Gleaming Snippet

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Once upon a time I had the privilege of being paddled along the Noyo River from an inland spot to the mouth of the harbor. So happy to have had my camera along because I have a wealth of new material that I never could have gained along the banks. So much fun zooming in on 'gleaming snippets' of harbor life, especially that brilliant morning when the sun was working its wonder.

Over the Rooftops

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There are some nooks and crannies here in Mendocino that reveal scenes that are rarely viewed. This is one such place and you get a personal note from me if you can tell me just where I was standing to take the photo for this painting! I tromp around and around this teeny tiny town and still manage to find things that I had missed, or see things in a different light depending on the weather or time of day. Even though it is miniscule, it never gets boring and still manages to make my heart go pitter patter.

...................I left my heart in Mendocino, high on a bluff, it calls to me. 

Gold and Blue Unite

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Even though I was initially enamored with the purple-gray background I painted behind this sunflower a while back, my husband told me to change it to blue. I have no idea if he even read my blog post that day, but he's  typically got great advice even though he's not a painter himself. I must say that it resonates much better now and I'm happy to take it home and hang it in my 'French' room if no one snags it! 

On a side note, I resisted my husband's advice for many years. So much pride involved. I just wanted to have this one little area of my life where he couldn't barge in and say anything. I was dumb. I am now more open to his suggestions because his track record for good advice has pretty much topped the charts. Team playing is a good way to live.  

South end of the North Coast

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This spot on God's green earth has to be one of the most photographed and gasped over views ever. It just happens to be in my neck of the woods and gives me goosebumps each time I'm blessed to see it up close and personal. I've taken my own quote of photos and can find one in just about every one of my albums, boxes or digital files, so it's always at my disposal when I have the hankering to paint it. The scrufty fences that grace our coastline only add to the drama and delight of the haystack rocks and receding bluffs. We love the silver grays of these weathered beauties and feel sad whenever we see them falling down or giving way to rebar and wire. All in all, I live a life of visual ecstasy over here on the western edge.

Gold & Gray Unite

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Rifling through my vast stash of inspirational photos, I came across one of a single sunflower and it pulled my trigger. In the photo though, the background was of a blue house in shadow. Typically blue and yellow are a hit, but my panel today was the color of a brown paper bag and it spoke to me. I mixed up a purple version of that same value and it causes the yellows and greens to speak for themselves, rather than compete with a bunch of blue. The result is more subtle with less contrast and something I might say is quiet and calm. I can use those qualities right about now since my computer is giving me fits................

French Melody

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Some years ago I had a hankering to do a painting with red dominance and pulled an image like this out of my head. I love French chairs and shutters, so made them the focal points and did an acrylic painting. I have the painting on the wall of my kitchen, but since today was foggy and cold, decided to warm things up by re-doing that painting in miniature and this time with oil paints. This one is actually quite different, with more textures on the wall and patterns on the tablecloth even though it's so small. Sara sent me a fun article on Provence yesterday and it got my heart a'panting for that lovely region and all that it affords the senses. I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon, so this exercise managed to transport me in a fun and frivolous way.

(Wanted to also apologize for my seen/scene and mite/tad typos yesterday. I was too wrung out to check and re-check!)

Every Shade of Lavender

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Re-visiting that luscious purple stuff that smells to high heaven. This time I'm 'taking' you to the property of Matanzas Creek Winery in Sonoma County with the lovely rolling California hills in the background. What I love about this place is that it's just like a visit to France without the expense or anguish of hopping a plane! I love the symmetry of the rows as well as all the amazing shades of pink, blue and purple besides the intoxicating fragrance, wow. Hope you do too and that this little piece gives you a mini vacation to the place of your dreams.