October Oaks

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You're right about that. Long time no see, no hear. You'd think I have been sitting on my laurels, eating bon bons and staring out the window or something. Truth be told, I was on a joint birthday galivant with my buddy Leslie over in 'them thar hills' and we were busy. Busy painting one hill and oak tree after the other in hopes that one of the compositions would ring loud and clear and add up to a thousand words. No, I will NOT make up for all the lost words but will just say thank you for your patience. It's been a great week of time in the golden hills in the golden month with a golden friend.

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.

Wave of Light

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This a scene from the Alexander Valley north of Healdsburg and my inspiration came from a drive by shooting one glorious August evening. In my photo the foreground vineyards were all a blur, but I know how to fix that stuff and let you in on the essence of what caught my eye. I'm crazy about those long shadows that lay across the golden hills, the layers of mountains and the symmetry of the rows of summer grapes. Time to mosey on home, put your feet up and soak up the last glimmers of light with your favorite drink and finger food. Ahhhhh..................

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Just had an idyllic time with my buddy Jennifer over in the Ukiah Valley before the new rains set in, painting the billowing yellow mustard blossoms. The carpeted vineyards seem to shout far and wide that Spring is upon us and boast the craziest, loudest color in my paint box, Y.E.L.L.O.W. , glorious yellow. It was actually hot enough to bare my arms and it felt great to be in the elements after a long winter. The bees were buzzing and it made me feel like VanGogh all over again. Boy am I blessed to have this job or what?

Oaks & Vines in Autumn

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Since the coastal areas can't boast hillsides of flaming maples, we cling lovingly to our vineyards that also change color. In October and early November, driving along highway 128 is like floating on a golden cloud and the scent in the air is that of snappy apples. It's a wondrous time for a romp with the top down or the windows wide open in order to catch every possible sight, sound and yummy smell. The harvest is finished and now it's time to simply rest and savor and be thankful.

More to contemplate

Tuscan Glory

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On one of my visits to Tuscany, our host took a couple of us on a wild ride in his VW van to check out some nearby painting locations. I think he'd had a bit to drink and it happened to be a rainy day, so it was a less than pleasant going up and down some roads that were meant for 4 wheel drive. However, he showed us the tiny hamlet of Poppiano and we forgave him for scaring us! I'd have to say that this spot is one of my favorite on earth. On a day when the weather was pleasant, I sat outside near this vineyard and painted while listening to the distant sounds of church bells, bleating sheep and children playing. It was one of life's most precious moments and I feel grateful to have had such an experience. I have taken many photos in and around this little enclave and love 'visiting' over and over again as I put some of that same awe inspired emotion into my paintings.

Truly Tuscany

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From Texas to Tuscany without leaving home...................ahh, the life of a painter that has 10,000 photos of past galavants. (galivanting?) No matter, each place is more wonderful than the last and this place was truly dreamland. I've stayed at the same Tuscan farmhouse twice, the kind of place that feeds you from the things they grow besides making their own wine and bottling their own honey. Within walking distance is this rustic old villa and now you get to walk there with me too.

Fabulous February

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With the sun low in the sky and the mustard filling in the gaps between the vines, February is one of the most glorious months of the year. This is a scene from nearby Cloverdale which is in northern Sonoma County and is a spot that I see on a regular basis. It is glorious in any season and especially because these are the old vines with no supports or guide wires. The mountains, the oaks and the old barns set off the vineyards in a down to earth and rustic fashion, creating wonder and delight for me the painter. Spring is on its way, but let's not hurry it up too much by missing the billowy, beautiful, yellow blossoms!!

Decked out in Red

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I live north west of California's glorious wine country and have no lack of inspiration as I go to and fro throughout Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. It's anyone's guess why I leave the country to look for more things to paint since there is ample beauty right under my nose, but I guess I inherited wanderlust from my Dad! This particular property is north of Geyserville and is the home ranch for Seghesio wines. I drive by it often and never tire of the way the gracious Victorian is 'dressed' for each season. Today she is decked out in red which is perfect for the week of Valentine's day eh?