The Bird Refuge, Santa Barbara

"The Bird Refuge with Coots"

11 x 14 inches

oil on canvas

$240

I feel like I have made a few advancements  in my compositional arrangements. I really wanted to have the reflection of the two sword plants in the middle ground but I didn't want them just jutting straight out from the side of the canvas. Instead, I brought the shore into the front to ease the the strong shape of the plants with their reflection. The smaller shapes of the birds and palm trees on left and right grab your attention enough to move your eye around the canvas. Right?

The Salt Flats, Carpinteria, California

"The Salt Flats"

14 x 18 inches

oil on canvas

$350

I made this in the afternoon yesterday under some pretty amazing conditions. It was brisk with high clouds and the sun poking through every once in a while. I really wanted to capture the deepness of the mountains, both in form and in color. 

Anapamu and Olive Streets, Downtown Santa Barbara

"Stop Sign at Anapamu and Olive"

8 x 10 inches

oil on linen panel

$250

This view is right around the corner from my house. If for some reason I couldn't leave my neighborhood for a year, I would still not get bored of painting these trees. My friend was behind me while I was painting and I hadn't put the stop sign in yet. He was like "you gonna put that stop sign in?" I was like, "maybe I will", instantly thinking I shouldn't add it just because he asked. But I am really after the strong colors lately and a red stop sign is hard to ignore. Then he had the idea to put the other sign in on the other side of the street. Humm, didn't think of that, maybe I should have him around more often.

Campus Point, UCSB, Goleta

"Campus Colors"

16 x 20 inches

oil on archival linen panel

sold

I woke up this morning to our little girl crying. It must have been about 5:30 am. While my wife went to her I packed up my stuff, made a peanut butter and honey sandwich, grabbed an apple, some water and off to campus point. $6 for 4hr parking, and you can't stay longer. I had memories of all those parking tickets we got in college. I better get this done in 4 hrs. The sun came up just as I was walking down to the point. There where shoulder high waves coming in and one lone surfer enjoying them. It was an absolutely incredible morning out there. 

Hendry's Beach, Santa Barbara Sunset

"Hendry's Softly 2"

8 x 8 inches

oil on canvas

$150

This is the 2nd one I did yesterday evening just as the sun was setting. Please comment and tell me what one of these two Hendry's Beach paintings you like better, and why.

Hendry's Beach, Santa Barbara

"Hendry's Softly"

6 x 12 inches

oil on canvas

$175

I painted this yesterday in the evening before the sunset started changing the color of the sky. I am really happy with the stokes of paint making up the cliff and the highlights on the rocks. The clouds are a little more evident in the actual painting. You can see the faint outline of Stork Tower at UCSB in the distance. I really enjoyed making this, I hope you guys like it. Just to see if your paying attention please comment below and tell me what one of the two Hendry's Beach paintings I did today is better, and why. Please respond in under 1000 words, thanks. 

Las Alturas Road, on the Santa Barbara Riviera

"Las Alturas"

12 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

$380

I painted this from the foundation of a house that was burned in the last fire. This is the view they had from their living room. It is looking towards TV hill, with The Channel Islands, Santa Cruz and Anacapa beyond. The 101 Freeway is that last strip of white on the left side. I am sure I had more fun then the people inching down the freeway that Sunday afternoon.

Goleta Beach looking South, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

 

"The Goleta Slough"

12 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

$500

This will be the last painting I will make before the big show on Sunday. I actually went out there with an adult ed class. By being with other people trying to paint the same subject, you realize how different people see. I have a firm belief that everyone is an artist and each has their own unique way of seeing and expressing. The trick is to unlock the individual from convention and stereotypes. Maybe thats why we find children's drawings so fascinating. Speaking of, my son and daughter will have a few pieces in the show. I just hope they won't upstage me too much... lol.

Loma Alta, Mesa, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Loma Alta by Moon Light"

18 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

sold

This is one of my favorite roads in Santa Barbara. I always find an excuse to use it, especially at night when you can see the city lights. The moon light is mysterious, both in the emotions it evokes and the way it changes the landscape. The cool blue or purple that it casts takes some creativity to see and to paint. Next time you are outside in the full moon look at the color of the sidewalk and see if you can figure out what color you would paint it.

The End of Wilcox Property, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"End of Wilcox"

16 x 20 inches

oil on canvas

$450

 I am really trying to capture the big movement of the landscape.  wanted the viewer to feel the dominant S curve that the path takes with the layers of landscape icing on top. The path is about going somewhere, the landscape represents being healthy and enjoying the path. The mountains represent the two worlds of quiet contemplation and exciting possibilities all receding to infinity.

Wilcox Property on the Mesa, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Wilcox Layers"

oil in canvas

12 x 24 inches

$450

We just had a week straight of rain and earned a couple beautiful crisp and somewhat clear days. Walking at the

Wilcox property you can always catch glimpses of the mountains beyond the trees. In this particular spot you get these huge cypresses and a nice section of the mountains and pink rocks. The purple color of the mountains is so much more vivid to me when there are a lot of clouds.

Goleta Foothills, Santa Barbar Daily Painting

"Pablo's Hill Warm"

6 x 6 inches

oil on panel

$100

I made this piece back in 2007. It has been sitting in storage for a couple years. Even though its much older I think its a great little piece. It really feels like the warm foothills of Goleta to me. I call it Pablo's Hill because thats my dog's name and we used to walk up to this hill many days of the week.

Cannon Perdido and State St, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Last Days"

6 x 12 inches

acrylic on canvas

$150

I painted this over a few lunches in the last week I was working in an office downtown. It was a challenging composition for me as it is such a broad view of the street. I always wish I could set up right in the center of the streets so I could get more of the mountains at the end of the tunnel of trees. There are a lot of these great views when you drive around SB but you could never paint.

Wilcox Property on the Mesa, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Wilcox Vista"

5 x 7 inches

oil on panel

sold

I have always wanted to fly. Not fly like a plane but fly like birds fly. Specifically, like a red tailed hawk. When I was young I would imagine that as a hawk I could fly all along the coast going up and down along the cliff walls. Then taking off way up into the sky as high as the mountains. I could go anywhere and see the land and sea from every possible  perspective. Often times I would dream about flying and every once in a while I would actually pull it off. During my dream something would connect in my brain and I would start levitating away. Each time I would get to that place in my dream I thought it was reality and my mind would start to race about how everything would be different now that I knew how to fly. I felt powerful but at the same time humbled. By experiencing those two feelings together I realized that was the ultimate gift. The veils of reality where stripped away and I saw the world for what it really was. A place that is nurturing us and helping us to understand that we can fly. And if we figure it out, it's a place where we can spread our wings and feel the most glorious of things.

State Street and Cota Street, Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"State Street Rain"

8 x 10 inches

oil on linen panel

$280

Apparently we have a week of rain in the forecast. This makes it tough for an outdoor painter. Today, I was lucky and set up in a spot that did not totally soak my palette and canvas. I was right next to Joe's Cafe on State St. I had a breakfast burrito and coffee from them which was unbelievable. I think the painting reflects my happy state of being. Yesterday, I was not so lucky. I found a spot in the alcove for the resturant Opel, right next to the Arlington Theater. When I started the rain was coming straight down. By the time I finished it was flying under their awning and splashing all over the painting and the palette. The one good thing that happened is the manager of the restaurant brought me out a really hot coffee which basically made my morning. The painting definitely didn't, so I won't be posting it without a little more work

This is the reality I painted from - I thought it might be cool for ya'll to see...

Devereux Point, Isla Vista Daily Painting

"Devereux Point"

20 x 20 inches

oil on canvas

$680

I grew up right near here but this is the first time I have painted out here since I have really learned how. Its nice to see it with an artist's eye. I enjoyed it just as much when I was 13 but in a different way. I made this last Fri in between the January storms. I feel lucky to have been there. - So did all the surfers you can see.

Hammond's Beach - Montecito Daily Painting

"Hammond's Beach 2"

18 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

sold

This last week I was lucky enough to spend two whole days at our local beaches. One of the things that really struck me was how happy everyone is at the beach. From the beach walkers to the surfers, everyone is really happy to be there. There is a sense of camaraderie and togetherness that you don't feel anywhere else. We are happy out there because our senses are pleased by the beautiful landscape, the fresh smell of the sea, and the sound of the crashing waves. I was very truly inspired to make this one.

De La Guerra Street - Santa Barbara Cityscape

"De La Guerra Morning"

16 x 20

oil on linen on board

$850

I made this last Wed on the morning after it rained. It was supposed to be raining in the morning so I felt lucky to come out to beautiful conditions like this. The clouds kept sweeping across the mountains which gave me ample chance to paint them. Somebody who stopped said it reminded them of how SB might have felt 40 years ago. I think I will use this for my invite for my next show, January 31st. I painted myself into it, walking down the street leaving my office job and taking my tie off for the last time(I hope). If you do want to purchase this piece I will want to hold onto it through the 31st as I want it in the show.

View from Alston Rd, Montecito Daily Painting

"Alston View"

8 x 10 inches

oil on linen board

$100

This is a view from Alston Road, which connects Alameda Padre Serra(APS) with Montecito. Most of the good views from the Riviera and the foothills are blocked by trees and houses. This is the one spot that isn't b/c the "buildable" lot for sale probably isn't as its on a 45 degree slope.

The Granada - Santa Barbara Cityscape Nocturne

"Theater Night"

12 x 16 inches

oil on linen board

$540

I believe this is one of my best pieces. After painting a dozen or so paintings at night I feel like I was finally able to fine tune my color choices with the color of the sky. Blue and gold with hints of vivid red and green. These are my favorite colors. Also, its rumored that my ancestor Milo Potter was one of the major funders for the original construction of the Granada. Good thing it didn't burn down like the Potter Hotel...

Saint Anthony's Seminary - Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Saintly View"

5 x 7 inches

oil on panel

sold

This was a challenging piece because it was hard to figure out what was the lightest part of the painting. In reality the sky was, but I wanted the bright white of the seminary walls to stand attract your eye. Then to throw another wrench in the composition the ocean turned to the brightest area right at the end near the sunset. I will have to get back up on the Riviera to do a bigger one.

Hendrys Beach Cliffs - Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Hendry's Beach Cliffs"

11 x 14 inches

oil on canvas

$320 framed

Pretty much anyone with a dog in SB knows and loves this beach. Anyone with out a dog, probably avoids this beach as it can get pretty wild in the evenings before dark. This view is looking towards Mesa Lane and the steps are just past that last tree on the cliffs. Those are the same steps pictured in the painting posted below.

Mesa Lane Sunrise - Santa Barbara Daily Painting

"Mesa Lane Sunrise"

11 x 14 inches

oil on linen board

sold

Capturing the sunrise takes some effort. First of all, you have to wake up early enough to be able to get ready, then get to the location, then chose a composition, and then finally set up your easel - all before the sun comes over the horizon. I was a little late getting to this spot and was told by a surfer that the tide was rising. I got down the steps at Mesa Lane to find only a few yards of sand left. I decided to risk it and try to paint anyway. Although I did stay close to the stairs in case the tide did keep rising. I had to lift my easel up a few times and jump on the rocks but I was able to catch this moment when the sun was just creeping around the cliff walls. I really like the reflection of the rocks in the surf. I hope to get back and do it again soon.

Santa Cruz Island from the Wilcox Preserve

"Wilcox Cruz"

12 x 16 inches

oil on canvas

sold

Have you ever seen the islands when its super clear and you can see all the details of the canyons and mountains?

This was one of those days coupled with some awesome expressive clouds - how could you go wrong?

Santa Barbara Mission & Roses - Daily Painting

"Rose Mission"

12 x 16 inches

oil on linen board

sold

It was an amazing afternoon at the Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden. It was about 70 degrees as I painted bare foot smelling the sweet smell of roses. I made sure to include the roses as they will be pruning them in a few days. You need to see this painting in person to really get a sense for the vibrant colors. I am really trying to find the colors in SB lately if you have been following my blog lately. One of the things I realized while I was painting this, was that as I paint more and more I become more ready for certain moments in the day. I am sure by the end of this year I will own a few special moments that only few others have realized.

Overheads - Ventura California

"Overheads"

15 x 30 inches

Oil on Canvas

$680

If you have driven the 101 between Ventura and SB you will have noticed this spot. It seems like there is always waves there and you can see the surfers through the bridge from the freeway. A lot of people stopped while I was painting and enjoyed another amazing Monday

Wharf Sunrise 1 - Santa Barbara Wharf 01/06/10

"Wharf Sunrise 1"

6 x 9 inches

oil on canvas

$150

I woke up at 5:30 am to catch the sunrise from the end of the SB Wharf. If you can't tell from the painting the sunrise was off the hook this morning. What is it, "Red sky in morning sailors kick back on a perfect day"?

It was calm and cool and super clear, I couldn't of come to better spot to see it.

Wharf Sunrise 2 - Santa Barbara Wharf 1/06/10

"Wharf Rise 2"

6 x 6 inches

oil on panel

sold

Boat Town - View from the Santa Barbara Wharf 1/06/10

"Boat Town"

8 x 10 inches

oil on canvas

sold

This was the third painting I made this morning from the end of the wharf. I always have a great time painting the mountains around here near the sunrise and sunset as it brings out the relief of all the canyons and ridges.

El Rincon - Ventura or SB? who knows

"El Rincon"

12 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

sold

I painted this last Sunday at Rincon Beach. It was an unbelievable day, full beach weather and great waves. I hung out with all the Rincon Locals, who where owning the waves and the chicken tacos. About an hour into the painting my easel collapsed and everything flew into the air including the painting and my mineral spirits. So, now it has a bunch of authentic Rincon Sand in it. I decided that I would sell this painting for anyone who bought me a new easel which I priced at around $200 for the one I want. I am going to put a few more details in this one like the two pole that are coming out of the rocks in the foreground. I promised the one of the locals I would so I don't want to get my ass kicked.

Courthouse Fountain Shadows - Santa Barbara

"Courthouse Fountain Shadows"

11 x 14 inches

oil on linen panel

$180

I was prepared for the sun to creep around the trees and reveal all the detail on the fountain. The strong shadow was a surprise but I loved the interesting shape it made. Maybe next time I will be even more prepared for this moment.

Little Night Mission - Santa Barbara Mission

"Little Night Mission"

6 x 12 inches

oil on canvas

September 2009

SOLD

Anapamu St, Downtown, Santa Barbara

"Anapamu Street 2"

oil on canvas

12 x 16

This piece is for autcion ending Friday Jan. 8th at 7 pm

sold

Ellwood Cliffs Morning - Goleta

20 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

December 28, 2009

$680

I made this yesterday on an amazing day out at Ellwood. I grew up going to this beach and it has always been a special place for me. I got there by 8:30 am and was greeted with an amazing misty sunrise and 6 ft waves curling in. As I painted the tide retreated and revealed all the formations of ancient sea floors that have been turned up on end. It makes for interesting changing conditions in the surf. The tide pools they form are also fun to look through.

El Capitan Eucalyptus

5 x 7 inches
oil on panel

October 2008

$50

With the marine layer in full effect I still found some interest in this Eucalyptus tree at El Capitan State Park. We now have a tradition to get the two best spots every year for Halloween. This year I was too busy with the kids to paint anything... I will be going to El Cap as we call it, this next week to paint some of these unbelievable waves we have been getting lately.

Victoria Street December 26th, Santa Barbara

8 x 8 inches

oil on panel

December 26th

$100

I love the winter in Santa Barbara because we actually have some interesting clouds. The rest of the year it is pretty clear which is nice but painters can use a little drama in the sky every once in a while. I should hit up the east coast for a rainy season so I can get all my practice in. Maybe a few weeks would be enough.

Trinity Episcopal Chuch - State Street, Santa Barbara

This is the church I would go to as a child. In a way my art career started in this building. Usually the sermon was over my head so I would use the pencils and the programs provided to start doodling. To this day anytime I am in a meeting or church I doodle most of the time. Its not that I am not listening I just listen better while I am drawing.

30 by 20 inches

oil on canvas

October 2009

$680

Butterfly Beach - Montecito

I made this over two separate days, one in October and then one in November. Both days where clear, windy and cold which are difficult conditions overall. It was still a really great time as there where a lot of cool interesting people chilling and talking to me. A few people I knew too. Thats the thing in this town, if you live here long enough its small enough that you start to recognize people everywhere you go. There where a few people interested in buying this piece while I was painting it but it was a commission so I couldn't do it. If I get out there and its nice one day I will make another one of this legendary beach.

18 x 24 inches

oil on canvas

November 2009

sold

Anapamu Night - Santa Barbara

I painted this in October under the full moon. It was well above me when I started painting and was giving off a great amount of light. The sidewalks really do turn this color blue and all the city lights cast a much warmer light. I feel like this is one of my best paintings I have made. I love the warm and the cool contrasts and I think I finally got the sky at night the right shade. You can really feel the bigness of these Italian Stone Pines that line the street. The telephone pole and lines tie the open sky to the rest of the pieces of the composition. I walk by this spot everyday so I have contemplated the view many times. It seems I get better results when I know the place I am painting in this way. I guess thats one of the reasons to get out there and paint - to get to know something better. At the same time hopefully revealing something about myself in the process.

12 x 16 inches

oil on canvas

October of 2009

$600

Christmas Mission - Santa Barbara

This painting looks better then the photo makes out. I keep getting all these little reflections in my photos. Maybe because the paint is wet. hummm. I just finished it a few minutes ago, came back and took a picture of it. You can see there are a bunch of Christmas Trees in front and I think they are just now setting up the nativity scene. It would be cool to go back there at night and paint it but I will be too much of a wussy since is going to be below 50 out there tonight.

Oil on Linen Panel

8 x 10 inches

12-23-09 sold