All in a Day's Work revisted

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I posted this painting a while back but the boat and boatman were BORING. Who would want a painting of Venice without a gondola and gondolier???? The initial reason for this piece was my being drawn to the dark buildings and the shadows they cast on the sunlit water. The boat was in the right place but it just didn't communicate well. I have had this painting hanging around my studio speaking to me about the times I've stood on the Academia Bridge, gazing toward the Grand Canal and daydreaming about Monet's paintings of that view. Disneyland in real life.

Wee Clump

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Well, painting even a wee clump of cherries that measure 4 by 4 inches can take more than a wee bit of time. Though it's a relatively simple subject, there are many broken parts that make up the whole. I kept trying to simplify the background in order to make them pop and hope I've succeeded at making you want to pluck one off the screen and eat it. Cherries shown actual size.

Pale Beauties

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I took a shot of these lovely roses a gazillion years ago because I was mesmerized by their subtle colors and soft edges. I have looked at the photo as many times and decided that today was the day to do a 'quiet' kind of painting. Not a lot of drama but hopefully a calming feeling instead. Thank you Mark and Joanie Ellis for cultivating these beauties!

Gladly Pay You Tuesday

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Yep, it's an out of the box and into the wrapper painting for me, a double cheeseburger. Crazy enough, it wasn't even mine but just looked so great with those fries and that checkered tray liner that I HAD to take a photo. I was eating a falafel while my friends were indulging in this all-American staple and a good time was had by everyone there on the picnic bench in Mendocino. Kinda makes you hungry huh?

More Portraits

Liz Caudill today at 28

Lizzie as an 8 year old

My painting

I've been doing many more portraits than I've been posting, but I think I'll be getting back to some other things this week. Liz was hoping that she looked more happy, but it is VERY hard to hold a pleasant face for 2 1/2 hours. I asked her to take a photo of herself with a faint smile and give the painting back to me for revisions. Otherwise, it's been a historic day to see this darling girl pose in the same studio 20 years later. She lived on the coast between ages 3-12 and we've just shared a fabulous weekend visiting familiar places. 

Portraits of Many Things

Long time no see, no hear from me, I know. I've been swamped with many things including some portraits and other busy work. I decided in the meantime to put a bug in your ear that I can do paintings of things that are near and dear to you. Below you will see examples of my paintings and the research photos I used to create them. A dear couple asked me to paint some important houses connected to their family's history, so the first 4 are from that special project. They each measured 8x10, so were a fun size for grouping on a wall to bring back all kinds of lovely memories. Have fun taking a gander and let me know if I might help you capture a special moment in time with something a bit more unique than a photograph. 

Besides that, Happy Valentine's Day to each and every one of you!

Joshua Grindle House

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This house is a much loved and gracious landmark here in Mendocino. Many have enjoyed staying there when it was a thriving bed and breakfast establishment. Years ago, I did another version of  this composition in watercolor and the owners at the time bought it and used it as a cover for their cookbook of morning delicacies. If you're wondering what that strange tall flower is all by itself, it's called a Red Hot Poker around these parts and they actually grow in delightful little clumps. Beneath it are a couple of 'fried egg' flowers or the more common name, Matilija poppies. The fabulous white Victorian houses make the perfect foil for the lavish gardens that adorn them and aren't we all inspired by such glorious images?

Kelly Street Path

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Isn't this a path that universally beckons? Whether it's the end of the street I live on, or a beach on the coast of Sweden (!), we can all picture ourselves skipping out to the edge to fill our lungs with the sea air and wonder of it all. Many of you have walked out here with us after dinner but if you haven't, what on earth are you waiting for?

Munching Cluster

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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 

Snippet of Sun

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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.

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!!!

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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........

Morning Dreamscape

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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.

California Majesty

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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.

Vibrant Vines

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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.  

October Palette

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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!

West Maui Icons

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Whenever I'm away from home and only using my iPad, it is a serious challenge to stay in touch. I keep trying to perfect the method and hope that I'm successful this time. 

Maui has been delightful in hundreds of ways, but I suppose the main blessing is the warm weather. It's perpetually summer here and the sunset colors abound virtually around the clock! Here is a peek 

at the West Maui mountains and an iconic image that spells Hawaii, the palm tree. I hope you feel warm and beachy just looking at it and be assured I'll post a lot more upon my return.

Bye Bye for a Coupla Weeks

Hi Y'All- Just a quick shout out that we leave tomorrow for Maui and won't be back til the 18th of December. I'm showing new small works at the Village Gallery, Lahaina on December 13th, so will be focusing on that while we're away. I hope to resume some kind of normal schedule upon my return, but in the meantime want to wish you a splendid holiday season. Pictured above is my sweet little family that have been here this past week for Thanksgiving, so it's been non stop cooking, eating, cleaning and repeating! Blessings upon each of you and your families, your artsy fartsy friend, Erin

Studio Clearance Event!

Hello Art Loving Friends,
  Happy to let you know that I have compiled a batch of artworks to offer at prices that are often 60%-80% less than retail. Every now and then, my husband and I want to do some Spring cleaning and get ready for something new. Check out the Sale Corner on my website via either link included here and when you see an image that strikes you just click on it and you will find the size and price and a few of my thoughts about the scene. Hope you enjoy this 'virtual' exhibition and can find something to beautify a spot in your home or an offering for a friend or family member. 
  We will be able to ship things this week and Monday, or during the week of December 16th to ensure a Christmas delivery just in case you choose something for holiday gift giving. Thanks so much for tuning into my art endeavors and I wish you a truly blessed holiday season and a prosperous and inspirational new year! Warmly, Erin

http://erindertner.fineartstudioonline.com/collections/60761

Winter Wonderland

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Couldn't help myself. Even though I am a summer enthusiast, I had to delve into my winter photo archives and create something else that included a red house. I have to admit something though. My husband took this particular batch of photos while on a skiing trip. Snow and I just DON'T get along well at all, so I can enjoy painting it while having that warm fuzzy feeling rather than the freezing prickly alternative. Many of you know that I'm from Lake Tahoe and that I don't ski, but I hope you still like me.

Country Elegance

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Back in the saddle so to speak an had a hankering for some red. So, I chose the elegant and grand Victorian landmark that graces highway 128 out in the Anderson Valley. This is the route we most often take to get to 'civilization' and love passing by this fabulous sight in all its pastoral and colorful glory. One day I hope to find out the square footage of this place as in this painting I have only included about half of it! It's near the close of a lovely summer day and now that it's November, sweet memories of summer are lingering just beneath the surface.

11/12/13

Just the Rainbow

The rainbow over our Laurel Street building (on the left)

The sky behind the Guest House Museum on Main Street

Here is what inspired me today while I was running about doing 100 other things. Hordes of us hit the street and had a spontaneous block party as we gawked over how God was painting the sky in every direction. The the west, the most glorious sunset EVER and to the east, a dreamlike rainbow against a dark blue sky. All I can say is W.O.W. for Wonder Of Wonders. Hope to get back to my daily painting un-schedule tomorrow, but in the meantime do enjoy these shots taken on this very special day. 11-12-13

Last Flicker of Light

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I have honestly no idea how I managed to paint 6 small paintings a week last year. Somehow, there was a special measure of grace over me because this year has been entirely different. I am still enjoying it VERY much, but maybe my life has just sped up and out of control or something.............eek, but thanks for hanging with me and sharing your thoughts from time to time. 

This little vision was from my Mom's property near Placerville. I was drawn to the last tidbits of light hitting the background trees of the neighboring forested hillside and took a fuzzy photo with my iPad. This is the moodier side of me and maybe a bit akin to the simple hillsides I've also been doing. The life of a painter is always challenging, exciting and somewhat dangerous when a scene pops up out of nowhere and the camera isn't within easy reach. Thankfully, I wasn't in the car when I spotted this one.

Here again are some fun things coming up:

Lahaina, Maui/ December 7th, 2013

Poster Unveiling

Lahaina Courthouse Gallery

at the Banyan Tree 5-8pm

Lahaina, Maui/ December 13th, 2013

Exhibition of New Work

Village Gallery on Dickenson Street

5-8 pm

France Workshop

July 8-22 2014

please inquire for details

erinsart@erindertner.com

France, etc.

Long Lavender Shadows

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Still riding the wave of those golden California hills with their yummy and dramatic shadows while I catch up on miles of piles. 

One exciting new development is a trip I'm planning for next year to Paris and the south of France. I love going there in the height of the sunflower blooming season, so the dates will be July 8-22. Please email me at erinsart@erindertner.com for the full, fabulous scoop!