June 17 - When Your Muse Takes A Hike

"When Your Muse Takes a Hike" I'm sitting here chuckling and not a small bit of embarassed to show this to you, but if you can learn from it, so be it! This is the second painting I did last Thursday on location, and it surely is a problem child! The artist's muse went out for a beer and left me struggling. There is so much wrong with this painting that I hardly know where to begin. So how about if you make a list, and really tear into it? And then tell me what you'd change to make it better. I'm so used to helping students with the latter response, that I'm ready to have each of you analyze this one and flex your design muscles. Its future is dim, no matter what. 6 x 6 inch oil, unsigned for a reason!

June 16 - The Big Horses Finished

"Continuation" Here is the earlier 30 x 40 painting, much more toward the finished state. It was suggested by one member of the list to paint a buckskin, and after contemplation, here he is. Again, all of this from my head, no references. I also decided to add three more horses so the feeling of the herd would be maintained. It isn't finished yet, but you can see how much more is laid down now. I will get back into it and take care of the anatomical issues plaguing me for not using references, and also to modify the foreground. Please compare this to June 13th's painting. Oh, the dark upper corner isn't dark, that is just the problem with photographing such a large piece at night.

June 15 - Pony Tails (Draft Horse)

"Pony Tails" This is a 6 x 8 canvas, and I picked up the brushes to begin it at a bit after 11 pm. Just a wonderfully busy day, and full of pleasurable things--riding the horse, working on my courses for the college, and... well, laundry. So what do I like about this one? The color, of course. The position of the girl, achieved with minimal brushwork, and the thick paint on the right side of the draft horse. I could tweak it some more, but I sure like it right now! Oil $200

June 14 - On location, Fairmont Park

"Redwood Avenue, Fairmont Park, Riverside" On location again, this time in the city of Riverside with the Plein Air Artists of Riverside (PAAR) group. About eight of us showed up to paint the water and the vistas. My muse was with me, but not about to have me paint water today. I did two small ones, this a 5 x 7, of the afternoon light coming through the trees to the blooming jacaranda trees. That's my car on the far right--the one that used to belong to my folks. It's a silver Ford Taurus, but not easily identified with my brushwork. I think the second car got totaled... I'll have to fix that tommorrow, when I work again on the horses. $100

June 13 - Horses, a BIG One

Well, I thought I'd have a finished one for you today, but instead, a large one in process.  I DO have some tweaked ones put up in June's and May's archives.  I went back and finished the foggy morning workout for the Harness Tracks Auction (May 26th painting), and also finished up the details on June 4th's  "In a Mountain Valley".  More subtle the difference on the latter work, but major difference on the former!  Some of you have said you keep archives on your computer of these, so you'll really see a difference.
  Today's painting is the beginning of a commission of "horses coming at you" that was requested by a collector.  I'm doing this totally from my head without references, because to get those references, you'd have to be ready to be stomped!  So I have to imagine how the horses would look, the leg locations, and all the ordinary rest of the stuff, and plot out a design that will hold up from across the room.  Howard Pyle used to say, "thirty minutes, thirty yards" in talking about that crucial initial lay-in and how it must be a strong structure.  
  You can also see some of my working methods in that I sketched the horses, then started laying in one to an almost finished state, and then did the upper background.  The middle horse is next, and he is only about 1/3 finished.  The left horse will need some tweaking on the forelegs size, and I haven't decided what color yet

June 12 - Thunderheads over the Desert

"Evening Light, SRP" Below is the painting that came off my brushes when I first set up, at the gala at the Riverside Art Museum on Friday night.  It is a larger painting, 16 x 20 on board-backed canvas, and I surely enjoyed painting it.  Out of my head, from countless memories of the Santa Rosa Plateau.  In the days prior to the event, the desert skies to the east had been filled with tropical moisture, creating these wondrous thunderheads.  From the Plateau it is possible to see these, which dissipate as the sun sets.  The orange-y light of the approaching evening, and the dry grasses of the meadows create the compliment of the sky in the distance over the desert.  
  And I always love pathways...where are we going today? $300

June 11 - Backlit Oak and Rocks

This little painting (it is only 6 x 4 inches) is the second painting on location when the fog was rolling in while painting on location at the Santa Rosa Plateau again.  
  The light was changing, the colors becoming oh-so-subtle, and the need to quickly capture the composition, the values and the lighting were imminently crucial for the success of this little one.  I look at it now, and I can FEEL the time of day, the weather, and the light... can you?
  I truly like this painting.  Although a small one, it represents the true connection an artist can get in an on-location work.  100% done on location, no "tweaking", I'm honored to share it with you.

June 10 - Fog on California's Coast

"On Cat Feet" (Coastal Fog) While on location at the Santa Rosa Plateau during this month of June, there is the phenomenon of the coastal fog that comes in and caresses the hills and grasslands in the later afternoon. The fog stays around until late the following morning, and is called "June Gloom" by the weather people. As the afternoon progresses, this fog slips over the coastal range just as you see it in the painting below (and if you can't see it, click on the jpeg link). This is a 6 x 12 inch on-location canvas, and was fun to paint, as the light kept coming and going with the sun being obscured by the fog "marching on cat feet" to envelop the late afternoon. I was with my artist friend Roxanne, and we were at Sylvan Meadows.

June 9 - At the Museum, painting #1

"New Acquisition"  Tonight I was a guest with a handful of other artists painting along inside the Riverside Art Museum (or RAM).  The museum was host to a special event, and we were (I think) a form of entertainment.  Parked in a side gallery (with one of the bars!) traffic was light, and most all of the attention was going to an artist who was doing oil sketches of folks who sat down for a portrait -- she was giving them away.  She had quite a line.  So I leaned into my harness and painted two paintings without much interruption.  Studio time away from the studio!  The first I'll post later, here is the second one.  My husband came to cheer me on, and he ended up sitting for me, under a large abstract.  I liked the design of the pose and asked him to stay still.  I like the looseness of it and the flat areas of color.  It was fun to paint someone else's work, too!
  Original oil, 16 x 12 inches.  

June 8 - On location at the Santa Rosa Plateau

"Approaching Fog Bank" On the Plateau with another artist this evening, and the weather was changing as we painted. Roxanne was able to get two great 9 x 12s and I as able to do three small ones. This is the first, in the early evening across the Sylvan Meadows area where I rode my horse last Sunday. The light kept going lower, and the coastal fog from the ocean was billowing up behind us, and the desert thunderheads were visible 100 miles to the east. Roxanne was visited by a rattlesnake, she was concentrating so much that the creature was almost upon her before she noticed it and lept away. She called me and I threw a chunk of wood at it, and it swiftly about- faced and buzzed off into the tall grasses. Nothing like a little adrenalin to motivate some brushwork, eh? Original oil, 5 x 7
On ebay

June 7 - White Merlot Wine

"White Merlot"  When my husband comes in late from his akido or class teaching, he and I will often sit down about 9 p.m. and have a bite to eat, usually some cheese and wine.  One of my favorite wines is white merlot, made by Beringer.  Hard to find, it is not as sweet as a zinfandel, and not as heavy as a merlot.  Well worth the looking, as it is quite unusual, not being a white wine, and not pinot noir!  After seeing the movie "Sideways", we laugh every time we drink a glass or two!  This is an original oil, 7 x 5 inches, and what I really like about it is the glow of the light through the wine.  Try squinting your eyes and looking at this one.  Lots of paint, too.
  "White Merlot" is SOLD

June 6 - Watermelon Slice

"Equilateral" This is done from life, again with the joy of the sweetness that is now in my throat.  I think that the process to paint these is not finished until the object is consumed.  Consumed by my brush and then literally.  Watermelons are wonderful fruits, and this one is different in that it is an organic melon.  I was surprised and delighted at the burst of flavor from this usually watery treat.  I'm sold on organic produce for the intense flavors found there.  And now I will look for these in the store!  I think what we mean when we say "home grown flavor" is more truly the organic method of growing something.  At least it is true for me.  This is a 5 x 7 oil $100

June 5 - Nectarine

"Nectarine" Ah, the joys of summer and the multitude of fresh fruit!  Is there anything so luscious as a aromatic nectarine with its succulent flesh?  Perhaps a peach?  Or a dark plum?  As the weather warms, so come these wondrous flavors and colors to our palates.  Yes, dessert!  Chiaroscuro in value, vibrant in reds and oranges, the first fruit of the summer is here forever.  $100  Gadfry, I LOVE to paint!!!

June 4 - In a Foggy Valley (Horses)

"In a Mountain Valley"  The mist rises on the morning valley pasture and the horses are alert as the sun glows off the mountains above.  But this mountain sunlight is only seen in the water, which makes for a most interesting composition, and a bit of a surprise after seeing the two black horses.
I am reflecting on things that are like these mountains, missed because I am looking down, focused in a different direction.  People around us who care and have a different view, point out the beauty in our lives, and then we see it.  I always love how water takes beauty and presents it to us in another way, and am often amazed at how much beauty we miss in reflections.
  Tonight I reflect on the list folk who have said what I write makes the art come alive for them, and I need to say how grateful I am that you feel this way.  Like the reflections in the water, you give to me a view of the world I might otherwise miss.  Thank you!
  Original oil on canvas, 12 x 9 inches.  US $ 400 

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.