June 3 - California Barn

"The Red Barn" Evening light, almost horizontal, and the shadow of a huge oak tree takes the right side of this barn into shadow. On location yet again, this California barn is still part of the Santa Rosa Plateau. This is just a wee 5 x 7 inch canvas, and was the third one from my day of painting as the evening light went golden. $100.

"Evening Road" This painting was done on location with evening light shadowing the road we drove in on, earlier in the afternoon. I love the feeling of California light and scattered sun patterns on the road and the feeling of distance as you look beyond the shadows. It is a 12 x 9 oil, $300 from the artist.

June 1 - Old Ranch Gate

"Old Rancho Gate" I had a wonderful afternoon and evening of painting on location at the Santa Rosa Ecological Preserve with my friend and artist Roxanne.  We drove in through the locked gate to the center of this usually off-limits open space and came to the ranch headquarters.  They run no livestock on this land, and it has reverted with dedicated work to the pristine California grassland of 300 years ago.  I worked on this 7 x 5 canvas as the light was changing to the goldens of evening.  Looking at the 150 year old trees near the adobe bunkhouse, I also wanted to convey the human habitation on this fantastic 8,500 acres of open space.  The larger painting I did first might need some more tweaking before becoming a daily, but this one has a signature.  $100

May 31 - Childhood Memory

"Looking Back" When I was about this kid's age, I lived in Virginia on the edge of Lake Barcroft. The forests and sunlight that came through the trees seemed magical to me, and of course there was much to be explored in the lake itself. Never one for dolls, I spent most of my kid time outdoors. This was a grand painting for me today, as it just fell off my brushes, full of the joy of the memories. Tomorrow I go on location again, this time back to the Santa Rosa Plateau. I'll be delivering the commission done on May 25, posted with the eight people in it. Check the archives! This one is sold.

May 30 - Del Mar Thoroughbred Vet Check

"Vet Check" Tomorrow I'm having my other horse vet checked for the peace of mind of the new buyers.  So I thought I'd share a quick study done today of a similar experience at Del Mar (note the turquoise green accents--really a trademark!).  It's a five by seven oil.  I spent a good part of today in the studio finishing the commission of the landscape with the eight people (are they multiplying?  I wonder...) and I signed it later.  Plus I also finished the painting of my beloved husband, and will post both of these tomorrow.  It is eleven pm now, I think I'm tottering off to check my eyes for light leaks.
  I need to get out my acrylics again, as I just got the notification from Walter Foster that the book I'm in "Acrylic References for Artists" is heading for the presses and distribution.  And an email from Nita Leland that her revised "Creative Artist" is also due for distribution.  I have work in that one, too.
  Hmmmm.  Better update the resume. $100

May 29 - Memorial Day National Cemetary Painting

"Remembering" Today is Memorial Day, and after a visit to the March Air Museum yesterday with my beloved husband--a Viet Nam Air Force Vet, and watching a movie on Viet Nam last night, and knowing my uncle and aunt are buried in the National Cemetary in Florida, and because I lost a friend whose name is on Maya Lin's wall in Washington, D. C., and because of my mother's recent passing....this painting came out of me. Original oil, 7 x 5 inches, for all of those serving so that we may remember, too. Sale Pending

May 28 - Evening Wooded Landscape

"Reworking" When you grow as an artist, it is always a good idea to look over your work and see if your new layers of knowledge can take your work to new levels. I did what's under this painting over two years ago, and came back into it tonight with more color sense. This 5 x 7 oil was originally done on location while suffering jet lag. You can see the original here. I like it much better now. $100

May 27 - Red Apple

"Conservatism" Where do titles come from? I was looking at the position of this subject after I painted it, and the title just came out. Perhaps it is because the apple leans to the right and is on the right side. However, when I positioned it, I wanted to include the shadow shape. These Gala apples are so scrumptious, before and AFTER being painted! I hope everyone has a safe and quiet weekend. The party animals are out in force, with no mind for the reason for the holiday--to remember those who have died for freedom. May yours be peaceful. Original oil, 5 x 7 inches. $100

May 26 - Harness Tracks of America Auction Piece #3

"Foggy Workout" The third in the series for the Harness Tracks of America auction (due date mid June for image submission).  This is a 9 x 12 exercise in depicting a foggy and mist-shrouded day.  Now, getting the values believable is the biggest challenge in painting overcast days, so that when you look at it, you say, "Yes, it must be overcast."  One has to deal with a narrower middle range of values (light to dark) to get it right.  And all colors are muted as well.  The source-horse for this one was brightly lit in sunshine, so in addition to getting the atmospheric feeling in the background, I had to make sure the horse wasn't screaming "SUNLIGHT".  Fun to do, of course.  A puzzle to solve!

May 25 - Commission Piece with Eight People

I thought you'd like to see the painting from the plein air hike today. I met up with several local painters, and headed out to paint the commission for the two docents at the Santa Rosa Plateau. This is a commission that was raffled off last September to raise funds for the transportation of the third graders who visit the Plateau and learn about California's habitats and animals. This program changes children's lives. Thousands of kids hike the plateau on guided tours and receive lessons at the Visitor's Center. The bus transportation is provided with help from the Foundation, as districts are strapped for money, and there are always more third graders.
The hike in and out was four miles, and I pulled my golf cart easel over rocks and along narrow trails to get to this viewpoint. Well worth it, because I know you'll be able to get the "feel" for what this place means to me, and to the docents in looking at this vista. Now, the lower right section isn't finished yet, as they have asked me to add eight people (six grand children and themselves) in the lower right, and I am awaiting more information. And when I photographed this bigger piece on the easel, the left upper corner is deep in shadow (which isn't there). But this 15 x 30 canvas was a pure pleasure to paint in the afternoon light!

May 23 - Terry on Location

Ha!  What fun... to take a digital image that you didn't even take, and make a decent painting from it.  Actually what happened today was that my artist-students came to the studio after a long hiatus, and we were working on solving some issues.  Joan had an on-location piece of her friend and fellow painter Terry on the easel.   Struggling with abstract structure, she knew I wanted to help.  Rather than paint on her work (not good, as her painting is going on display for the Plein Air Artists of Riverside (PAAR) show, I decided to teach by doing.  So, using her digital source material, I painted the artist painting on location.  This painting is the result, a 12 x 9 oil, quickly laid in to show strong abstract structure and making changes to the composition to make a better design.  Took about 40 minutes, maybe.  Still learning to leave out the junque and get only the essentials.  Available for $275.

May 22 - California Coast #2

"California Coast #2" Tiny little painting again, another 4 x 6 canvas. These are such fun! Little blobs of color become mountains, water and shadows. I'm resurrecting some older material from my files and revisiting similar subjects (without prior refreshing) to see where my artistic muse takes me. I like these little ones! Reminds me also, to get busy and list some of these on ebay. I've just been a bit too busy. Available for $100

May 21 - California Coast

"California Coast" Tiny little painting, with tons of paint! It's just 6 x 4 inches, and a careful study of the soft coloration of our state's edge, so powerfullly' affected by the moisture in the air. I did a trip up the coast a few years back, and took many 35 mm color prints of the coastal area. But photographs just cannot capture the color and light, not from ordinary cameras. So paint does a good job. $100

May 20 - Harness Tracks of America Auction Piece #2

"Greased Lightning" The second in the paintings I am doing for the Harness Tracks of American auction. This year I'm sendng three 12 x 16 oils, and all three will be similar. I'm not sure why, but I enjoy painting skies and horses! Original oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. Available only through their web site this fall.

May 19 - Harness Tracks of America Auction Painting

"Spirit of the Sport" Every year I paint at least two originals for the Harness Tracks of America Auction ( harnesstracks.com ) to assist in both the development of my equine art and also to support a worthy cause. Although harness racing is not a sport I can even see where I live, I do have many reference photos from my time at the Red Mile in Lexington. This non-traditional realistic painting I hope will raise good funds for their cause. Original oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. Available only through their web site ( www.harnesstracks.com )or the auction this fall.

May 18 - Kiko Goats

"Study in Tans" Brown goats, brown hay, brown day. What a challenge to depict both space and value when faced with source material that is...well... "bland". A fun challenge, and one that stretches the color knowledge to its zenith. Tomorrow night is the gallery opening, so I'm getting some butterflies. Wonder if they'll stay still enough to paint? Original oil on canvas, 8 x 10 inches. $150

May 17 - Early Light Cloudscape

"Early Light" I picked up this oval canvas that has been sitting around for what seems like forever, and painted this early morning light on clouds , not thinking practically. Photographing this puppy for the web site and for this email has been a real "pickle." Oh, the photography was fine, it was manipulating it so I could make it easy for you to see its oval shape, that stretched those Photoshop abilities.
Regardless, here it is for your pleasure, camera shenanigans notwithstanding. Original Oil, 5 x 7 inches, $100.
Today I met with a couple on a commission reconnoiter trip to the area they want me to paint. We talked about time of day, expanse of the vista, and the complication of adding six people to the landscape. How's that for a challenge? You'll see it here first, I promise. Size for the Santa Rosa Plateau commission? 15 x 30 inches.

May 16 - My New Horse

I painted a large commission a half dozen years ago (you can see it on the commissions page at elinart.com) of six horses that belonged to a lady who was moving to Washington state. I traded that work for one of her young Foxtrotter colts. I later sold that colt as an almost two year old to a nice gal in Riverside.
Today I go to a trainers to look at a horse to buy, which didn't work out (too young, too tall). The trainer's wife mentions a horse that her mother has that might come up for sale in August. We go see her, I ride her, and am swept away by everything about her. After our ride, she looks at me and says, "I know you." Turns out that this gal is the one I sold the colt to, and this horse of her mother's is one of the six in the painting. The colt now belongs to her best friend, who also wanted to buy the mare.
Here's a quick study of the mare I'm buying, from one of the reference photos for the painting from so many years ago. Amazing that this horse is going to come into my life in living form.
Original oil, 9 x 12 inches.

One Artist Show Invitation

Here's the invitation to to the gallery opening this Friday... all the work for this show (31 pieces total) relates to the horse world, as it is Temecula's "Western Days". Today, Monday, I dropped off the canvases at the facility, and met the curator. This is a first--a real curator to hang the show! With the television interview and a curator, one might make an assumption that i'm some sort of celebrity? They still treat me the same in the grocery store. Oh well.

May 14 - Black Draft Horse Team

"Watching the Parade"  An original oil on board, this 24 x 30 is one I had planned on showing at the opening this week (with delivery tomorrow), but when I went to look for a frame, I found none, having used up the other frames of that size already on other work.  I have 24 paintings to deliver tomorrow to the gallery space with 54 linear feet of wall space--I wonder how they will manage to hang them all?  Not my problem, which is good, since I have a full plate this coming week with other things.
  This painting wouldn't have made it into the shown pieces anyway, because I got it on the easel and went after it, after studying it for a while.  In the image I've attached, you can see the new areas because of their sheen and my bad photograph.  I like working over pieces, as I have a certain amount of confidence that they are not finished until I have a gut feeling that they are.  Comes with time and practice, I imagine.  I especially like the design of this one, and the brushwork.  Each of the parade watchers is done with as minimal of brush strokes as possible.  I think this one will have some value some day.  (Beyond today's offer at $650).

May 13 - Limoges

Tonight's painting is of a Limoges sugar bowl and creamer that has been in the family since my grandmother was married--before 1900.  This dark blue and silver inlaid set has always been visible somewhere in our house as I grew up.  Today was also my mother's memorial service, and my brother put together a fifty minute video of images spanning over seventy years of my mother's life and marriage to my dad.  Their three kids, and extended grandkids and great grandkids gathered today to celebrate and remember.  I'm drained from the emotional content--brought to tears by so many things I'd never seen and achingly missing the past.  Poignantly sad at the finality of the images I've seen, I'm still filled with the wonderfulness of the legacy my parents created.  
  Happy Mother's Day tomorrow.
  Original oil, 9 x 12 inches on canvas. 

May 12 - Doberman in the Sun

"Catching the Warmth" Basking in the sunshine, the old dog, called "Reddog" rested just this way, dozing in the sunshine. Reddog was a rescue I saved from Long Beach and he lived to be a good old boy for seven years until his heart gave out. Typical of the American Doberman temperament, he was a sheep in Dobie clothes, without a mean bone in him. Lovingly sent to the Rainbow Bridge over ten years ago today. Nine by 12 oil on board backed canvas. Only for sale to someone who'll love him. Already SOLD.

May 11 - Pygmy Goat

"King of the Little Hill" Petting zoos. What can I say? They might be filled with doting parents of tiny tykes running up and hugging the tolerant creatures, but I cannot pass one by without going in and saying "hi" to the residents therein. This guy was about 14 inches tall, but met me at eye level (I think to escape the short people) and so I took his picture. I love goats. Today I spent a few hours in the goat pens cleaning house and setting up a new feeder. Got my exercise, and also a focus for a good Thursday painting. I hope you enjoy him! Original oil, 9 x 12 inches, US $100 unframed.

May 10 - Cowgirl at Work

"Babysittin' for Better Wages" I used to babysit many years ago (made me realize I really didn't want to have children), and since I have always loved being on the back of a horse to changing diapers, I painted this painting. This better version is for sale for $550 unframed, but I plan on exhibiting it at my one artist show opening on May 19 in the Temecula Community Theater.
Now, for artists, this painting used to be on my site in an earlier form, and it was done when I was still working with the color system. This 16 x 12 oil painting still has the Color System in it, but I have a much more subtle hand in using it. See if you can figure out what I changed, and why. I repainted about 75% of it. I hope you enjoy the changes, for here's the old one:

May 9 - Clydesdale Foal

"Joi de Vivre" Back to painting my beloved horses!  This painting, an original oil, depicts the absolute joy of living that horses, especially young ones, seem to have in great abundance.  I like the cocked head, the feeling as he catches your eye, as he glances back at you, that you and he share the life force of living, and you both know it.  This is a young Clydesdale foal, one of the heavy draft horse breeds, and I really, really enjoyed painting it.  I don't normally do "head shots", as there are so many artists who can do them incredibly well.  But somehow this fellow caught my eye, from part of a photograph I took while at the Draft Horse Classic.  Six by six inches, on gallery wrap (no frame needed). SOLD

May 8 - Drawing of My Folks

"Herald Tribune" Some days I create art purely for myself.  Today was one of those days.  A major switching of gears, too, as this is neither oil nor acrylic, but Conte crayon on Stonehenge paper (usually used for silk screen printing)!  It depicts my Mom and Dad on one of their many trips, Mom with her crossword puzzle in the newspaper and both with characteristic hats, somewhere where there were glaciers.   I can say that paintings get "into my head" and need to be released to make room for more.  This one came into my head because near our dining room table is a photograph of my folks in a more traditional pose, hanging on the wall by the bookcase.  I've been looking at it during every sit-down meal, and the idea to draw them has surfaced more than once as I glanced at it.  I used to draw all the time, and enjoy it for its quickness and mark making.  Looking at the photograph and also the drawing, I like this more relaxed one much better.  Original drawing,  17 x 16 inches. Staying in the "Collection of the Artist".

May 7 - Kiko Goat Buck

"Got Goat?" Things link together in the strangest ways. Today I returned a milk goat and her kids to the lady who has provided all our goats, and am in the same turn contacted by an owner of this buck goat (one doesn't call them "billy" goats) for their marketing. Kiko goats are an unusual breed http://www.theikga.org from New Zealand and are known for their hardiness and large size. Since I have a pack goat, and today was definitely a goats day, this Kiko buck is now on canvas. Original oil, 12 x 9 inches. $220

May 6 - Salvation (Sunset)

"Salvation" Before you say, "Hey, this looks familiar!", I want you to know that this is a commission requested by a collector on the East Coast who saw the tiny 7 x 5 sunset from last month, and requested a 20 x 16 version for her collection. I like to think of all my 8 x 10 and smaller paintings as potential starting points for larger works--quick studies. And I am always available for commission work--I just love the challenges. This week I'm prepping for a one artist showing of at least eight paintings of a western flavor for the Temecula Community Theater complex. Fun! Sale Pending.

May 5 - Coastal Live Oak (moved by developers)

"Veneration" In the valley below where we live, before the development, there used to be some venerable coastal live oaks growing, like this one. The developers boxed them up and moved them, and now they grow in civilized landscape areas, having lost something of their magnificence for having been moved. Fortunately I took photographs of all of these trees before they were uncerimoniously uprooted, and have taken a moment in time to put them back. Original oil, 9 x 12 inches. $200.

May 4 - Jesus and the Place of Peace

"In the Place of Peace" I have done many plein air paintings, and many have been favorites. I still have this one, which hasn't been on display or on the web site for a year or more. Since I spent most of today working on the design of the back cover for Horses in Art's summer issue, I thought you might enjoy a "resurrection" (so to speak!) of an earlier painting. I loved it when I painted it, and I still love it today, most especially for the brushwork and the different values of gray on the statue of Jesus. But unless it speaks to you, it will remain in my personal collection. Original oil on canvas glued to birch backboard, 16 x 12 inches. It was done on location at the Pala Mission, south of Temecula and east of Fallbrook. One of the string of California missions from San Diego northwards. Great place to paint. $300

May 3 - Our Anniversary, Aspens

"Outstanding, in his Field" Today my beloved and I renewed our wedding vows as we have done for the last eight years, followed by a picnic and an enjoyable afternoon together. It's been a bit cold lately, so I am reminded of another October painting time, and backlit aspens came off the brushes when I returned to the studio. I like to think of how special my spouse is, like that one green pine in the midst of those golden aspens. I bet many of you saw the aspens first? That's because we have each one the unique vision to find the match for ourselves. Aspens for one, a pine tree for another. Original oil, 9 x 12 inches. $200.

May 3 - Our Anniversary Eve

"Today, Tomorrow and Always" Interesting how we are sandwiched in between that which is our future, and that which was our past. Today I picked up my Mom's ashes, and together we went and looked at property.  Mom always loved real estate.  Now before you think I've gone off the deep end, know that there was a lot of humor in the day's ride.  She (in her box) on the passenger seat, and I even put one of her floppy-brimmed hats on her box.  Now she is in the cedar chest with my dad's ashes, awaiting October and the trip for our final farewell.  
  In talking about always, I need to share with you the subject of today's painting--when I came back to the house after feeding the goats, there was this bouquet of salmon mini roses, a card, and a dinner set out on the table, all done by my husband.  He knew I'd had a rough day, so he "rose" to the challenge with this gesture.  Tomorrow is our anniversary, and the first line on the card so poignantly said "Today, Tomorrow and Always".  Today, my Mom, Tomorrow, our anniversary, and Always our future together.   
  Our dinner was toasted with Wilson Creek's Almond Champagne.  Yes, almond.  Wonderful stuff.  Makes the brushes do strange and wonderful things. Original 6 x 4 oil $100

May 1 - Buffalo Sunset

"Buffalo Sunset"  I so enjoy painting sunsets and sunrises.  They signify the change of mode from action to rest, and from rest to action--a totally normal part of daily living.  The clarity of the change of pace is such a pleasure to depict on canvas.  This one is 8 x 10 original, in oils.
  I need the rest right now, for I don't mind sharing with you that grief for my mother's passing hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday and today.  I have been crying off and on all day, and finding memories and sadness at every moment, every turn in the house, and even in such mundane chores as laundry.  I thought I'd dodged that grief bullet, since I'd been so "normal" for the past three weeks.  Tain't so.  I've been told that this would happen, just didn't think it would.  But optimist that I am, I know this will pass as well.  
  So the sunset and the buffalo truly represent the passing of time, and I paint them with bittersweet joy.  It feels so good to be back in my home studio, surrounded by my "friends" -- the other paintings I have done.  I take great comfort from them.
SOLD

April 30 - California Rough Country

"Badlands Brush" There are areas near Redlands and San Bernardino that are called "The Badlands" because of the incredibly steep terrain. Covered in grasses, scrub oak and brush, these remote areas have a beauty all their own. Original oil, 12 x 9. $200

April 29 - My Husband's Portrait

"Aikido en Esposo" My beloved husband, finally painted in a way he appreciates and with my assuredness that I won't botch it up, he appears in the traditional dress of the Akido man in balance. I will need to add the Japanese characters to the upper left, when I receive them (I'm here, he is there, and I don't have them here.) Original oil, 20 x 10. Not for sale.

April 28 - Sunset's Last Light

"Last Light" Sitting an art show is NOT my favorite thing. I would rather be doing something, and so of course, I paint. This little oil is completely out of my head (some of my collectors agree--she's out of her head) and is exercise in capturing the evening light of a sunset. Fun. I've already started tomorrow's painting--my husband! Original oil, 7 x 5. $100

April 27 - Suzanne from Life at Hart Park

"Suzanne at Hart Park" I mentioned that I had received flowers right after my mother passed away, and they were from Suzanne and David. I have always wanted to paint her, and today I had the opportunity, as she was in attendance at our Women Artists of the West and always a cheerful and funny lady. I never knew she was so fidgety until I needed to capture her in one pose! It's going to be given to David when he comes to the Park Saturday to play guitar with the Lost Canyon Rangers. I think he'll be surprised. As for me, it is pure pleasure to paint another nice painting from life. Original oil, 12 x 9.
SOLD (Actually a gift.)

April 26 - William S. Hart Park

"Hart Park (from my camper window)" What a long day! Pulling the trailer to Hart Park, with 55 boxes for the show in it, unloading and organizing the panels and unpacking the boxes. Whew. I'm parked beside the hall for the duration of the show, in my camper. Tonight, after chasing everyone out and locking the gate, I have the whole place to myself until tomorrow morning. William S. Hart Park is beautiful, rugged and with the recent rains, very lush. The evening sun just came through to light the grass before clouds chased the scene into twilight. Original oil, 9 x 12. US $225

April 25 - Greek Island Painting

"Lost Child" I got a call a few weeks ago from an arts organizer saying there was one of my paintings still hanging and would I like to come get it? I did, and discovered this gem--well, it wasn't a gem 'til I got it back in the studio and tweaked it after not seeing it for...um... five years (!). This is one of my Greek boat series, and one of the few I still have--perhaps because it was a "lost child" for so many years. The color in a Greek island wharf is something. All the houses are white, so the boats carry the color. Original oil, 14 x 18, found again. US $425 to give it a permanent home.

April 24 - Dog Commission, Posthumous

"Fritz" I had the pleasure of meeting Fritz in his later years, the dog of a long-time friend. Fritz is gone now, having done his service in raising a young boy and taking care of his family. This commission is an opportunity to bring his spirit back for a small moment to light up the dark place of sadness we all have when we lose one of these very special animals. Fritz' portrait is a 12 x 9 commission, and will be delivered to the Bay Area in a couple of weeks.
Commission, will yours be next?
Comment from Collector: "I just saw Fritz & can hardly type because I'm crying. You did a wonderful job in capturing him & the setting is perfect. Michael is going to love it. Thank you so much!"

April 23 - A Rose from the Garden

"A Rose is A Rose" Out to the garden after a wonderful dinner with my sister and brother and spouses, brother is a gourmet cook and does amazing things with food.  So the plans move forward on Mom's memorial, and we enjoyed a wonderful, laughter-filled evening.  Earlier today I had noticed one of my beloved Grenada roses coming into bud, and so when we returned home, I cut it and have painted it for you on this 6 x 4 oil.  Interesting, in painting it, I wanted to really push the paint and put a lot more paint on the surface, but I haven't broken through to that level yet.  I will, though.  
  As artists, we are constantly (ought to be anyway) testing our limits of expression.  We ought never to paint the same thing twice.  I look at work I did years ago, and see tremendous growth and change (sometimes, "Egad, did I really paint that...um... ulp!").  The more you create, the more depth can get into your work.  Even when I lift brushes this late at night, I never forget that each work is a stepping stone to new ways to express my vision.
$100

April 22 - Earth Day

"Earth Day Light" What better for Earth Day than a celebration of light uplifting the soul on a glorious morning? this is a 5 x 7, and came off my acrlyic palette for several reasons: 1) I'm an optimist and know things are going to be OK, 2) it is wonderful to be alive and enjoy such sunrises, regardless of not sleeping great, and 3) I'm looking forward to another commission (Fritz) and a major show next weekend. So life is good, and you and I can bask in the sunbeams. Original acrylic on canvas, 7 x 5 inches.
$100

April 21 - Del Mar Racetrack Backstretch

"Hustle (Del Mar)" There are breakthroughs in painting, we all know exactly when they happen. This painting represents a breakthrough for me, with groundwork laid on yesterday's figurative piece. What's the breakthrough? Utter freedom! Piles of paint, the essence of the subject, no worrying about details, more shapes and color fields. This painting was pure fun. I am looking forward to tomorrow's, too! Original oil on canvas, 9 x 12 inches.

April 20 - Self Portrait in Hawaii

"Io Valley, On Location" Several years ago, my husband and I went to Maui and Oahu for a vacation and conference. I spent a lot of time painting on location while there, and enjoyed what my parents experienced in their beautiful Hawaii. As we plan the memorial and honoring their wishes to have their ashes co-mingled and spread off Diamond Head, I thought that revisiting one of those balmy days would be appropriate. I'm looking forward to the trip, as I will again get to paint on location. I hope to do some plein air with Roger Whitlock, who lives there, as we've painted together several enjoyable times. Original oil on canvas, 9 x 12 inches.

April 19 - Cat in a "Patch of Sunshine"

"Patch of Sunshine" Today has been the day of cats. I spent most of it painting ceilings (Michaelangelo? I don't think so!) while the roofers finished up outside. It is slow work, but gives great satisfaction. Rollers and plastic drop cloths... thus the connection to the cats, and today's painting. Pesto, the young calico (half sweet and half nuts, like a Hershey bar) has decided that plastic makes great noise and pouncing onto it is great fun. Those shenanigans annoyed the heck out of the painting process to the point where I had to finally shut her out of the room, much to her consternation. Very vocal, that one. Listening to a Brother Cadfael audio mystery, I had the volume up loud.
I'm painting the ceilings white, and I have paint spatters from here to tomorrow afternoon on my hands and arms. So today's painting is a white cat, perhaps the result of falling in the paint bucket?

This is a 5 x 7 acrylic. $100

April 18 - Sea Otter

"Rolling Along - Sea Otter" Cleaning the studio today, I came across some images I'd taken when I was up on the ocean in Monterey Bay. The sea otters are tame enough to get some good imagery. This fellow is floating on his back, washing his face, in the relatively clear waters of the Pacific. I like the design of this acrylic 5 x 7 piece, as the lights and colors work so well. Yes, the roofers are still here, but at least they finished the studio today.
$100

April 17 - Del Mar Fair Commission

"Still Life, Commission" I finally finished the commission for the Del Mar Fair Art Education Presentation. I was selected to do the still life that all the artists are doing, but mine is in acrylics. These 20 x 16 canvases will be collected and framed and shown together to show the public how artists approach the same subject and end up with unique personal visions from the same starting point. Not for sale--being donated to the Del Mar Fair Arts Committee. Here's the source image:

April 16 - Shallots

"Shallots" Today's bigger commission painting isn't falling off the brushes with the ease I'm used to, so I detoured into another nicely colored image of those boiling onions, or shallots, or cream onions--regaional names for the one-inch-sized onions you can buy at the store for a myriad of recipes. this is an original acrylic, on gallery wrap, and is 4 x 6 inches. I like the positioning of the three onions. Nothing casual about the story there. $100