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.

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.

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 ~