Fences and Flowers

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Fences and flowers pretty much define the village of Mendocino and since the climate is so mild there's always something blooming. However, May is the crowning jewel of the year as every blossom is demanding   to be gazed upon and enjoyed. Happily enough, my recent workshop fell at the perfect time and the weather was dazzling for 2 out of the 3 days. This scene is right outside the Art Center's studio door, so it was a no brainer to take it on. Hope you're inspired to come visit this amazing little haven on the edge of the sea and be swept away by its wonder, color and history. For those of us that live here, it never ceases to be a cheek pinching experience.

Leaning Into the Light

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I had yet another idyllic day on Saturday beside this lovely pond a few miles up from the village of Mendocino. A dear friend offered the use of her property for my little band of students and we enjoyed every waking moment in the sun. Next month, this very garden will be on the Mendocino Art Center Garden Tour, so we were blessed to get a lengthy sneak peek with our art materials in hand. Even a few miles from the coast one can experience some might fierce heat, but the occasional sea breeze wafted about and kissed each face with just the right amount of cool air. We had a simply marvelous time and will cherish the memory. Thank you Bart and Tracy!

Fanciful Fields

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I kind of seem to jump around from deep and dazzling color to subtle and serene don't I? To tell you the truth, I get bored doing too much of the same thing so it's fun to shake things up with subject matter and color. AND locations I might add. When you can't get your tushie to France or Greece, what's wrong with Colusa or Yuba City pray tell??!! This humble little lane can be found someplace out near Sutter and is surrounded by reflective rice fields, poplar and eucalyptus trees and the smallest mountain range in the world, the Sutter Buttes. I gave you a peek of those the other day along the river and you just might see them pop up again soon. Hope you feel like taking a little stroll on a lazy summer evening down this road to no place in particular, just for the fun of it.

April Showers Brought May Flowers

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It is just so much fun to wander around Mendocino on foot because discoveries like this actual scene take place. These are flowers behind the Sandpiper Jewelry Store and don't they create the perfect foil for that distant pale green house? I did omit the snippets of buildings to the right because they just cluttered things up. I wanted you to be able to breathe all of that salt air while gazing at the ribbons of blue water and sky. We all need times of refreshing and I hope that my paintings can add such an element from time to time.

Lazy Day in May

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I can't think of a better way to usher in the summer season than to have enjoyed the Sacramento River under  shady trees with a nice bunch of painters. Colusa is one of California's best kept secrets with its lush riverbanks, quaint cottages and  farms and ranches galore. I thoroughly enjoyed every hour with my friends and students and truly look forward to going back again one day. We waved to boaters and floaters and though I didn't include them in my painting, just imagine yourself in this idyllic spot sipping some lemonade and feeling like you're transported to a calmer and quieter time.

Spring Surf and Blossoms

Those poppies got the best of me as I couldn't stop painting them! Each angle a little different and this one includes the dazzling wild iris. Iris was my grandmother's name, so this flower is even more special for that reason and this color in particular. Hope you're not sick of this theme but love it as much as I do.


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Windows on the Sea

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Mother's Day just got better when I shifted my gaze from north to east and tried my hand at a simple version of Main Street behind the flowering fields. This street is so unique because in the late 50's all the buildings on the south side of the street burned down in a fire. If you watch the 1955 film 'East of Eden' you will see how the town used to look. It's certainly to the advantage of all the businesses, residences and visitors to have a wide open view toward the beautiful bay. We relish it on a daily basis and happily share it with all who are blessed to tromp the paths and treat themselves indoors. 

The Fog is Lifting

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Before I knew that I would be seeing one of my boys for Mother's Day, I was able to do my next favorite thing and spend a few sublime hours on the Mendocino headlands. My best buddy and her exchange student were with me happily painting as the fog was coming and going, but we loved every warm and cold moment. I happen to live on this very street, just behind the bushes on the left and a bit farther north than the houses featured. I am blessed immeasurably to step out my front door and be to this spot in a minute, and believe me I don't take it for granted. Not one iota.

Loving Life

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On our way back from Tucson we stopped in at our friends' place in Fairfield and boy do they enjoy a visual feast right outside their windows. Rolling hills, oak trees, fields, flowers AND horses. We took about a thousand photos from their property and also within a few miles as they drove us to special vantage points. You just might see a lot of this theme emerging over the coming months, and as much of it as I can muster will have this yummy glowing light. This is what slays me.

Halo Over Mendocino

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The mornings here in Mendocino are often quite delightful. Cool and crisp with almost a halo of light casting an other-worldly glow over everything. Great conditions for someone like me to run out and try my hand at apprehending that feeling with my art supplies. You got it, another hard day at the office but somebody has to do it.

Gold Flowers and Whitewater

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As promised, here is another impression of my glorious day up north. I often include the 'whole nine yards' in my paintings, so in this one I went for the essence which was the carpet of poppies against the aquamarine sea. Simple shapes and simple brushstrokes can make for more impact which is something I am always striving for in my work. I will forever relish the memory of the warm sun, the amazing array of color and the  perfect ocean breeze that honestly felt like God patting my cheek!

Poppies a"Plenty

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I had the supreme fortune to spend two glorious painting sessions at Pacific Star Winery this week. The weather was sublime and the poppies icing on the cake, making for a most delectable painting experience. I stuck around for hours and hours, so stay tuned for more on this theme. I was pinching myself to make sure it wasn't a dream, but here is the hard cold evidence that was for real. Wowzers people, the only thing missing was your company!

Light Show

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Went for something 'simple' for today's post, though creating high contrast and natural drama isn't all that easy. The only thing that made this somewhat simple was that I skipped the drawing phase and just went into the dark clouds with my paintbrush. Just think how happy God must feel each day when he paints the sky with the swipe of his brush???? We reap the benefits and get to exclaim ooh and aah at the end of our day. So grateful.