Musical Light

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Even though I chose to leave the Mendocino Music Festival tent out of my painting, I was still blessed to hear the music wafting about the bluffs last evening. Besides that, this scene is musical in and of itself with all the colors, curves, textures and history. Just love living here.

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My End of Town

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I did this little watercolor during the Mendocino Open Paint Out and love that this amazing scene is just steps from my house. I could pinch myself just about everyday when I have the time to zip out to the headlands and along the many paths leading to one glorious view after another. I did an oil of these vista just after this one, but I always like the immediacy of a watercolor and that you leave the white of the paper wherever there is a white shape in the composition. The term for that is 'negative painting' and it takes a bit of planning. I even painted the dark tree around the flagpole!

Welcome to Mendocino

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I'm in a "Less is More" kinda mode these days, meaning I am trying to tell my story with fewer details, colors and brush strokes. Trying to create larger and more dominant shapes, accompanied by smaller areas of detail and bits of contrast. It is not easy for someone that sees everything, even the fly on the windowsill from 100 feet away. This piece was done during the 'Quick Draw' segment of the Mendocino Open Paint Out and I may have posted it during the event. I rather like the big block of warm color and the narrow stripe of Main Street, all set off by the quiet sky and snippet of ocean. Hope you do too.

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. 

Misty Mendocino

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Here's my town again, all dressed up for summer but this time the fog is winning out over the sun. I know it's summer because of the profusion of wild roses blooming, so I thought I'd clue you in on the same reality! Selling sweatshirts is a booming business here as very few people realize that the temps can drop 50 degrees once you  cross the coastal range and hit the coast. We call it "God's air conditioning" around here and sometimes enjoy the cozy quality that enshrouds our village.