Hollyhocks At The Mission

 

Hollyhocks At The Mission  acrylic 9x12

Purchase info here. 

Painted from my photo reference taken at Mission San Juan Capistrano, a slightly different style for me, as I was using acrylic on a black gesso ground.  The black peeks through here and there giving it a nice unity and graphic quality.  Framed in a contemporary black floater frame suitable for this work.  Ready to hang.  I had a hard time getting a good photo of this piece.  If you purchase, your satisfaction is guaranteed.  Check out my return policy by clicking on the purchase info link above.  

Mission Spring Fountain -SOLD

 

Mission Spring Fountain  oil 11x14

Purchase info here

Flowers abound in the Spring at Mission San Juan Capistrano!  A couple of years ago I planted myself in a shady spot and enjoyed painting this view, which is a favorite of other plein air painters as well.  This painting is beautifully custom framed and is currently available in person at Mission Fine Art Gallery, directly across the street from the Mission.  

Jacaranda Too

 

Jacaranda Too  acrylic 9x12 inches

Purchase info here.

In January I purchased a set of acrylic paints.  I wondered what it would be like to work with a medium so fluid, vibrant in color, and fast drying.  Turns out it's a lot of fun!  This is my first painting in acrylic. For a bit of familiarity I used one of my own oil paintings for reference.  For exploring any new medium, a good starting point is a subject you have already done in your familiar medium.  

You can see this tree in San Juan Capistrano right across the street from the new Mission Basillica.  This was a little Mexican Restaurant, but I think it has changed hands having not survived the pandemic shut down.  The tree continues on.  

Once A Marine, Always A Marine -a plein air painting from Los Rios Historic District, San Juan Capistrano

oil 9x12 Purchase info here. When I visit San Juan Capistrano, I'm always drawn to this little old house. I have painted it once before. My father and son were both Marines. I love the fact that so many old retired Marines, proud of their service and their country, still fly the USMC flag. I painted this when the afternoon light was behind the house, and shone through the canna lillies. It was a lot of fun trying to capture that light and the character of the house.

Signs At Capistrano- a plein air painting from the Historic Los Rios District

oil 11x14 Purchase info here. In August I joined the PAM Painters for a painting day in San Juan Capistrano. This is the first of two paintings I did on location that day. I was drawn to the light and shadow, the rustic old building, and the sign post almost hidden in the planter.

Los Rios Cottage -a plein air oil painting from San Juan Capistrano -SOLD

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info First of the paintings I did while in San Juan Capistrano, I was going for the dappled light on the front of the little cottage. Dappled light makes a painting both interesting and difficult. There was a lot going on in this scene. Once home, I subdued a few things (believe it or not!) to keep the focus on the door and flag. I enjoy talking to people when I paint, especially children. The teacher in me sneaks out! Thank you to my friend, Mary Jo for the pics below.

Spring Fountain -a plein air oil painting from Mission San Juan Capistrano -SOLD

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info Friends and I drove south to paint at Mission San Juan Capistrano last week. The fountains were overgrown with foliage in a beautiful way. What a peaceful place to paint. The image is cropped a bit close. In the painting there's more space above the cross and below the fountain.

Bell Ringers

oil 10x8 inches click here to bid The only time these old bells ring is on Saint Joseph's Day. These gentlemen waited for a long time for their cue. Painting that wall proved challenging. Part brick and part plaster everywhere, I indicated the basic pattern of shapes and kept edges soft so the men and cords remain the focal point.