Cinnamon Stop -a plein air painting from Balboa Island -SOLD

oil 8x8 inches magnify Blue Chair Bakery on Marine Ave. has the most delicious cinnamon rolls! I started painting during the morning overcast and added the light near the end of my painting session. Cars and people came and went. I snapped shots of people on the bench as I painted and added them in last. No time to eat a cinnamon roll, but I treated myself the next morning. This painting is framed and available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave., Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171

Morning Walk -a plein air painting from Balboa Island, CA -sold

oil 12x9 inches magnify I chose a nice cool spot Wednesday morning. The street lamps were still on when I started. The sun eventually broke through. This view is looking toward "the little island" from Balboa. The painting is framed and available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave., Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171. This is one of my favorites from the week, having a quiet peaceful feel to it. WORKSHOP NEWS: I have one space in my October 8-9 Workshop, and three spots in my November 5-6 Workshop. We paint still life from life in my large studio building in Upland. Limited to 6 students, you'll get a lot of individual coaching. Suitable for beginners with some experience and intermediate painters. If you're in Southern California, treat yourself to some good instruction. One of my recent attendees told me, "I feel like I got two years of art school in two days!" For more info, email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com I'll email you a description of the content and cost.

Pots, Pots, Pots! -a plein air painting from Balboa Island

oil 10x8 inches magnify On Tuesday afternoon, the second day of Just Plein Fun, I walked the island looking for shade and inspiration. Specifically, inspiration IN the shade! The multiple pots at this little cottage caught my eye. I have a thing for potted plants myself. I loved the reds against blues and that small pot directly in front of the open Dutch door. I thought about leaving out the giant pot in the foreground, but maybe the golden color might be a nice foil to the others, and maybe it would lead the eye in to the focal point. Sometimes you have to entertain some maybes. Your comments are always welcome. This painting is available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave. Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171

Wearing my nametag backwards so it won't create it's own little painting on my shirt. Tomorrow I'll have sinus surgery. I might not be posting for a while.

Bouys & Boats -a plein air painting from Balboa Island

oil 12x9 inches and framed. magnify Monday, August 1st was pretty warm on the island and I ended up painting in direct sun. So by Tuesday I took advantage of morning overcast. At first, no sun and shadow, but they were both on the way, so I planned to add the lights at the end of my painting session. Available at Debra Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave, Suite E, Balboa Island, CA 949-723-6171

Island Posse -a plein air painting from Balboa Island -SOLD

oil 12x9 inches magnify Here's first painting last week at "Just Plein Fun" on Balboa Island. I'm very happy to announce that I was awarded Third Place and a Purchase Award for this piece. Thank you to esteemed judge Jean Stern and Debra Huse Gallery. About my process: While setting up and drawing in the design, I had my phone ready and watched for people, interesting cars and such going through the alley. I chose these little kids from the ten shots I took. I then drew in the figures. I painted the entire scene, then the figures from my phone. I love being able to include simple figures in my work. In four and a half days I managed to finish 7 paintings. Someone asked me recently if the pressure of competition gets to me. No. I love the process of painting SO much, I just do my best like I usually do, enjoy myself, then put it out there for people to see. It is what it is. Some will love it, some will like it and some will not. That's art. I'll post all the paintings in upcoming posts. Here's a better photo of the painting.

Winning any award is the icing on the cake. Do I look happy? You betcha!

Cupcake -SOLD

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info Here's a treat from the Local Baker in Upland. This morning I'm packed up and headed to Balboa Island for Just Plein Fun. I'm SO looking forward to a week of painting in one of my favorite locations!