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

Famosa Slough Colors

I started this painting on location this summer and finally took another look at it (in the studio) this weekend. I will rarely go back and do this much on a plein air piece. This one was just a block-in at the end of the first session and I've had it in the studio waiting for a finish. I was really drawn to the wonderfully vibrant yellows and oranges in the foreground. What a surprise it was!



Famosa Slough Colors, 11 x 14, oil on canvas panel SOLD!

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These minis are becoming quite fun for me. I'm enjoying them as a "small" series- examining the differences between transparent and opaque colors, direct painting versus glazing, using a variety of brushes. All of this while still maintaining a similar-looking outcome. Among other things, it shows me that there are many ways to get to an end.

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