Botanical Stroll -a plein air oil painting from Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens SOLD

oil 9x2 inches magnify/purchase "Life is what happens while you are making other plans." Just got back from a family emergency in Idaho. Thankfully, everybody's doing fine now. Here's a painting I did a few weeks ago at the Botanical Gardens in Claremont. While starting I snapped a few shots of folks walking up the path. I added this couple last using my phone shot as reference. Most of these greens have thalo green in them. I've since removed that pigment from my palette. I decided it's a bit loud for me even when neutralized with some red. I prefer to mix my own greens from the primaries or pre-mix a green from Payne's Gray and Cad Lemon before I go out. Greens can be tricky. I like them natural, not loud. That being said, I am still pleased with the color harmony in this painting.

Majestic Oak -sold

oil 10x8 inches
private collection Everett, Washington

A couple of Fridays ago I took off in my car and roamed around Claremont looking for a subject. I ended up at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens where I've walked and painted before. This tree must be really old because it's just enormous. I thought, "How do I convey the massiveness of this tree on a small canvas?" The trunk.