"Eilings View West Before the Storm", Eiling's Park, Santa Barbara

"Eiling's View West, Before the Storm"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

Soft edges and veiled light, warmth in the distance as the storm approaches.

"Salsipuedes Sunrise", East Beach, Santa Barbara

"Salsipuedes Sunrise"
11 x 14 inches
oil on canvas
$350

I will be moving to Noleta soon, so a lot of these East Beach Sunrises that I do will be replaced by More Mesa and Goleta Beach Sunrises. I know I am excited!

"Hendry's Rocks", Hendry's Beach, Santa Barbara

"Hendry's Rocks"
20 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
$1200

A great place to walk your dog and spend your life. I hope to be a permanent facet of this beach. I am sure I will make a few more pieces down here. This painting was fun because I don't normally paint objects in the foreground like this. It gives me hope that I look at familiar landscapes and see something new: like the foreground.

"Mesa Lane at High Tide", Mesa Lane, Santa Barbara

"Mesa Lane at High Tide"
18 x 24 inches
oil on canvas
$750

Its hard to find a more beautiful place then Mesa Lane. I made this in the morning at high tide last week. I felt lucky to be there.

"Tar Pits Bridge", Carpinteria

"Tar Pits Bridge"
11 x 14 inches
oil on canvas
sold


This place reminds me of adventuring as a kid. It sure seems like a good place for some fairy's or a nice troll.

"Jelly Bowls, Long View", Tar Pits Park, Carpinteria

"Jelly Bowls, Long View"
8 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
$280

My new favorite spot in the world. Tar Pits Park boasts this view along with jumping dolphins and curious seals. I think this place isn't that popular because the view behind me is interrupted by the Veneco Pier. I really hope my kids will say "Wow, Papa, I can't believe companies where allowed to drill offshore when you grew up". But then I again, I drove a car that uses the gas that we get from these operations so I am as big a hypocrite as the next man.

"Hendry's Beach Sunset", Santa Barbara

"Hendry's Beach Sunset"
18 x 24 inches
oil on linen
$850

One of the best places to see the sunset in town. You couldn't find a person that wasn't ecstatic to be there. I love how the sunset can often create a camaraderie with your fellow beach goers. We can all see and feel the beauty in these moments and it brings us together.

"De la Guerra Adobe", Santa Barbara

"De la Guerra Adobe"
16 x 20 inches
oil on canvas
$600

I spent two mornings in De la Guerra Plaza making this. The first morning was in October and the second was this past Sunday. Its nice to paint over a dry painting as you have a better chance of getting those vibrant colors on the orange roof and green awning.

"Del Playa Foot Path", Isla Vista

"Del Playa Foot Path"
oil on linen
9 x 12 inches
sold


This tree was apparently caught up in a water spout and two of the large branches where ripped off. The story goes that one ended up on the roof of the adjacent house and the other one was down the street. The tree had been knocked down. Apparantly the guys from IV Parks and Rec came and righted shortly after. But now the branches that where sticking sideways are now upright. So, it looks like this now.

"Midnight at Mesa Lane with the Full Moon", Santa Barbara

"Midnight at Mesa Lane with the Full Moon"
12 x 16 inches
oil on linen
$500

I found myself at 1:30 am last night finishing this piece down on the beach at Mesa Lane. It was a full moon. I was about to fall over from fatigue and despite the several layers I had on, it was really cold. Then I realized I still had to clean up, pack up and walk up all those stairs. I could't make another stroke after that.

I have since worked on it in the studio and came to this result. Another thing I realized is how disturbing the light of the headlamp can be to seeing anything at night. Once your pupils are dilated you can't see half of what you did before. The next full moon my strategy will be to watch for 15 minutes w/o the headlamp, and then paint for 15 with it based on my memory.

"Gibraltar Road Layers", Santa Barbara Foothills

"Gibraltar Road Layers"
11 x 14 inches
oil on panel
$500

One of my favorite places of late, Gibraltar road is a great place to get away from the Marine Layer. Which is what you see in the painting. After that you can see Rincon mountain and then Point Magu beyond that. It was amazing to see the clouds wash in and out like waves of the ocean. At the same time revealing and covering the hills below.

"State Street Shopping", Santa Barbara

"State Street Shopping"
8 x 10 inches
oil on panel
$250

A good place to shop.

"State Street Lights", State Street, Santa Barbara

"State Street Lights"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$500

There was a lot of action on lower State Street last night. The beautiful weather seems to have put everyone in a good mood. It was fun to be near everyone going out and enjoying themselves. I fit right in, enjoying the dazzling display of lights.

"Loon Point Sunrise, Christmas Eve", Summerland

"Loon Point Sunrise, Christmas Eve"
8 x 8 inches
oil on panel
$250

There is Rincon Mountain in the back again. Basically anytime you look down our immediate coast you can see her standing proud in the background. I have never been up on top. Have to put that on my list of places to go.

"Toro Canyon Sunrise", Montecito

"Toro Canyon Sunrise"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$140

Happy New Year!

I can only hope I get outside as much as I did this past year. Thanks for supporting me!

"Butterfly Lane Morning", Butterfly Beach, Montecito

"Butterfly Lane Morning"
12 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
sold

Another perfect morning at Butterfly Beach. Who says we don't have seasons here? Its nice most of the time and the winters can be really nice. I hope you all are getting outside to enjoy it as much as you can.

In this view you can see the Coral Casino at the point beyond a section of Butterfly Lane. And then of course you have my favorite mountain beyond, el Rincon.

"Carpinteria Salt Marsh Levels", Carpinteria

"Carpinteria Salt Marsh Levels"
20 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
$1800

You wouldn't think a marsh would be one of the best places to paint but it certainly is in this county. The vibrant local colors of the marsh and the extraordinary view of the foothills and mountains provide enough material for a 100 paintings. I am thinking my next painting class will be here January 6th. Email me at chrispotterart@gmail.com if you are interested.

"Winter Solstice at Sands", Sands Beach, Goleta

"Winter Solstice at Sands"
24 x 36 inches
oil on linen
sold

I choose my subjects considering two factors: 1) what do I want to paint and 2) where do I want to hang out for the day? Sands fulfills both of those needs. I grew up going to this beach and it still holds all the joy it did as a child. I never noticed the golden reflection or the vivid colors - or maybe I just noticed them in a different way. My friends and I spent hundreds of days at this very spot. I hope and pray it stays the same. I painted this on the shortest day of the year. It felt like it could of been the longest. Merry Christmas everyone and have a great night!

"City College Stadium Study", SBCC, Santa Barbara

"City College Stadium Study"
8 x 10 inches
oil on linen
$250

The day before I started painting the larger version of this piece I came and made this study. Doing the study really helped me. I already had a strategy for some of the harder areas to paint like the harbor boats and the foliage.

"City College Stadium View", SBCC, Santa Barbara

"City College Stadium View Grande"
30 x 48 inches
oil on canvas
sold


This was commissioned by the SBCC record breaking quarterback of 1989 to hang in his home. Its still wet so I get to enjoy it mine for the Holidays. You can get close to this view from the West Campus lawn.  If you turn the other way you can see Leadbetter and the point. You can see why kids come here from around the world to study. Although, I think a few more of them should be studying painting out here on this bluff.

"Butterfly Dusk", Butterfly Beach, Montecito

"Butterfly Dusk"
8 x 10 inches
oil on canvas
$250

Its always tough trying to figure out how to place the Mesa in the back ground vs the cliff in the foreground. Many artists have painted this view so its fun to look at theirs after painting one of my own. I am always surprised at the differences.

"December Full Moon 2", Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara

"December Full Moon 2"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$550

I am starting to get a real feel for this landscape. I have painted it from so many angles that I can understand how deep our hills are. Today I hiked a little trail that goes to the top of the foothill that you see in all of my Hammond's beach paintings. Its called Toro Canyon or Toro Ridge, I believe. I have never been there but I have painted the hill from the beach 50 times so I know every feature. It was really cool to be walking way out in the distance of one of my paintings. In this piece I painted the foothill in just below the moon. Even thought I didn't see it, I know its there so I can add it in. Now I can add all sorts of other features that I noticed while I was up there today.

"Lunar Eclipse 2", Mountain Road, Santa Barbara

"Lunar Eclipse 2"
8 x 10 inches
oil on stretched linen
$400

As the Moon was setting it was catching the Sun's light from both sides of the earth. The landscape became illuminated and the moon caught fire. Probably one of the coolest things I have seen.

"December Full Moon Rise from Leadbetter", Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara

"Full Moon Rise from Leadbetter - December"
16 x 20 inches
oil on canvas
$750

After watching the eclipse I chilled with the family all day. I then went to go paint the full moon as it rose over the mountains. The warm glow of the moon and the city a nice contrast to the cools of the water and the mountains. Every month the full moon rises in a different place. I am thinking for January it will be another 5 degrees to the South.... I know I am excited to see.

"Lunar Eclipse", Mountain Road, Santa Barbara

"Lunar Eclipse from Mountain Road"
8 x 8 inches
oil on panel
$350

As I painted the full lunar eclipse I realized the most important thing in life is to be present. To be alive and aware of the cosmic movements connects you to the universe.

"Courthouse Fountain", Santa Barbara Courthouse

"Courthouse Fountain"
8 x 8 inches
oil on panel
$180

I was waiting for the art store to open so I painted this little study as the sun rose. They just redid this fountain in front of the Courthouse and its truly beautiful. But don't take my word for it.

"Theta House" Del Playa, Isla Vista

"Theta House"
20 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
sold

Everyone who went to UCSB knows this beach. Here, we have several Theta girls running down the beach holding hands. This painting will hang in their hall. Thats pretty cool, I never thought I would have a painting in a sorority.

"Coral Casino Reflection", Santa Barbara

"Coral Casino Reflection"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

I made this from the West end of Butterfly Beach. Thats the Coral Casino at the point and Rincon Mountain beyond. Man, I love that mountain.

"Hammond's Beach Family", Montecito

"Hammond's Beach Family"
24 x 48 inches
oil on canvas
sold


Just give me a reason to go to the beach and paint. Okay, I don't need a reason, see you later.

"Shoreline Park Cliffs", Santa Barbara

"Shoreline Park Cliffs"
10 x 8 inches
oil on panel
$250

Early Sunday morning at shoreline park. Not a bad place to go jog and strut your stuff. I could tell I was the new guy on the scene. I have never painted the sky this color before, whata ya think?

"Campus Point Sunday", Goleta

"Campus Point Sunday"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
sold

I spent the day with my family at Campus Point this past sunday. It was really the perfect beach day. We need to remember these days when its socked in fog in May.

"Old Goleta Building", Goleta

"Old Goleta Building"
8 x 10 inches
oil on canvas
$300

I was getting my car worked on so what else would I do except paint a painting. I was looking forward to painting in Old Town as I grew up here. It wasn't as easy to find a view as I thought it would be. Its really hard to find another place in this area that is so anti picturesque. I settled on painting a section of wires that adorns each of the buildings down here.

"Gibraltar Road View", Santa Barbara

"Gibraltar Road View"
9 x 12 inches
oil on linen panel
$380

I drove up Gibraltar Road to get away above the marine layer. It always seems the clouds will never end and then magically you come out of them. You are greeted with full sunshine and this heavenly view of my beloved mountains.

"Mission in Rose", Santa Barbara Mission

"Mission in Rose"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$160

Such a fun place to paint. It is especially beautiful in the afternoon as the sun hits the tower sides.

"Fall Sunset", Hammond's Beach, Montecito

"Fall Sunset"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$220

When preparedness meets opportunity. I was lucky to be there for this moment.

"Hammond's Beach in Green and Blue", Montecito

"Hammond's Beach in Green and Blue"
9 x 12 inches
oil in stretched linen
$380

The third painting of my big work day, it was starting to be tough to concentrate. Luckily nature came through, a few clouds parted, illuminated the landscape and this part of my day.

"East Beach Rays", East Beach, Santa Barbara

"East Beach Rays"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

I am starting to digest the importance of the "edges" in my paintings. Its really really hard for me to paint these cloudy skies but its teaching me even more about edges.

"East Beach Fall Morning", East Beach, Santa Barbara

"East Beach Fall Morning"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

This was the first of four paintings I made this day. I started down on East Beach for the Sunrise and watched the sunset at Hammond's. It was amazing to be outside watching all the changing conditions. Then to be totally amazed at the sunset. Even though I was tired and hungry, I stayed to do the final piece. I am really glad I did because its probably one of the best ones I have made. It made me realize that instead of painting the whole day, it might be better to watch a good part of the day and then when your moment hits, you are fresh and ready to perform.

"Our Beach from the Bluffs", Ellwood, Goleta

"Our Beach from the Bluffs"
12 x 16 inches
oil on linen
$500

Its been crisp and clear lately. No better place then to see everything then Ellwood. I haven't done this view in a few years. Its nice to approach it with my new skills. I am not sure I could do much better with the sand and water. Anyone been surfing lately? These where some waist high ones on Monday that nobody else saw but me.

Its kinda cool, you can see this point in the previous post...

"Devereux, Sands, Gaviota", Coal Oil Point, Goleta

"Devereux, Sands, Gaviota"
18 x 24 inches
oil on canvas
$895

I grew up going to this beach. We used to walk across the slough at low tide. You had to be careful of the "quick mud" which wouldn't kill you but would definitely eat your shoe. There where a lot of different birds I remember, but I really didn't see them until recently. There is a reason Autobon counts this as one of the best bird watching sites in the country.  But don't leave your vehicle and paint a painting because the UC parking authority will give you a ticket for $45. This place should be guarded for the public's use not the UC's. We should be charging them for using our land. Do you feel me?