Ocean Oracle

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Sometimes I just want to play with stripes of color and sometimes they actually add up to something recognizable. The inspiration for this piece came from an after dinner sprint out onto the Mendocino headlands 2 nights ago when the whole world was bathed in a coral glow. We felt enveloped in the wonder of creation as the vast expanse of ocean reflected the setting sun in a different palette every minute or so. I took enough photos to keep me busy for a month, so stay tuned for more.

Sublime Ceago

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July and lavender are synonymous in my mind, with France being the highest on the list of places to visit, smell, revel in and paint the purple stuff. When I can't muster up the bucks to get there, I tromp around locally and happily sooth that hankering. This painting sees us gazing across Clearlake on the property of Ceago Winery with their guest house and boathouse ensconced in the fragrant and colorful blossoms. I hope to post yet another lavender scene before the month is out, so keep checking in! I'm about to embark on a road trip with Leslie dearest, so my posting might get spotty................

Daydream Garden

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Sometimes a girl gets lucky and is invited to visit secret places that delight and amaze. This Napa location was one such place, and in an earlier post I shared the view from the patio so it is 360 degrees of fabulous. Long evening shadows only add to the inherent drama and dreamy quality, sigh.

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.

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.

Lavender Lane

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Yet another idyllic jaunt down a country lane in Provence, all dressed up for summer. The lavender is big and billowy, fragrant and fabulous and you feel like pinching yourself to make sure it isn't a dream. Yet here I am with my bestest buddy Leslie with pinch marks all over my face! And guess what?? I get to talk about my travels in the south of France this coming Tuesday, February 21st at 9am PST during an online radio show. I'd love for you to tune in and see what I have to say about the many idyllic hours I've whiled away in that lovely spot on earth. Here is the link: 

www.blogtalkradio.com/search/erin-dertner-life-lessons/

I hope I don't get tongue tied, but have all my wits about me and can "take you away" with me on an audio vacation that will inspire you to join me for a real holiday there one day soon.