Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Heritage Orchard, Saratoga CA.

'The Old Apricot Tree'
14 x 11
Oil on Board
SOLD





'Heritage Orchard'
11 x 14
Oil on Board

I have never been drawn to paint orchards, so was a little reluctant to try my hand at it. I was out of my professional plein air boards so brought some inexpensive canvas panels I've had lying around my studio. Not feeling any pressure from my 'inferior' panel, I blithely jumped into painting an old gnarled tree with a moody sky. Before I knew it, I was lost in my painting and having a great time painting an orchard.

When I finished the first, I decided to take on a broader orchard view, and hence came painting number 2, 'Heritage Orchard'.  One of the things I love about plein air painting, is how connected I become to a subject once I've painted it. I suppose it can be likened to sharing a wonderful picnic with someone in a beautiful spot, making that spot forever special.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

VENITE AD ME



















'VENITE AD ME'
Oil on Board
16 x 12

Venite ad me, come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Yesterday I had the fortunate opportunity to paint on the campus of Santa Clara University. Immediately I spotted this statue of Jesus and went to work. Just as I put the finishing touches on this painting, it started to rain. The experience was all rather sublime.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Painting the Davenport Bluffs

'Looking South'
Oil on Board
16 x 12



'Looking North'
Oil on Board
9 x 12

Painting the ocean's cliffs is a thrilling experience, there is something so ravaging wild about standing at cliffs edge whilst attacking your canvas with daubs of lucious oil paint!

Davenport is a great little town situated on the Pacific Coast about 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. Dividing the ocean from town, is Highway 1 which winds up and down California's stunningly beautiful coastline and rugged vista views. Davenport's single coffee shop and bakery is loaded with delicious pastries, and a full on coffee bar, just the right ingredients to fuel and charge ones batteries for a day of painting en plein air!



My easel awaits ~


Painting in Big Sur

'Big Sur' Oil on Linen Panel 9 x 12 SOLD