Care Free

Life in Southern California weather makes it a good place to live if you enjoy getting out.  The temperatures make hiking an easy outing for my husband and I.   This is a place called Peter's Canyon that is not to far from home.  You would never know that housing surrounds this place.  Once in on the path, the cares of the day are long gone.

Care Free, pastel over watercolor on sanded Uart, 14 3/4x16 3/4

LOCAL CANYON

6x6, pastel

I am finding it tricky to work 6x6 in pastel, at least for landscapes...  And at the same time it is a really good way to work out compositions in a shorter time and work as a study for a larger painting.  Anytime spent painting is the best way to becoming a better painter.  

Landscapes present so many great composition issues.  They are full of shapes connecting to one another.   It is quite the puzzle to put together with a sense of order, atmosphere and flow.  I want to keep the viewer on the path with places to rest and take in the surroundings.  The challenge for me, is creating a world interesting enough to visit, enjoy or inspire.

COUNTING FENCE POSTS

6x9, oil, $90.00

This fence post lined trail is in Peter's Canyon, not too far from home.  A good place to get out and hike and be home just a hour or two later.  There are lots of wonderful views to paint and photograph.  It never fails to surprise me how different things can look throughout the year.  This is my favorite tree.  I have painted this tree many times and love how it changes.

"A WALK IN THE CANYON"

6x6, oil on raymar canvas, $75.00

Out for a hike on Sunday morning.  There was a beautiful break in the rain.  The trails were muddy in spots, but vistas were worth the messy boots.

"SHORT CUT"

16x12, oil on raymar canvas, sold

This is a wonderful short cut through Peter's Canyon when I just can't go the distance.  I love the way the light comes through and brightens the path.  It is a forest of old soldiers standing at attention nestled by flora and fauna.  

I have been playing with color and pushing and pull at it or it at me.  I added a few new colors.  I used mineral violet and deep ultramarine along with terra verte to name a few.  I find I must change up my approach.  In truth, I love the exploration of process more than having a finished painting.  I may settle some day on a palette, but I doubt it.  Paint manufacturers love people like me.

"HIT'IN THE TRAIL"

10x10, oil, $145.00

Getting the body moving is a good thing.  In this last year I have found a new passion.   It is not only good for my mind, but it is great for my body.  One of the things I enjoy about the local trails is hiking with friends.  I'm not always able to talk while doing this activity.  Some of the hills are tough and breathing is more important than talking.  Good friends can talk and walk or just walk together in silence being a quiet support.  There are lots of sights and sounds to take in and enjoy along the way.  To accomplish a 3 or 4 mile hike is a wonderfully benefical exercise, but I say it is the journey that stays with me.

Peter's Canyon Hillside 9" x 12" pastel

It was a beautiful golden afternoon in Peter's Canyon.  Lots of walkers headed for the tree lined hill which takes you to the Jamboree side of the canyon.  The light was real pretty.  My friend Kim was painting in oil.  I so enjoy having a fellow painter along.  A fresh eye is always nice.