Morning Hike

This is a 6x6 oil of a local trail I painted once before.  The last time I did it I used pastels.  It is fun to see the differences in the mediums.

Bid here -DPW Auction

Branching Out

Last night was another evening painting under the setting sun at Chemers.  It was so much fun visiting with all the artists and talking with friends that I didn't finish my painting last night.  So today I put the finishing touches on it.  This is a 12x18 pastel on sanded paper from Kitty Wallis.  The fun thing about it was I started with a ink under painting in colors that supported the subject.  I typically start with a value painting in a dark nu pastel that I apply turp to get it into the paper.  It is usually a gray on color value under painting.  So painting with these colorful inks was very freeing and fun.  It created a value map in color the support the soft pastel.

The subject is from our local hiking park.  This is one of the pretty trails my husband and I enjoy hiking in Santiago Oaks Nature Park in Orange, California

Branching Out, 12x18 pastel is available through 

Chemers Gallery
17300 Seventeenth Street, Suite G, Tustin, CA 92780
714.731.5432     info@chemersgallery.com

Santiago Creek Trail

16x12, Pastel on Wallis, sold

This is a trail my husband and I take often.  It takes us to many trails in Santiago Oaks Regional Park.  Hiking has become one of our favorite past times together and this park is too.  It is a hidden jewel only 7 minutes from home.

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.

FRESH AIR

24x26, oil, sold

Got out and did some hiking over the holidays and it was great to feel the cold fresh air against my skin.  I take lots of photos when I am hiking around in our local mountains and parks.  I am always amazed how the landscape changes throughout the year.  The terrain is very dull, dry and barren right now so it is fun as a painter to change things up.  Draw upon memory or just a change of harmony on my palette can excite a subject.  I had lots of fun with the color on this one.  I really built up layers of color to get to the final.  I love seeing the layers pop through to the surface and show off.  Lots of color.

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

6x9, oil on gesso panel, $90.00

Returned to an old favorite spot to work on landscape.  There are many aspects of landscape that I love.  Mainly getting out and breathing in.  

"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.