Mustard In The Canyon

oil 8x10 inches Purchase info here. In March I camped and painted en plein air at Moro Campground which is part of Crystal Cove State Park. Everything was blooming from our abundant rain this year. Speaking of rain...Yesterday's Artwalk on Balboa Island had plenty of rain and wind! What a challenge it was to keep my work and wood frames dry! Thank you to all who visited me; old friends, collectors, fellow painters and future painters who want to take one of my workshops. On a challenging day your interest in my work was VERY much appreciated!

Overcast, Abalone Point -a plein air painting from Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, CA

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info Third day of the Strada Challenge I had the pleasure of joining the PAM (Plein Air Mission) painters down at Laguna Beach. Painting can be a very solitary endeavor, so getting together with like minds was refreshing! Thanks to Bob Francis who invited me.

Up Canyon -a plein air painting of Moro Canyon, Laguna Beach.

oil 8x10 inches magnify/not for sale My favorite of the two painted at Moro Beach. And below, my favorite little dog, just waiting and keeping me safe. What a pleasant time I had, the nice stone bench and all. Ahhhh...can't wait to go back. This piece will be framed and available at the Balboa Art Walk, May 17th. IN OTHER NEWS: If you're near to Redlands, visit Stonewheel Olive Oil Company. Ten of my paintings are on display thanks to the owner, Alisa Chatman. Artist reception Thursday, May 7 6:30-8:30. 7 N. 5th St, Redlands. Come on out, enjoy the art and let Alisa fix you up with some specialty oils and vinegars. It's Redlands Market Night too!

Pacific Coast Highway at Moro Beach -a plein air oil painting of Crystal Cove SOLD

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info Last week we camped a bit at the beach. As far as painting goes, I was disappointed in the cloudy weather. I decided I could sit around disgruntled and not paint, or just paint the existing conditions. So here you have a cloudy day overlooking PCH. This piece will be framed and for sale at the Balboa Art Walk on May 17.

Abalone Point -SOLD

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase The last day camping I ventured down into the sand for this one. There was a cold wind blowing, so I practically had the cove all to myself. Having had limited experience painting moving water, here was a great opportunity. I had a blast.

Sea View Path

oil 8x10 inches magnify/purchase

Up Moro Canyon

oil 8x10 inches magnify Second day at Moro Campground I painted this right within the campground. It was early morning and the clouds were clearing from rain the night before. Atmosphere is what I was after here. Not for sale at this time, but you can click on "magnify" to see brushwork.

Warm Cliffs -sold

oil 9x12 magnify From my "paintcation" to Moro Campground, Crystal Cove last week. Standing on the edge of the bluff within the campground was this stunning view of next bluff to the south. Can't beat the views in Laguna Beach. And even on the last day in March I got a bit too warm! I could feel summer coming! I had a great time trying out manganese blue in sky and sea, a recent addition to my palette. It seemed to work well for that Laguna water.

In an effort to lighten my backpack, I ordered the James Coulter mini palette and did not put glass in it. Reduced my 23 lb. backpack down to 16 lb. I thought mixing the color right on the wood might bother me, but it was really no problem. I figured painters have been working on wooden palettes for hundreds of years. The smaller mixing space compared to my compact palette still worked fine. The fresh blobs of paint kinda soaked into the wood even after several coats of linseed oil, but after some layers of paint, I think it will be well seasoned. The palette fits right inside my Kelty Redwing 3100. Dare I say, I was a happy camper!