Flowering Work

I've been painting again and here are the results.

'Solitude Awaits Below' 8"x10" Oil on Board.

'Gerbera Trio' 5"x5" Acrylic on Canvas.

Island Life

'Treasure Island' 5" x 7" Oil on Canvas.

This is the southern most beach in Laguna Beach and is named for the 1934 film 'Treasure Island' which was filmed here. 

Working It Out

I have recently taken some workshops on painting with a palette knife. I love painting with a palette knife for various reasons but mostly because I love the sensation of spreading paint around on the canvas (or board).

This is the painting from one of my sessions. It is painted from a photograph the teacher supplied from a trip she took to northern California in May just a month prior to my own trip to the same area.

Come and Sea

Last month I posted about an exhibition I saw at the Laguna Art Museum. Today I wanted to show you another exhibition that was there at the same time.

The upper floor of the museum was transformed into a handmade sea bed.

Entering through a fabric recreation of sea kelp.

A combination of hard and soft materials are used to create a coral bed.

New Painting

My latest painting 'Sweet Spot at Main Beach' 5"x7" Oil on Canvas.

I've spent many occasions doing exactly what the subjects of my painting are doing, sitting in the sun on a bench watching the ocean and what is going on at Main Beach in Laguna Beach.

I've had guests from England staying with me for the last few days and it has been fun to share some southern California experiences with them: bonfire and hot dogs at the beach, sunsets over the ocean, surfing, shopping and people watching at Laguna Beach, eating where the locals go, and a visit to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano.

This Lily is from one of the Mission's fountains.

Now the guests have gone it is time to wash and put away the sheets and towels, put the furniture back in place, and return to painting.

On a Mission 3

In spring, the central courtyard is full of beautiful and varied colour, and textures.

When I was at the Mission painting one Saturday, there were two bridal parties taking advantage of the lovely backdrop.

Against the flowers, the koi hold their own colour-wise.

There's a beautiful scene in every direction.

The Mission's vegetable garden.

One of the residents enjoying the sunshine.

Out of the central courtyard, walking towards the exit, there is still plenty of colour and visual interest to take in.

I hope you've enjoyed this virtual visit to the Mission and hope you'll get an opportunity to visit it in person one day.

Rockin' Again

I was recently in Laguna Beach with some out of town guests and we had a lovely time visiting the different rocky coves along the coast there. It is a beautiful area to visit and to paint.

On The Rocks, 5" x 7" Oil on Canvas.

Rock On

New painting. 'Laguna Rocks' 5" x 7" Oil on Canvas.