"Season's End" © study

In September I'll be participating in the 1st Annual Falkner Vineyard Art Invitational, located in Temecula, California. A day of painting the vineyard, followed by an artists reception and sale of the days paintings. Also each artist will have one painting hanging in the gallery. With this little study I am starting to explore what might be a nice larger painting. This is the beginning of figuring out a successful larger piece.

6" X 8", Oil on canvas

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"Evening Glow" ©

When you have a view like this outside your front door it's just difficult to stop painting it over and over again. This is Placerita Canyon, near Choke Cherry Lane looking to the east when our tiny canyon is blanketed in the "Evening Glow".

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Bonterra Vineyard" ©

A while ago I painted a painting called "Vineyard Vignette", it was never blogged. Recently a lovely collector requested the same painting, smaller with a slight change, leaving out a building. Also without the building she suggested the title "Bonterra Vineyard". I like this, it's as though we are both working on this together, yet we have never met. The internet is an amazing tool of our times.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

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"Lisa" ©

Today I was allowed to paint a live model for the first time. Another artist arranged for me to join in a weekly event of painting in a private studio. I was unsure of what I would manage to get onto the canvas. The advantage of working in a controlled environment is having the light stay constant, usually I am outside and the light is shifting every few minutes. What was wonderful was to be able to really look at another human without either one of us feeling odd. Lisa chose to keep her eyes shut. I don't know if this a common pose, I didn't care I was just thrilled to have the chance to paint looking at a live lovely lady, named "Lisa".

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Joey and Yellie" ©

Yellie is beautiful, inside and out, so I am still trying to "get" her but I really have had fun exploring the two of them and will keep on till I have it. Ever polite and faithful Joey is one of those dogs that is one in a million. The two of them together are priceless.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Mendocino Headlands" ©

My goal in this painting was to draw the viewer into the arch that the ocean formed out of stone and if possible make it believable. The water and rocky cliffs are a whole different set of colors compared to Southern California and it was a nice break today to paint the "Mendocino Headlands".

Oil on canvas, 8" X 10"

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"Live Oak Park' ©

Live Oak Park is in the Sand Canyon area of Canyon Country. What attacted me to this scene was the lit brush and sand off in the distance and the lovely Oak tree on the right. Because of shooting the photograph late at night the upper left corner is washed out, but you can see where I am going with the painting. This painting will be hanging in the upcoming "Chasing Open Spaces" exhibit in October. One last thing, I painted on a linen surface that is new to me, "Old Holland" and it is luxury I have never known before. Simply elegant. If money was not a consideration I think that I would paint on nothing else, ever again.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Snow Capped In Mendocino" ©

A lovely lady by the name of Liz, emailed me a photo of her mountains in the high country of Mendocino and asked if I would paint them for her. I jumped at the chance, because it was a challenge and it makes me happy to paint for a collector. I have never met Liz, but a the while I was carving out her mountains in oil paint, I thought about what it would be like to have this view. WOW

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12" sold

"Evening, Santa Clara Riverbed" ©

The Santa Clara River weaves lazily across the Santa Clarita Valley. In the winter rain water cuts deeply into the sand, in the summer the dry sand glistens between the bushes and Cottonwood trees, until the evening light when the sand cools and reflects the blue sky. This is the moment I captured in "Evening, Santa Clara Riverbed".

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Pico Canyon" ©

Last evening four Santa Clarita painters met at Pico Canyon park to paint together, enjoy each others company and share the evening. Two had just purchased new plein air easels and that is really fun for everyone, figuring out how all the parts work together. Personally I don't think you can have to many easels, being the owner of 2 Guerrillia Boxes (6X8 & 9X12), 1 EasyL (11X14)and 1 French Easel. Tools have always intrigued me no matter what the medium. Pico Canyon is very typical of the whole valley, hosting Oak trees, scrub brush and distant mountains. We were talking last evening about how lucky we all are to live in such a beautiful valley.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"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"

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"Canyon Evening" ©

This painting is a "break through" piece. I always have some idea of how the finished painting will look before beginning, even working in plein air. And almost always the painting takes a few turns that I didn't expect, which is disappointing, even if the painting is successful on it's own. Finally it all came together, I guess I am catching on to this business of painting and it feels great. What you are seeing is exactly what I envisioned, whew. You can't see the whole painting because of the format, 20" X 24", so there is a bit more sky. After I finished I went out back to work on a stone and most of you knows what that means. Oh, yes!

Oil on Linen, 20" X 24"

"Rock Rose" ©

This lovely bloom was waving in the last bit of sun for the day. These carefree flowers are dazzling with their tissue paper thin petals in every shade of white.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"


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"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"

"Making Lunch" © In-N-Out

I have heard that while painting still lifes artists become hungry. I would have to say the same applies to painting the prep area of an In-N-Out. The menu is simple, great prices and the food is real, one of the best hamburgers in L.A.

Oil on Canvas, 10" X 8"

Purchase ($200. U.S. shipped, unframed): from the artist

"Old Red" ©

It's close to midnight and I need to stop here but really want to develop this piece more. And yet I really wanted to post today since this is number 400. Yes, 4oo paintings, another 600 to go! This small craft was one of many that are tethered along the edge of the Venice canals.

Oil on canvas, 8" X 10"

"Venice Beach Pier" ©

If you were walking or running on the beach from Marina Del Rey to Venice Beach this would be your view, early in the morning.

16" X 20", Oil on Linen

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"Venice Beach Floater" ©

Canals weave in and out of homes for a few blocks in Venice Beach. This duck was floating in a small pond that fed into the canal, along with many others. She however chose to float in the early morning sunlight.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10

Purchase ($200. shipped, unframed): from the artist

"San Onofre Sands" ©

This little painting has little specks of sand all over it. One of the many treats of plein air.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Summit Park" ©

When Valencia was developed thought was given to preserving a lovely strip of land in the heart of the "Summit" housing tract. The wild grasses under the oak trees are whacked off as a tool preventing fire, which to painter looks strange. We look forward to painting all the little shoots that usually surround a tree trunk. I am sure that brush clearance is a good thing as a couple of teenagers asked me for a light, while I was painting away. Imagine that, and even though I said "no", they liked the painting of "Summit Park".

Oil on Canvas, 8" X 10"

"Eucalyptus Trees" ©

This painting is another San Clemente plein air piece. I chose not to enter this piece in the competition because I felt that there wasn't a clear light source and focal point. The sun went behind the hill over my shoulder and that was that. I went back a couple of days later to see if I could spend more time with the view but a wonderful gray mass of clouds floated in off of the ocean creating a lovely moody scene, a totally different view. In truth that is the excitement of plein air painting, you are not in control of the elements and just along for the ride.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Sand Dancer" ©

One day last week in San Clemente I was sitting on the beach with my small Guerrilla Box easel on my lap, ready to paint little studies of people enjoying the sun and sand. This was one of the many luxuries of the week, being able to just paint without any regard about time. I learned a very neat trick. The sand makes a great brush holder. As you are painting you can stick your brush handle down into the sand, while using another brush or squeezing out more paint. This little girl was flying on air down to the water and back up onto dry sand. Her hands were splayed out and her feet performed a ballet, then one moment she actually paused to gaze at the waves and I captured the "Sand Dancer".

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7", $100.

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"Evening Light, San Mateo" ©

Perched on a tiny ledge of gravel, over looking the road that follows the San Mateo Creek to the ocean I was entranced by the "Evening Light" filtered through the Eucalyptus trees.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

Lesson learned: Bug spray has no effect on gnats.

"Bluffs" ©

Calafia beach is laced with beautiful bluffs that offer up sandy surfaces to the sun. It's hard to know whether to gaze at the Pacific, or be dazzled by the "Bluffs".

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"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"

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"Early Morning, San Clemente State Park"

Last week I was painting in San Clemente, as one of 128 painters in the local plein air competition. We were allowed to submit 2 pieces on Saturday to be presented for awards and sale during the evening gala. "Early Morning" was my first painting of the week and one of my submissions. It was a tough decision, having absolutely no experience in this type of venue, to pick 2 paintings out of 9.

During the week I learned several things everyday. From small stuff, sand makes a great brush holder to larger discoveries, how to paint a wave. It was a week of painting and learning. The artists didn't connect during the week, somehow I hadn't expected to be so alone. This gave me time to reflect, think and absorb.

The artist members of the San Clemente Art Association that produce the competition did a great job in organizing the event and gala evening. Actually they wore many hats and worked terribly hard. Pam Hill, Steve Kell and Annemarie Hall were the Paint San Clemente Event Committee, the words "thank you" are not enough for all of their time and effort.

San Clemente is a beautiful seaside village. After spending a week immersed in the area a description would have to include, red tile roofs, white walls, trains, surfers, palm trees and friendly folks.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

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"Sand Canyon" ©

Another title for this painting could be "Dancing Brush". My brush danced all over the linen, creating little dry grass, light playing in the Oak tree and scrub on the mountain. It felt really good to paint "home". As I am hanging my gone painting shingle out once more. This time I am off to San Clemente Beach to paint till Saturday the 21st in the Paint San Clemente, Plein Air Competition. I'll have a laptop with me for blogging if I can get a connection easily. Painting is my priority.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"Inland Trail" ©

The lighting system over my easel has taken a break and I have to stop here for the day. My hero husband will wing in, cape flying and fix the lights later this evening. The painting is of a trail that leads from the ocean heading inland along the Big Sur coastline. It's very quiet and cool, with the scent of Eucalyptus trees hanging heavy in the damp sea air. I will work on this painting more and develop every area one more time but it's enough of a statement now to give you the idea of the "Inland Trail".

Oil on Canvas, 24" X 20"

"Light In The Riverbed" ©

Big thanks to everyone that came to the art show this weekend at the Hyatt. Several paintings found new homes and I was able to meet many new collectors which is always a pleasure. I took a break from unpacking show gear to paint the little dry creek that runs in front of my house. The light today is a bit fuzzy but I did find a nice view of "Light In The Riverbed".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Sycamores In December" ©

Tomorrow is the show at the Valencia Hyatt Hotel. Nancy Eckels, Belinda Delpesco, Lorelle Miller and I are pleased and excited to be able to exhibit/show in our "home" town. All of us show all over but it's not often to have the chance here in the Santa Clarita Valley. We have hundreds of paintings. I am bringing 48, 5" X 7" blog paintings, plus another 40 framed pieces. If you would care to come and meet us, we'll be ready for you by 10am. At 6pm the day will come to an end. The Hyatt is at 24500 Town Center Drive. The show is called "By The Artists' Hand". We would enjoy meeting you and hope that everyone will appreciate seeing our work in person rather then on a computer screen or at a far away gallery. My painting on our invitation card is "Sycamores In December".

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"Oaks In The Afternoon" ©

This Sunday is a show called "By The Artists' Hand". Nancy Eckels, Lorelle Miller and Belinda Delpesco, along with myself are showing our work at the Valencia Hyatt Hotel. Until Sunday most hours of the day are spent preparing for the show but I sneak easel time on a lovely Big Sur Path (20" X 24") and of course a little painting here and there.

Oil on Canvas Board, 5" x 7"

"Ocean Cliffs" ©

Today while preparing for Sunday's show, I slipped in this little painting. Probably because the thought of painting at the beach is surfacing in my mind, while framing finished pieces.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Eaton Afternoon" ©

This past weekend was packed with demonstrating, showing and talking about art in Sierra Madre. It was the 2nd annual Artist's Studio Tour. Since my Mom is a Sierra Madre local she allowed me to play along. Saturday night the artists traveled on a shuttle bus for a speedy preview of the studios, dinner, dancing, laughing and connecting. Sunday morning balloons and signs marked our studio and guests hiked up the hill to "Cedarhawke" (Mom and Dad's home) to see what her studio looked like. I was down three flights greeting folks, painting and explaining to those interested how I paint before they ascended the stairs to her tree top studio.

This evening at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena a small band of Santa Clarita artists joined in donating original artwork to benefit the Pasadena Aids Service Center. As usual Gale was serving delicious bites, free flowing wine and dessert cups. When we left red dots, signaling sold where sprinkled on every wall.

Today just for fun I painted "Eaton Afternoon", not that the weekend wasn't full of fun but painting alone in the quiet is a pleasure all it's own.

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"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....