding the pose for several artists. I wasn't going to post this effort but my daughter encouraged me to blog the painting. She said "look at it in the dark, the painting glows". And so here it is, the "Watering Can".

Oil on panel, 12" X 9"

"Rest Stop" ©

The idle of diesel engines, dogs straining at the end of their leash looking for a bit of grass, children scurrying to the concrete buildings that signal relief after hours in the car, all going on with this view in the distance at the "Rest Stop".

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

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"Quiet Light" ©

Today at the easel I felt at ease to paint my home turf without a care about upcoming shows or commissions. We have been on the road, traveling to Santa Maria to ride the rails in our Fairmont M-14 Speeder. Yesterday was the grand opening reception at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena. Many thanks to everyone that took the time to come and support the show. I am not sure who bought paintings, but I am deeply thankful and sincerely hope they bring joy to your homes and hearts. With the past few days behind me, I painted the creek that rambles past my home down the canyon at a spot where it spreads out wide offering up the blue and pink mountains in the distance. I love this view, it's quiet and beautifully lit.

"Piru Farmland" ©

Oceans of vegetable greens ripple in the wind. The valley that runs from Piru to Santa Paula is a quilt of farms, hemmed in by eucalyptus and poplar trees. Orange groves stop and start varying the view. This painting is a tiny glimpse of the beauty of Piru this spring.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Rancho Camulos" ©

The perfume of orange blossoms hung heavy throughout the grove. I sat painting in the middle, a small lizard sunning a few feet away and off in the distance I could hear the laughter of strawberry pickers lunching. Thirty plein air painters attended the Ranchos Spring Plein Air Day. The costumed docents welcomed us with hot coffee and pastries, served tortilla soup and an array of salads for lunch, offered tours and posed. The artists were pleased to be so well cared for. I saw some beautiful paintings that were born today, thanks to the loving staff of Rancho Camulos.

Oil on Linen Panel, 8" X 10"

"Red Roof" ©

Very small flying creatures attacked my painting today. I was able to flick most of their bodies off my panel this evening after the paint set up a bit. A paint out was planned for the North Campus of College Of The Canyons, nine artists came out to paint together. Not only was the safety of numbers appreciated at the end everyone shared their mornings efforts and Lorelle was kind enough to critique (offer very helpful suggestions). Several of the artists, like moths drawn to light, included the red tiled roof, all alone tucked down in a nest of trees.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"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"

"Lucky" ©

Lucky Wambsgans - 1/1997 to 3/27/08
With tears and love, missing you buddy......

"Pasadena Bridge" ©

Today a dear friend was able to meet me at Gale's Restaurant today for lunch. We chatted about "life" while surrounded by my paintings, eating food that stopped the conversation, it was so delicious. After lunch, standing in the parking lot I was treated to a private viewing of my friends latest art quilts. These are fabric paintings, each unique, each a piece of fine art. On the way home I could see bits and pieces of the famous bridge of Pasadena and that was the subject I chose to paint. This painting will always remind me of this day, with my very good friend Jeanne.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Wistaria Of Sierra Madre" ©

114 years old, seems to be young for the famous Wistaria vine, that knows no bounds. Next Sunday I'll be participating in the festival with my famous painter Mom and so today I decided to paint the actual vine in anticipation of a wonderful day. (The Sierra Madre spelling is Wistaria for all of you that know the spelling Wisteria. Who can argue with 114 years of tradition)

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Eaton Canyon At Dusk" ©

Looking at this painting on the blog I once again see details to tweak. Basically here is the final piece created from the small study. Eaton Canyon is one of those locations that offers inspiration no matter what time of year, day or weather is layered over the canyon.

Oil on Linen, 18" X 24"