January Cruising

Painting #1 11 x 14 inches – remembered landscape

The painting above is based on an area on the Canyon Creek Trail in Sierra County. I live about 20 minutes from the trailhead.

I am so happy that the Government shutdown is over for now. I enjoyed having my husband at home but what a relief to have things back to normal.

Painting #2 Overlook to Cherokee Hill 11 x 14 inches

As I am writing this post, I realized that I might have gotten the name of the ridge incorrect. I might have to come back to correct it once I remember.

I am preparing to start a pastel painting of the view from the backyard of the old home of my sister’s. She and my mother lived there since 1979. I lived there for about 4 years.

Painting #3 untitled 11 x 14 inches

This painting is based on a photo that I took several years ago in Sierra County.

Painting #4 “Morning at Goose Lake” 11 x 14 inches

I planned on capturing this scene without tedious detail. I used Phthalo Blue for the first time in months, boy was I scrambling to get it under control! I take it as a good exercise in not freaking out!

Painting #5 “Abundance” 11 x 14 inches – semi-abstract

I initially started this as a fairly realistic painting but it seemed to turn more into abstraction. It is based on Sand Pond which is located near the Sierra Buttes.

Painting #6 untitled –

This scene is based on a photo that I have taken on a local trail that I hike 3-4 times a week. This is the part of the Bullards Bar trail system that my children and I would swim, hike, bike and explore. In that little creek they would look for salamanders. Time flies by because they both are now in their 30’s!

That is all for now, see you in February!

January Chilling

Painting #1 “Cascade” semi-abstract of falls

I can’t believe how fast this month has flown! I finally received my paper and yet already worrying about running out! In reality I have a lot of paper but I am not wanting to hold back for any reason.

The painting above was painted fast and furiously, which is my favorite way to paint. It keeps me from second guessing myself and truth be told I love the excitement of painting by the seat of my pants!

Painting #2 “Clear Skies At Bullards” 11 x 14 inches

I hike at Bullards reservoir about 3-4 times a week, sometimes more. I am planning on painting this area more simply because it is near and dear to my heart.

Painting #3 untitled 11 x 15 inches

I originally had gone out one early morning to plein air paint. I was perched on a slope and I was not having an easy time of it. I decided to watch the sunrise and when I got home, I decided to paint the experience from memory. It was the first time I have ever painted from my memory, now it is my preferred method of painting.

Painting #4 untitled

This is yet another painting of an area along the North Yuba which intrigues me. It is about a 20 minute drive to the trailhead.

Painting #5 “Glow” 11 x 14 inches

Another painting of Bullards. I enjoyed painting this but the slow build up of layers started to get my doubt to churning. I would like to try it again and strive for more dynamic looseness.

Painting #6 “Evening at Bullards II” 11 x 14 inches

I initially liked this one, though the headlands look a bit too uncertain. All in all it is another attempt at capturing my local haunt.

Painting #7 “Time” 11 x 14 inches

A fun painting, an imaginescape as I like to call them.

I think that is about all for now. This month has been stressful and yet fun. Stressful because of not knowing how long the government shutdown will last. My husband has been on furlough for almost a month now. We are lucky to have such a wonderful bank because I don’t think that our savings alone could have carried us this far. I am also happy that our house, car and motorcycle are paid off and in the clear. Thank goodness for that! Here’s to counting our blessings and having more time with my husband and more painting!

January Chilling

Painting #1 “Whisper” – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

Today is our Anniversary, we have been married for 33 years! Can you imagine? The years literally flew by. I was tempted to paint today but it will have to wait. This particular one was painted yesterday and very quickly. In fact I suppose you can call it an alla prima painting.

Painting #2 untitled 11 x 14 inches

I was going to write about my upcoming painting that I will be doing for my brother but at the moment I cannot find it. Looks like I need to have my niece resend it to me.

The above painting was painted furious and boldly. I like to paint fast though I have been trying to train myself to slow down.

Painting #3 untitled 11 x 14 inches

Seems like I have been drawing a blank on titles for these paintings. Another fun one. It is moody and dark but my photo doesn’t show the glow that is quite apparent in the painting.

Painting #4 “Vision” 11 x 14 inches

I wanted to hold back on the details and let the lighting be the focus. I truly love minimalism.

Painting #5 “Sparkle of Joy” 11 x 14 inches

One of those paintings that burst on the paper.

Painting #6 “Awareness” – remembered landscape – 11 x 14 inches

After I painted this I realized that it reminded me of an area where I used to cross country ski. It is located up near the hard rock gold mine where my husband worked as a trammer. I would drop my daughters off at school and then drive on up and spend at least 4 glorious (and lonely) hours. I didn’t really think what would happen if I got injured. Ah the days of youth! This area was of course ungroomed, I never saw a soul out there.

Painting #7 “Life in the Shadows” – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

Last one for this post. I painted four paintings yesterday and will need to work a bit more on them before calling them finished. I have been trying to get myself to slow down and be more methodical rather than paint in a furious, devil may care approach. Cheers!

January and New Beginnings

Painting #1 Untitled – imaginescape 11 x 14 inches

The above painting came about intuitively and after I finished it, I was surprised that it looks like there is an angel in the sky! My daughter wants this one.

My last post of 2018 was rather melancholy. I am happy to say that I was able to process through my feelings over the Camp Fire here in California. I was not personally affected by the fires but I was emotionally affected.

I have been painting when I can and I was able to complete the portrait commission for my son-in-laws’ mother. She loves it and was deeply moved by it. Whew, ever so happy that now I can focus on my watercolors.

Painting #2 “Forest of Clarity” semi-abstract – 11 x 14 inches

So exciting when I don’t know what will show up in my paintings.

Painting #3 “In My Dreams” – imaginescape 11 x 14 inches

I suppose that I am in love with landscapes. I enjoy painting portraits though it is the landscape that is close to my heart.

Painting #4 “Shine” – remembered landscape – 11 x 14 inches

This is just a quick painting as a prelude to a more detailed painting based on Bullards Bar Resevoir. I am hoping to get started on it soon.

Painting #5 “The Wonder of Life” – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

I purchased a few sheets of Arches hotpress and I had forgotten how much I enjoy painting on it. It keeps me on my toes guessing how the paper will react to paint and water.

Painting #6 “Transformation” – semi-abstract – 11 x 14 inches

Such a fun painting session with this one.

Painting #7 Untitled – 11 x 14 inches

I painted this with pure abandon and bold color.

Painting #8 Another Promise” – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

I really like this one, I did go back with some Cobalt Blue in the mountains.

Painting #9 wip pastel

This is a plein air pastel of an area on the north coast of California where we often vacation. I have been slowly working on it.

Well, I think that is enough for this post, I have about 4 or 5 more paintings to share which can wait till another time.

This year I have some expectations for myself. I am wanting to branch out and challenge myself with more plein air painting and portraits. I have been kicking around the idea of approaching several galleries. I am horrible at self promotion and have no idea how or where to start. I guess I will learn as I jump in, right?

Until next time, cheers!