"Distant Oaks" ©

It's been said that if an artist likes one inch of their painting they are lucky. Today I am lucky with the tiny area where the smaller Oak tree meets the distant hill on the left. That little bit (1/2"), in person, is lovely.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

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Personal note, on my easel is a 30" X 40" commissioned canvas, I really need to keep my head in this important painting. I'll post now and then but until this piece is done, no promises.

"Barn At Sea Ranch" ©

This barn is barely standing, above the Pacific Ocean near Mendocino. "Sea Ranch" could be described as a hide away. It's a very quite inn, offering exquisite food and miles of paths that cross the bluffs above the sea. A dream would be to have a week to paint the ranch day and night, soaking up the quiet.

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"

"Backlit Brush" ©

During my early morning walk down the canyon I saw these dry bushes glowing. All the brush is so dry now, at the end of 6 long hot months, you can almost hear the plants calling to the clouds.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Frazier Park Sunset" ©

It's cold, windy, dry and desolate feeling, yet gorgeous dressed in fall colors. I met up with friends in Frazier Park and found this view hard to resist.

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Tolley Workshop"

Elizabeth "Libby" Tolley taught a class today in Pasadena at the Learning and Product Expo, all the artists in attendance had the chance to paint this scene. After Libby's demo, we each went to a spot at a table that had, paint, a panel, brushes, Gamsol, Galkyd and a photo card with one of her paintings on it. Our job was to use her technique of laying in the painting in transparents and slowly building up to thicker opaque paint, painting from her card. Libby was delightful, full of energy and answered all the questions thrown her way. Her main points were to think value, temperature, interesting shapes and what are you the artist is trying to say with your painting. Recently Libby's first book on painting was published, encompassing her complete process, all the questions students have asked her and everything she has learned from her mentors. I would recommend it for every artists library, "Oil Painter's Solution Book, Landscapes", published by North Light Books. If you ever get the chance to paint with Libby, go for it! To see paintings by Libby, go to www.elizabethtolley.com

"Laguna Palms" ©

Tonight is the California Art Club/South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce "Rialto Visions" exhibit, collectors circle preview. A bunch of bloggers are in the show, Sharon Weaver, Karen Winters and Marian Fortunati. There may be more, which is part of the fun at these events, figuring out who's who. I have seen the paintings, all featuring historic landmarks of South Pasadena and it's a room full of gems. I am so fortunate to be hanging with this group. Meanwhile today, in between framing, the insurance photographer and sanding an orange alabaster I painted "Laguna Palms".

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Pacific Sunset" ©

Recently I was asked what are the advantages of blogging small paintings? This painting is a perfect example of one of the benefits, allowing me to experiment with a Gamblin medium, Neo Megilpm without investing a ton of time or materials. Clouds seemed like a good subject to make use of the silky consistency that the Neo Megilp gives the paint. In a couple of weeks I'll be down in Laguna Beach painting in John Cosby's workshop, so today I practiced a "Pacific Sunset".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Vasquez Rock View" ©

Nine artists met at Vasquez Rocks, site of Star Trek filming and early 1900's bank robbers hideout. It was the Santa Clarita Artists Plein Air event for the month, with yours truly as the ring leader. Actually I just arrange the date, upon arrival the artists drift out into the wilderness following their own mojo. I painting happily, till shivering I had 10 minutes till the ranger pad locked the gate for the night.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Little Trailer" ©

A couple of days ago Tammy Marashlian, a staff writer for The Signal newspaper emailed, interest in writing a story on "Chasing Open Spaces III", an exhibit that is hanging at the Canyon Theatre Guild Hallway Gallery. Today, we met with Lorelle Miller, another participating artist, telling Tammy all we could about the project. Then we walked down the road a bit to an open field and spent the next couple of hours painting while she watched and Francisca, the staff photographer took photos. Lorelle and I throughly enjoyed our time painting, just like kids playing their favorite game, I hope that Tammy and Francisca enjoyed their afternoon too. It's not very often that people watch us paint.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Eaton Canyon Sycamore" ©

This morning I headed out to Eaton Canyon to meet up with the Thursday Morning Irregulars to paint. I have missed their friendship and good humor more then I realized, it's been a while since I have been able to participate. I am including two photographs, the photo on the bottom is inaccurate with light catching the paint and washed out darks, the photo on the top is what the painting looks like sitting on my studio easel and is more accurate. This is a very clear example of how the photography can kill a painting.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Meridian Iron Works" ©

In the heart of the South Pasadena Mission District the old Meridian Iron Works building faces the 1907 Watering Trough-Wayside Station. The little rock structure was built as a spot for travelers to rest and water their horses. The whole area is a gathering spot now for locals to sip coffee, shop and walk their dogs.

Oil on canvas, 9" X 12"

"Fraizer Park View" ©

For those of you who know the Frazier Park exit off the 5 freeway, this is the view at the little bridge behind the Jack In The Box, looking toward the Tejon Ranch. As far as painting it's cold and windy, the rewards are the hues of fall, full of gold.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

$110.00, unframed, shipped U.S.

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"May Lake Creek" ©

Driving up the narrow road to May Lake this little creek shadows you, meandering near and far. I knew at once that someday I wanted to paint the rocks and fallen logs, today was the day.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 16"

"It's All About The Ears" ©

What can I say? It's ALL about the ears....

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Aspens In Fall" ©

Today driving past the Cottonwood trees in the Santa Clara Riverbed, I remembered the Aspens of Colorado, standing tall along the trails. Here is my version of "Aspens In Fall".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Lembert Dome" ©

Half Dome is probably the most famous dome within Yosemite National Park. Since sitting watching the sun bathing Lembert dome in sunset colors last summer this view of has been whirling it's way around my mind as a painting that I really wanted to attempt. I know that it isn't a common subject as domes are odd, but anyone that has visited the North East area of Yosemite would know this stunning stone formation.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"Cathedral Oak Monument" ©

The city of South Pasadena has embraced the artists of the California Art Club, encouraging paintings of city landmarks to be presented in an exhibit in a couple of weeks. I went on "the hunt" for a landmark to paint and came to this simple cross surrounded by Sycamores on the very edge of the Arroyo. Something about the cross and the stone, quietly standing amongst the trees just grabbed my heart and I painted the "Cathedral Oak Monument". Legend has it that this is the spot of the first Easter Service in California, preformed by Father Crespi in 1770.

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

"Duck Dining" ©

The dinner menu consisted of Cheetos and torn bits of bread, thrown into the water by squealing children. Lovely ending to a cool fall evening.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

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"Sunset Swim" ©

Last weekends show was a success in spite of triple digit temperatures. The best part for me was meeting a potpourri of people from art lovers to other artists wanting to figure out the process of painting. I want to just thank everyone that bared the heat and came out to visit and make purchases.

Meanwhile I met this little duck while he was floating in the Temecula Duck Pond right next to Pat & Oscars Restaurant at sunset.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Sunday Swim III" ©

Collector "Liz" emailed requesting a "Sunday Swim" to add to her personal gallery. And so Liz, this one is for you, my friend.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Sand Canyon Trail" ©

The "Chasing Open Spaces III" exhibit has opened at the Canyon Theatre Guild in Old Town Newhall, on Main Street. Rod Edwards, Lorelle Miller and Ernie Dollman joined me in hanging 63 landscape paintings of the Santa Clarita Valley. We are having a reception on Saturday October 11, 5pm - 7pm and you are welcome to come by to visit, see the show and have light refreshments. Also this weekend I'll be displaying another 40 paintings at the Street Art Festival in Old Town Newhall. The Festival is billed as 5 blocks of music, art, a beer garden and street chalk paintings. In between getting ready for these two shows I painted another view of Sand Canyon. I have to apologize for the image posted today, this painting isn't half as dark as it appears on my monitor.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Sand Canyon" ©

After framing 28 paintings (big show install tomorrow) I went out to run errands and the sun's lighting on the trees was extraordinary. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, throw caution to the wind and follow the light as a moth to a flame. This little painting was my attempt to capture the light at 5:30pm in "Sand Canyon".

Oil on Linen, 9" X 12"

Have I mentioned how much I love linen? This is Old Holland, incrediable. It paints itself, pratically.

"Temecula Vineyard" ©

A Temecula local explained that because the ocean is just 15 miles away, all be it over a mountain range, the inland heat pulls sea air over the mountains meeting up with the warm inland breezes creating wondrous clouds daily. This little study is the view from the back lawn of the Falkner Vineyard in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country.

Oil on Linen Panel, 8" X 10"

"Placerita Canyon Sycamores" ©

This group of Sycamores greet every hiker at the main trail head within the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. This next week Lorelle Miller, Rod Edwards, Ernie Dolman and I will be installing over 80 landscape paintings, several plein air, at the Canyon Theatre Guild. Rod and Ernie have been painting the Santa Clarita Valley for over 40 years. Lorelle and I are fortunate to "hang" with these gifted painters. Lorelle not only paints local landscapes, she is excellent at figure work and sculpture. The show is titled "Chasing Open Spaces III" and is purely Santa Clarita Valley landscapes. We all chase the open space to paint and it's often that a new fence prevents us from going where we have been before. Many of the paintings will show our local oak trees and a few of the "Placerita Canyon Sycamores".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Lone Eucalyptus" ©

Another 5" X 7" for the Riverside Museum show, "Off The Wall" in November. These small scale landscapes are a very good tool for experimenting with a composition before committing to a large canvas. Looking at this view, the Eucalyptus tree almost cuts the panel in half, painting larger I would give the mountains in the rear more room to spread out, move the Eucalyptus tree to the right and create a cloud pattern that would provide an "S" of light from clouds, down the mountain to the trail and finally to the foreground. There are definite possibilities for the "Lone Eucalyptus".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"California" ©

This past weekend my family traveled up the state to Willows, California. Orange groves, vineyards, distant mountains and dancing eucalyptus trees lining the country roads reminded us of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place, the state of "California".

Oil on canvas, 20" X 24"

"Temecula Sunrise" ©

Seeing a glimmer of light within the crack of the hotel blinds I stumbled out of the sheets over to the light, as a moth would. Pulling back on the rod that slides the blackout shades aside I was treated to a "Temecula Sunrise".

Oil on Canvas, 6" X 8"

"Gone Painting", off to the gold country for a few days, be back online Monday the 15th, smiling ear to ear.

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"Mentryville Spring Greens" ©

Just past Mentryville this dirt road winds up the canyon, turning into a trail. Today I was thinking about how much our trees need water and with hope I painted the spring greens of Mentryville.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Canyon Path" ©

So typical of the Santa Clarita Valley, a sandy path dappled in sunlight.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Falkner Vineyard View" ©

The First Annual Falkner Vineyard Invitational was held in Temecula this past weekend. 28 artists from Southern California were invited to plein air paint on the property of the vineyard and the event ended with a reception in the gallery. It's always amazing to see what a group of artists can produce in a short period of time. Laura Segil of Segil Fine Art Source Gallery in Monrovia arranged the event, provided endless cold water, custom made T-shirts, snacks and complete support for the artists. This photo of one of my paintings was shot on the easel in glaring sunlight, but it does provide an idea of the "Falkner Vineyard View".

Oil on panel, 8" X 10" available at the Falkner Vineyard Gallery, Segil Fine Art Source $400.

"Sunday Swim II" ©

The phone rang today while I was painting a landscape. I was really excited with the painting, exploring all the greys I could create using Transparent Oxide Red as a base. The phone call was from the owner of the first "Venice Floater", asking me if I could possibly paint another, fast, for a special gift. Setting the landscape aside I put up a 5" X 7" panel and painted "Sunday Swim II". I think I like this little fluffy guy more then the first.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Ocean Trail" ©

The sun is sinking low faster every evening, leaves are just starting to show a glimmer of gold and you can smell fall. I am not quite ready to give up the season of summer, so today I painted a beach scene that I discovered while painting in San Clemente last June.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Pico Canyon Morning II" ©

Today I painted Pico Canyon Morning in the studio on a larger canvas then yesterdays "tiny" panel. I pushed and pulled color, rearranged the composition to help with the depth of the painting. The main goal was to have the viewer feel as if they could walk down the trail to the distant tree. If this painting can be finished off well, it will be part of the upcoming "Chasing Open Spaces III" exhibit, which requires that the views are fairly accurate, otherwise I would have changed the shape of the distant tree. I am already anxious to return to Pico Canyon.

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

"Pico Canyon Morning" ©

Wondering if this composition might work for a larger painting, I gave it a go today "tiny".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Pico Canyon Trail" ©

This is another view within the new Pico Canyon Park near Stevenson Ranch. It's very early in the morning. The homeless person was still asleep in the crook of a tree. I was very quiet. The trail offers dappled sunlight, a brook, groves of Oak trees and as you progress the trail changes to the width of a game trail wandering into scrub brush. I saw 20 scenes that would offer the possibility of beautiful paintings while wandering the "Pico Canyon Trail".

Oil on canvas, 8" X 10"

"Pacific Dreams" ©

Possibly being a California native caused the magnetic pull the ocean has always had on my heart. Whenever the big blue expanse comes into view I breath deeply, contentment flows, my mind slows to absorb every bit of input of smell, sight and sound. Today, in my dry rust colored canyon I was full of blue "Pacific Dreams".

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Coastal Haze" ©

Before painting this view I wondered how and if I could capture the lovely violets that the "Coastal Haze" created. Sometimes the brush seems to move itself, I just sit back and watch, this is one of those times. Now I understand those elusive grays.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

"Farming Road" ©

Once another artist asked me, "What makes you happy?. Odd but that question has surfaced in my mind many times, not really having a clear answer. I know for sure collecting rocks or sea shells would top the list. This would seem to be a complete waste of time, but during the process I am completely happy. Gardening and reading, well not just reading but holding a book in my hands is comforting, would be near the top. But today painting this huge scene on a tiny panel made me truly happy.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Walker Trail" ©

Our brush is brilliant orange, looking so soft from a distance but if you hit bare skin to the dry twisted weeds you will bleed. This tiny painting has value changes in the large Oak Tree on the right that won't show, photographing late at night. But they are there. I need about 8 new tiny paintings for the Riverside Museum show and this may be the first or a warm up. The view is a few miles from my home and 2 miles from the original "Walker Cabin". A one room log cabin where the Walkers raised 12 children. Can you imagine?

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Sunday Swim" ©

I have painted this little lady before and people keep adopting her. This painting was done on request. I picked this title because I discovered a very small pond within the Venice Beach Canals, early on a Sunday morning and this duck asleep on the bank, awoke, fluffed up her feathers and slipped into the water for a "Sunday Swim".

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

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