"VICTOR AND VICTORIA" 6" X 8" Oil on canvasboard SOLD

I love geese. They always seem so elegant and poised. We have very few here in the community where I live (desert and little water), so these are from a photo I took while we were on the Monterey Peninsula (lush vegetation and LOTS of water).
Green has always been a difficult color for me to paint. I often seem to paint it too much on the olive side or don't have the right combination of cools and warms. This time I relied on SAP GREEN and combinations of it, and I was happy with the final effect. It seems bright without being over the top - a HAPPY green, if you will.
                                                                             

"ALONG U.S. 101" 6" X 6" Pastel

This new painting looks similar in composition to my last post, but it is in a different area. We were whizzing along U.S. 101 northbound near Monterey when I snapped this photo at 65 mph. No, I wasn't the driver. What caught my attention was the shape of the trees on the rise and the colors of the coastal iceplant that covers the dunes near Fort Ord. This iceplant is intriguing as it goes through it's color changes throughout the year. Reds, oranges, golds, greens, grays and browns make beautiful patterns across the sand. Who said freeways couldn't have beauty?

If you have an interest in purchasing this painting please visit my Daily Paintworks Gallery for details.                                                                               

"POINT LOBOS MEADOW" Pastel 5" X 7" SOLD

It was such a clear day at Point Lobos the day we went. There had been a morning fog which had burned off by 9:30. The colors of the sky and sea, rocks and foliage were so brilliant. Several walking trails crisscross the park - every one of them with little scenes like this one.                                                                             

"DAISY IN A BOTTLE" 16" X 8" Oil on panel

It has been much too long since I last posted, and I feel badly about it. For awhile we were out of state, and when we returned it seemed like there was much to take care of. For better or worse, the wheels of my painting wagon are up and running again, and I'm excited to explore some larger sized work. I've been doing smaller paintings - 6" X 6" mostly - both in pastel and oil. But I think now is a great time to work with some of the larger panels and canvases I have had stored in my closet. I know 8" X 16" doesn't sound all that big, but it's double what I usually do. And, I have larger panels that I'm anxious to plan for. I know already that the set up for still lifes will take more pre-painting thought. Composition will have to be more thought out so that the space is used in a good way. I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks.

On a side note, one of our local churches in the community plans for an artist a month to display work in an area in one of the wings. I was fortunate enough to be able hang work for this month, and a friend was kind enough to help me hang 33 pieces using the wonderful hanging system they've installed. The most I've ever had hung at one time is four, so for me, it's kind of a thrill.

Thank you for all the comments you make on my blog and the encouragement you've given me. I've learned so much from all of you and have been warmed by your interest. Have a great weekend!