Thursday, January 30, 2014

Munching Cluster



Some people like cats, some like dogs and still others favor horses. While I also like many furry friends, sheep and lambs seem to pull on my heartstrings the most. I think I'd be scared to own a farm and tend them (!), but I love to look at them grazing in a field with their fluffy wool that catches the light just right. This big mama sheep seemed to catch ALL of the sunlight on this particular day while all the others play supporting roles in the periwinkle and lavender shade.

Update on France trip: There are still a couple of spots open if you or someone you know might like 2 weeks of soaking up the art scene in Paris & Monet's Garden besides painting sunflowers near Toulouse. Check out the details on my website at erindertner.com 

Monday, January 27, 2014

Snippet of Sun



This quintessential Mendocino scene must be my all time favorite. I paint it over and over during different times of year and under different lighting conditions. When we hike up to Mendo Video to snag a fun movie, we pass by this corner and I often carry my camera along 'just in case I'm seized by something'. On one occasion, it was so great to see just a sliver of sunlight behind the houses, radiating against the deep blue sea and calling my name. It's also awesome that no one endeavors to fix the broken down fences around here. Us painters would be up in arms.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Maui Paintings


It is finally time to share all of the new works I did way back in December while we were in Lahaina! Can you even believe that it was just last month we're talking about? It changed to 2014 and now it feels like long, long ago that we were basking under the tropical sunshine, smelling the plumeria blossoms and feeling the lovely breeze coming off the ocean. 
Most in this little collection was hung at the Village Gallery on Dickinson Street toward the end of our stay and it was quite festive with the poster painting included. They have a great 'art night' once a week and being able to enjoy an evening event in short sleeves is beyond fabulous. Yummy memories that I can now share with you dear followers and friends..............

Banyan Amble 9x12
This historic canopy draws hundreds of visitors to enjoy its shade and miraculous root system.

Heart of Lahaina 8x6
The Pioneer Inn truly is the heart of the village of Lahaina and graces Front Street & the harbor as well. A gifted painter and now dear friend Macario Pascual shared this plein air moment with me.

Island Haven 8x10
This lovingly remodeled beach house was like a magnet to my camera. Some nice ladies that were granted the joy of staying there bought this for the owner of the house as a gift.

Lahaina to Lanai 10x8
The harbor with the sunlit backdrop of the island of Lanai is always a delight to paint, even a small snippet.

Luminous Front Street 12x16
This fun slice of Front Street from the ocean side can be viewed from the lawn out in front of the library.

Olowalu Sundown 9x12
I had the privilege of discovering this new location with gifted local painter Carleton Kinkade. A more delightful sunset hour has rarely been experienced.

Simply Dramatic 9x12
My husband and I enjoyed repeated walks on the beach from our place of lodging into town and at all times of the day and evening. This is from an evening walk we took and I was able to snap some shots before the glow was gone entirely.

Simply Majestic 5x10
This is an inspirational scene from the Kahului/Wailuku side of the mountains and I loved the shadow patterns and billowing clouds against the rich darks of the trees.

West Maui Drama 12x9
On the Lahaina side, the west Maui mountains are luscious at any time of day, but especially so at the 'golden hour', so that's when I get really snap happy.

West Maui Icons 10x5
I did this smaller study of one palm against the mountain backdrop as a painting lesson with a new friend we met while in Lahaina. I tried posting it to the blog while we were there, but the photo didn't come through, so here it is AT LONG LAST!!!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014



Once upon a time my boys and I drove down Highway 1 to Jenner on our way to Santa Rosa. A raging storm had recently subsided and we saw one of the most dramatic sky shows of our lives. Abe remarked that it looked just like a car commercial out there and we soon discovered a large semi truck carrying a silver Audi ready to be placed on a cliff for shooting! How awesome to also catch this lone boatman launching out into all this glory and wonder AND that I had my camera to shoot him. Ahhhh........

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Morning Dreamscape



Had a hankering for doing something ethereal and quiet after the riotous color of late. This scene could be just about anywhere, but it happens to be a view shared by some dear friends of ours in upstate NY. Such a lovely and inspirational vista to wake up to, right?
Off again for a wee visit with both our mothers and a surprise birthday party this weekend so I'll be shouting out again next week. Wishin' you well, hopin' for good things and prayin' for a great year for all.

Monday, January 13, 2014

California Majesty



Large bodies of water have been the norm lately from Maui to Malibu. This painting though is along the Big Sur coast, another larger than life view of aqua blueness. Sometimes I want to try my hand at 'spelling' distance and I'm intrigued by the receding bluffs as they change color. We've been blessed this past month with so many visions of grandeur and majesty. It's almost been a case of visual overload. Not.


Happy New Year from me and my darling family.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Vibrant Vines



I suppose I have a hankering for COLOR right about now. It's kinda gray and cold outside, so it's been fun leafing through some shots I took 'just yesterday' in late October and early November. I love these old vines that don't stand up straight, but splay out beautifully and catch the light just right.  

Monday, January 6, 2014

October Palette



I really am still alive and almost well. Caught a cold just before leaving Maui that has hung on through our visit with the boys in LA, but we're home at long last. 
Before heading to Hawaii, I had the privilege of visiting this delightful property near Philo and my friend Diane and I even had a tour of the main house up above which is full of fabulous art and sculpture. I have finally had a smidge of time to revisit the photos I shot and have come up with something new for you to look at after all these many weeks. I actually did paint constantly in Hawaii, but left everything at the gallery there. Hope your New Year is off to a smashing great start and that we'll continue to connect via this blog and any emails you are able to write. It isn't that easy to figure out how to post comments, so feel free to shout out to me at erinsart@erindertner.com 
Blessings abundant now and throughout this coming year!