Tecolote Canyon from Quillan

This was painted on location a couple of weeks ago. It was a terrific morning for painting and a fantastic view of Tecolote Canyon with USD peeking through the winding hillsides. Christina and I painted very different interpretations of the scenes in front of us, although we stood only feet away from each other- funny how that happens. So much about a painting is a personal story of the artist. That's part of the fun! This painting felt like a struggle while I was out there- but I'm really happy with the way it turned out and I can't wait to head back and try another!

Ok, it's been way to long

It has been too long since the last post. I have been painting. I recently returned from a terrific trip to Santa Fe, NM. I enjoyed a Plein Air workshop with Bill Gallen. We were "rained out" on the first day, which wasn't so bad after all as Bill demo'd in his studio. The next day we went painting. We went to this fantastic location outside of Santa Fe- Diablo Canyon. The final day, we painted in town in an arroyo. Here's what came from those days...





I only got a block-in done on the last one.

ArtWalk on the Bay

It is time for ArtWalk on the Bay! This takes place in Embarcadero Marina Park North, near Seaport Village, this Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 13 and 14). I'll be at booth # 186. There are a lot of talented artists scheduled to be at this beautiful venue. Come on down and check it all out!

ArtWalk on the Bay 2008 San Diego
Location: booth # 186, Embarcadero Marina Park North, San Diego
Event Dates: 9/13/2008 - 9/14/2008


Look for the banner:


and the booth:

Another from Tidelands

"Tidelands- Three Dinghies", 6x8, oil on canvas panel

This has become my new favorite spot to paint! The bridge, the boats, the dinghies, the kids swimming... So much to enjoy here! Thanks for looking.

El Cajon Invitational Art Show

I am fortunate to announce that I am included in the 5th El Cajon Invitational, showing from August 5th through September 19th 2008 at the St. Clair Gallery. Join us for the reception Wednesday, August 27, from 5:30 to 8:30pm. I am quite impressed with the artists exhibiting in this show- lots of terrific art!

Tidelands Dinghy

6x8, oil on canvas panel
Returned to a favorite spot and finally painted the dinghies. There are MANY potential paintings here, I can't wait to do the next one!

Thanks for looking.

Barn on El Monte Road

6x8 oil on canvas panel

This was a fun little painting. I thought the scene would make a nice painting but I wanted to do a small version before making a larger painting. I think there's a larger one to come...

Hike with the Kids

18x24 oil on linen panel

I did this using a photo reference from a trip to Colorado with the family. This is a beautiful walk along the Piedra River. We did some light hiking, some fly fishing and a lot of sightseeing!

Caspers Ride

Caspers Ride, 12 x 16, oil on linen panel

This is a piece I did in the studio. I used a plein air sketch and photos as reference. Mark Kerckhoff is the person that introduced me to this fantastic spot in OC. It is still (rare) undeveloped land and a big equestrian draw. There was a lot of info out there the day I did the sketch, and I tried to put it all in. Mistake. I worked out some compositional things and tried for more color harmony in this piece. I really had fun with this one. I didn't plan on the horses, but on good advice, put them in- thanks Andres!

Kiddie Pool at Midnight

8x6, oil on canvas panel

Here's my first crack at a nocturne. I sat in the backyard the other night and painted this little scene. I loved the moon positioned behind the phone pole.

Thanks to those who came out to ArtWalk!

Thank you to all of those folks who braved the heat and raging water at ArtWalk a few weekends back. It was a successful weekend and I really enjoyed talking with all of you. I've already signed up for next year, so mark your calendars for April 25th and 26th, 2009. I think the water mains are scheduled for an overhaul this year, so perhaps 2009 will lack the excitement of water flowing through the streets!

Here are a couple of sketches I've done since ArtWalk while relaxing at Torrey Pines.

Sand and Surf, Torrey Pines Beach, 6 x 8, oil on linen panel



Torrey Pines from Torrey Pines Beach, 6 x 8, oil on linen panel

ArtWalk 2008 this weekend

ArtWalk is now upon us. April 26th and 27th in Little Italy from noon to 6pm, I will be enjoying the festivities at booth # 108 on Beech St. near the Trolley crossing. I am really excited about this event and will have many new paintings on display. Stop by and say 'hi'!


In addition to the booth, I have also donated a bench to ArtReach, a non-profit organization benefiting art in the local schools. Several ArtWalk artists have donated benches- they can be previewed here and on display on India St. near Date St. They will be auctioned off during ArtWalk.

"San Diego River Estuary"

Paintings from Northern California (Part 2)

Here are a few more paintings completed on our trip:

8x16, oil/linen


6x8, oil/linen


8x10, oil/linen


6x8, oil/linen

Paintings from Northern California (Part 1)

Here are the first paintings from a trip up through Northern CA. It was so beautiful! It felt like I was either painting, taking pics, or collecting shells the entire time.

"Point Arena Lighthouse" 9x12, oil/linen SOLD!


"St. Mark's" 8x10, oil/linen


"Sunset, Point Arena" 8x10, oil/linen

San Diego River through Mast Park

It has been a while since I've posted, but I have been busy painting. A trip up to Northern California was beautiful and quite inspirational. This painting is a local one, though, from before the trip. We ventured out to Mast Park in Santee- my first time painting there.

It was an overcast morning on the River when I started, but the sun broke through by the time I finished. I tried to stay true to the initial impression and not chase the day. We have another visit planned here Friday.


San Diego River through Mast Park, 8x10, oil on linen panel


Lots of paintings from the trip to follow...

Shell Beach - San Diego

Well, I didn't see many shells, but there were tons of tourists. It was a bright sunny day and it was fun to get out there.

Shell Beach - San Diego, 8x10, oil on linen

Torrey Pines - Solitary

A while back I took some reference photos of Torrey Pines State Reserve. I enhanced the lighting effects and distance in this painting- so that it was more as I remembered it. Sometimes the camera fools us- one way is that it just can't capture all of the light and dark values that our eyes see, so the darks are black and the lights are white. This is when the experience of painting outdoors helps. I know the shadows aren't black and I use that in my painting. I'm not sure if that comes across in the painting's photo, though- it's the camera thing again.

The Aquarium

Now for something a little different. Birch Aquarium has an amazing 70,000 gallon kelp forest tank and a seated viewing area where visitors can check out a variety of fish. It is such a neat experience to sit down in front of this huge window of glass and watch the fish go by. The kids were mesmerized!

You can see it live with this "kelp cam."



The Aquarium, 12x12, oil on linen panel

Lake Murray Eucalyptus

I can't believe I haven't seen this scene before as Lake Murray is a place I've explored quite a bit. I mean, this just grabbed me and I couldn't wait to paint it. I only had my camera with me, so this is from my memory of the day, with some help from the photos. I know I'll be going back to paint it on location- can't count on that gorgeous sky again though.



Lake Murray Eucalyptus, 8x16, oil on linen panel

Morning at Batiquitos Lagoon

I spent a day this past weekend exploring Batiquitos Lagoon. This is a great location with loads of potential paintings. I tried to focus on the design of this one. I modified the scene in front of me to try to better express the feeling of the place- sort of like using Photoshop on location- picking and choosing which elements make the painting work. This is a challenge for me, but one that's worth taking on.



Morning at Batiquitos Lagoon, 12x12, oil on linen panel

Morning Light in Fallbrook

I just spent a week up in Fallbrook at a workshop by Libby Tolley. What a fantastic experience! Libby is an extremely talented artist and instructor. We focused a lot on design- moving the eye around the painting. I tried to really keep this in mind as I was working on this piece.

I fell in love with Fallbrook. There are so many beautiful spots up there- I will definitely be returning, brushes in tow. Last week, we had lots of gorgeous clouds giving us terrific light and shadow. Hope I captured the feel of the day.



Morning Light in Fallbrook, 12x12, oil on linen

Stand out

Returned to Marian Bear Preserve to paint the wonderful Sycamores. This tree caught my eye. Rimmed with morning light, it was set against a shadowed hillside. It stood out among all of the other wonderful characters.

Stand out at Marian Bear, 8x10, oil on linen

Welcome to Marian Bear

Tried to shake off some rust at Marian Bear. The trees are winter bare, but it sure didn't feel like a January morning. Sunny and 75'. Hard to beat that! Marian Bear is filled with gnarled sycamores, each it seems with it's own personality. This one seemed to welcome visitors with open arms to it's neighboring picnic table.



Welcome, 6x8, oil on linen canvas