Painting in Big Sur

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

It's hard not to wonder where this gorgeous spring-like weather is coming from. Best case scenario is that mother nature is running her course and will adjust as she sees fit... As an artist, one has to seize the moments when inspiration strikes. Balmy weather, a slight breeze and outrageous scenery inspire the crap out of me so I'm taking advantage of this early Spring and heading to the coast whenever I can. This day I brought large and small panels, thinking I might go big, 8 x 10 is not big but felt like the right size to get going and this is the end result! I look forward to this weekend - maybe I'll go big then, or not. :)

Pacific Grove Early Spring
Oil on Linen Panel
8 x 10

$325.00

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT GALLERY 24 LOS GATOS, CA.

California Coast

California Coast
Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard
5 x 7

Available at Gallery 24, Los Gatos CA.

Pacific Coast Sunset

Pacific Coast Sunset
Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard
5 x 7

Available at Gallery 24, Los Gatos CA.

Thank You Graniterock!

'Tripple Vision'
Oil on Board
8 x 8

As my show at Graniterock Design Center draws to close, I have been focusing on still life paintings. But before I go into that, I must thank the Wonderful people at Graniterock who have been so gracious and helpful throughout the 4 months my work hung in their gorgeous showroom.

When I initially brought my work in they helped me hang my paintings which included some trips up ladders and moving nails, etc. They hosted a lovely reception with delicious fruit and cheese, and maybe most importantly, they kept an eye on all my babies!

My walls at home have been terribly blah these past months, and I'll be happy to have rich color and texture back in my life. But I will miss having my work on display in such a lovely venue... So a HUGE thank you to the great people at Graniterock - you Rock!  :)

My work will be up through May 4, 2012, so if you haven't had a chance to see my show, you still have about a week and a half to get yourself to the Design Center and soak it all in!

And now a quick note on my granny smith, I placed this apple on a maple table which had 3 recessed lights shining down on it. This lighting created some very interesting shadow shapes that I was able to capture by getting the values and shapes right. Fun stuff!

My show 'California Bay Area Paintings' is on display at the Graniterock Cupertino Design Center from January 4 to May 5, 2012.

Wine and cheese artist reception Saturday January 14, 2012, 4p.m. - 6p.m.

Holiday Reception at the Los Gatos Museums Gallery

You're Invited!

Join us for our 2011 Holiday Gala on:

Thursday, December 1
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Los Gatos Museums Gallery
24 N Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA

View the works of over 50 artists (of which I am one!) while enjoying festive refreshments.

Hope to see you there ~

New Class, New Work, New Show!

Starting in January 2012, I'll be joining the faculty at the Triton Museum of Art, teaching 'Beginning Oil Painting' for adults, and young adults. I am really excited about this class! We will have great fun and cover a lot of ground while discovering the joy and beauty of oil paint. See Winter Session Class Schedule for a class description and registration information.

New Work in the Los Gatos Museums Gallery: I have several new paintings on display, including California plein air work, and a painting from my new Calfornia coastline series!



'Mission Carmel'
Oil on Canvas
12 x 12

Upcoming Solo Show: Graniterock Design Center in Cupertino, CA., has invited me to show my work in their gorgeous design center from January 3, 2012 through May 7, 2012. On display will be new paintings from my California coastline series. Stay tuned for more information regarding opening reception!

'West Cliff Crash'
Oil on Canvas
24 x 36

"Art in the Garden" definitely an affair not to miss!

What a great event and wonderful experience it was! I'm not sure which was more fun - painting and hanging out at Yamagami's or sipping wine and viewing the end results - beautiful paintings by the five contributing artists. Either way, I have to say the event was a big success.

Both the Triton Museum of Art and Yamagami's Garden Center went out of their way to make this a beautiful and inviting event. Delicious appetizers, wine, beer and the most gorgeous and healthy plants in the valley - what more could you want!

'Lavetera'
Oil on Panel
SOLD

Silent Auction

George Rivera
Executive Director at the Triton Museum of Art

My Yamagami inspired paintings

Silent Auction

Frank Bette Art Center and Triton Museum fundraiser at Yamagami's

Opening reception for the "En Plein Air - Alameda and Beyond" - August 5 - October 1 - was held last night. Beautiful show, great plein air paintings of the Bay Area. I have four paintings in this show.

Next Thursday is "Art in the Garden - An Affair Not To Miss!"  Paintings I did while on location at Yamagami's nursery will be part of this upcoming event.

And - new work in the Los Gatos Museums Gallery - Be sure to check out some or all!

Last week I had the great fortune to paint at Rocky Point, just off hwy 1 in Big Sur, California. The weather was perfect - no wind, cool temperature and just enough overcast in the sky to let me see colors clearly without the need for an umbrella. (Which, btw, recently broke on me when the wind picked up my easel and sent everything flying, including my pallette and turps...)

Anyway, back to Rocky Point, where I firmly planted myself between car and hill and had the best seat in the house! Out of this session came 2 paintings that I am offering at auction, see links below. I hope you enjoy the paintings.

Cyprus at Rocky Point
Oil on Board
8 x 8
SOLD

'Rocky Point Blue'
Oil on Board
10 x 8
SOLD

Happy Birthday America!

When the suns shines bright, and the tomatoes are plump, you know it's summertime! And sometimes there's nothing better to eat than a home grown tomato picked straight from the vine with an added dash of salt.

In celebration of our country's birthday, I am putting up for auction this original oil painting of a home grown tomato with a starting bid of .99!! - You - the bidder - will determine final price.

If this proves to be as fun as auctions can be, I'll list more small originals in the auction format.

Happy 4th everyone ~

"Today's Tomato"
Oil on Board
12 x 12

SOLD

Happy Father's Day!

'Alameda Cat'
Oil on Panel
11 x 14
click to buy print

 

New Work

Since the weather has been so awesomely lovely, I have been out painting at various spots around the bay. Below are 2 paintings completed on location, en plein air, at the Presentation Center in the Santa Cruz mountains.

'Presentation Pond'
Oil on Board
16 x 12
Click to buy

Jesus
Oil on Board
12 x 12

Detail of Jesus statue

Pinwheel Succulent

Another take on the 'Garden Bouquet'.
Stay tuned for an update on my Etsy store, where I will offer originals and prints for sale.

'Pinwheel Succulent'
Acrylic on Board
12 x 12





Garden Bouquet

How great to get to stroll through your yard and find such cool flora as this! I wish knew the name of the orangey-pink star shaped succulant that really set this arrangement apart, not to mention the aromatic rosemary, and budding ornamental plum. Very fun.

'Garden Bouquet'
20 x 16
Acrylic on Canvas

Valentine Orchids

I painted these while visiting mom. She sketched a portrait of Stephen Levine, while I painted the gorgeous orchids on her dining room table, and wild doves gobbled up birdseed from the feeder which hangs on a crepe myrtle outside her dining room window.

'Valentine Orchids'
Acrylic on canvas
12 x 24

New Work in the Gallery

Still Lifes, Florals and Chickens! Must be Spring in the air, come see my new work on display at the Los Gatos Museums Gallery. I always find it a treat to visit the gallery and enjoy the variety of art on display. I'll be adding a new painting this week as 'Sunflower Bouquet' just sold.

Meyers Lemons I & II
12 x 12
Framed
SOLD



The Married Life
11 x 14
SOLD



Sunflower Bouquet
12 x 12
Framed
SOLD

Show at Filoli

I have been invited to participate in the current teacher/student art show at the Filoli Mansion in Woodside, CA.  Paul Kratter is an excellent plein air painter who has held workshops at Filoli. While there we gained access to paint in the formal gardens as well as the surrounding acreage full of magnificent California Oaks. It is always a treat to visit Filoli and see it in the different seasons.
http://www.filoli.org/special-events-and-exhibits/art-exhibits.html

Autumn Light Cool Fall

The best day painting is better then than the worst day painting, which is better than the best day staying home.  I can say that because for the past 2 weeks I have been domestically dutybound...

This morning was  blissfully calm, quiet and cool down in Coyote Valley, just north of Morgan Hill. The smells from some wild weed were delightfully aromatic, and the Canadian geese were apparently happy as clams honking loudly while flying overhead and  presumably heading south.

The Feed Shed
Oil on Board
8 x 10
SOLD



Coyote Valley Oak
Oil on Board
9 x 12
SOLD