Today I had the pleasure of gallery sitting at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. It would be a very long day except I bring my gear and paint. It's just great, good music, nice people and beautiful gardens all around. If you are ever in the area it's worth a visit.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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I should have been addressing invitations and framing all day, but the easel was so magnetic I couldn't fight the pull. This is an odd painting, a combination of views, all in Borrego Springs. I was imagining traveling across the barren sands, suffering the lose of all comfort and this glorious white structure off in the distance, promising at least a drink of cool water. Of course I was sipping ice tea, listening to great music in the lap of comfort while painting away the day.

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

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Painting large pieces for an upcoming show, I am unable to post everyday, even though I am painting day and night. So, yesterday as a break I gave myself a limited amount of time, to paint a small piece to blog. Ready, set, go! It's difficult to explain but comparable to stretching after a 4 hour car ride. And really fun!

Oil on canvas, 9" X 12"

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Before the heavy rains, this was the western view of Placerita Creek, that I drive through each day coming and going out of the canyon. This morning the water was so high it was unsafe to cross. I thought about painting the water rushing but am fearful of it's power and not attracted to an all grey palette. Tomorrow a paint out is planned for a bunch of SCV artists. We all have our fingers crossed for a break in the rain, big fluffy clouds and a bit of warm sun.

Oil on panel, 10" X 8"

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Down the road, at the corner of Sierra Highway and Placerita Canyon this field is getting a lot of attention. The owner has ideas that are not exactly in line with some other folks. It always gets my attention because it's beautiful and I am soaking up the view as much as possible before it's fate of concrete and buildings takes hold.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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For the first time in a long while I was able to join the Thursday Morning Irregulars (hence the title) plein air painting today. Honing in on a subject took me an unusual amount of time, but once I spotted the main barn from this vantage point with the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance, I went to work. Here is the result of the mornings effort.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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Down in the Pasadena Arroyo there are several bridle paths to choice from. This one is north of the casting pond. I was attracted to the way the trees created a tunnel, just tall enough for a horse and rider.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

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All day I painted on an 18" X 24" landscape, which is not anywhere near finished. Needing a break I had the idea to just paint a little painting that would be a pleasure. My old carving buddy, William had sent me a photo of his grand daughter, asleep in her car seat, all bundled up complete with a knit hat. She and I spent the evening together and while painting her, I really enjoyed getting to know her sweet face.

Oil on canvas, 4" X 6"

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Today I was pondering of what to paint for you. My thoughts drifted back to last summer while I was painting in Idaho. The brush started dancing on the linen and before I knew what was happening I was painting the view that I absorbed each afternoon. This bank of trees lined the meadow behind the Blue Heron Inn, where I lodged.

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

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We have clouds.....so rarely do we have clouds. Driving, I am having difficulty not rear ending the vehicles in front of me because my attention is in the sky. Clouds make shadows upon one another, they make patterns on the ground below and the colors within colors are glorious.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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