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