Somewhere Over the Vineyard

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While I was gallivanting in Napa last week, I came upon a property with a gazillion dollar view. Flowers, olive & cypress trees, vineyards, ponds and mountains all screaming for attention. I held my hand over the sun with my camera up to my nose and shot away the evening hour, all in hopes of capturing the essence. One day I hope to do some larger pieces from what I gathered, but for now here is a snippet of paradise for some happy daydreaming.

Patio Perfection

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I seem to have a sniffer lately for 'all things French' and this scene is no exception. I discovered this lovely spot while making a quick trip to Napa the other day. After a lovely lunch made by our host was able to commit this to canvas. You can't see it, but just on the other side of that dark interior is a majestic view of rolling hills, vineyards and a luscious blue lake. If I can't be in France, I might as well find it right in my own backyard right?

Alegria Inn

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For our 35th anniversary, we were blessed to stay in this lovely local B&B right here in Mendocino. I drive by it everyday but had never really investigated it until June 3rd and was bowled over. It is quintessentially Mendocino, meaning not overly fluffy and stuffy but truly relatable, relaxing and perfect. The owners are down to earth, gracious and professional altogether and we had the best getaway ever. So cool that we didn't have to drive very far but experienced a whole new world. I can't recommend it highly enough, so check it out!!!

South Harbor Drive

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I had quite the hankering to head to the harbor late this afternoon since the sun is blasting and the wind is at a minimum. However, once I turned onto South Harbor Drive, this scene just struck me. I hopped out of the car and shot a few pictures and decided not to stand on that busy corner but jet back to the studio to paint it instead. It's been a pleasant summer evening here in my 2nd story loft like studio and with this vision fresh in my mind, it was a delight to interpret. I love boats, but I think that those rambling roses taking over that roof are what yanked me to a halt.

Busy Filming

Hi Y'All-

Believe it or not I have still been painting, but this week in front of my son Levi's video camera. We are working on a series of art instruction DVDs that should be available later this year if everything comes together. The weather has been quite windy here in Mendocino and though we took today off, I feel too exhausted to lift my brush! However, I did want to tell you about this great project and how blessed I am to be working on it with my own professional videographer. Sweet times in exceptional locations, so stay tuned for the finished product.

The Glories of June

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Around here one can be engulfed in June Gloom or Jubilant June just depending on the temps over the hill. Of course I prefer the sunny days and when they do show their faces I am truly at my happiest. This scene is within spitting distance of my house and this cluster of houses along Rundell Lane never cease to delight in just about any kind of weather. I painted this while I was waiting to arrange flowers for a wedding reception the other day and it sure was a fun way to spend that snippet of time. Hope you like hanging out on the corner there 'with' me too. 

Cluster of Color

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I completely neglected to tell you that Sunshine's garden is immense and so are her many talents! Besides being a gardener extraordinaire, she is a fabulous painter AND dancer and a local Mendocino icon. I am blessed to know her and to have been invited to paint on her fabulous property recently and certainly look forward to going back again. Every nook and cranny is beautified and her house is no exception as it truly resembles an art museum! She spreads sunshine and invites it as well, kind of like a never ending cycle of fun and color. Glad you could get to know her a little bit via this blog and I hope you check out her fun artwork too.

Tomato and Friends

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I scavenged around my kitchen for some stuff to present as a paintable still life to my Mendocino students over Memorial Day weekend. Came up with this batch of yummy ingredients for making a great meal, all against a backdrop of warm orange tones. We were happily working indoors out of the rain and made some truly great memories. Wish we could have cooked up something amazing as a finale but we left feeling inspired and energized and hope to gather again to push the paint around.

Sunshine's Garden

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I had the pleasant opportunity to be invited to paint in my friend Sunshine's garden just the other day and was  certainly happy as all get out. It was breezy outside the gate, but in this little spot tucked up against her porch I was able to see this sculptural cypress tree beyond the flaming red rhododendron. It was all I could do to paint it fast enough before the shade overtook all the bright color, but I managed to put down the basics then and tweaked things later on. Thank you sweet friend for alerting me to the blazing blossoms all over your lovely property and allowing me such a fun and memorable day.

Poppies, Poppies and More Poppies

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You're right to think that I'm stark raving mad about poppies as I have done yet another version of the fields and view at Pacific Star Winery. This one has been sitting quietly on my studio shelf, patiently waiting to be revised and refined. It was the last painting of the day and was executed in a mad rush, so it needed sensitizing before it was willing to show its face. I am happy to report that I like it much better than I did when I first painted it and hope you like revisiting the poppy theme!