"POSTCARDS FROM SANTA BARBARA" a daily painting project by plein air artist Chris Potter

"Anapamu Light", Anapamu Street, Downtown Santa Barbara

2012-02-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

"Anapamu Light"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$450

I have been living on this street for the last few years. The walk to downtown begins with this canopy overhead. The shadows it makes on the sidewalk are just as magical. I will miss living here. My new street, Hollister, is not quite as picturesque so I will have to use some ingenuity to express equal beauty.

"High Tide at Miramar", Miramar Beach, Montecito

2012-02-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

"High Tide at Miramar"
15 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
$1100

I had to do this one from the steps. I was out of the wind and in the sun. There was also a hot wall behind me. It must have been the hottest place on earth for a while there. I was forced to go swimming a few times to cool off.

"Butterfly Full Moon Set 3", Butterfly Beach Montecito

2012-02-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

"Butterfly Full Moon Set 3"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

I like this one a lot.

"Butterfly Full Moon Set 2", Butterfly Beach, Montecito

2012-02-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

"Butterfly Full Moon Set 2"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

I am always a little surprised as to where the moon is going to set each month.

"Butterfly Full Moon Set", Butterfly Beach, Montecito

2012-02-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

"Butterfly Full Moon Set"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$140

I woke up early to catch the full moon set over Butterfly Beach. As the moon got closer to the horizon the sun's light started to illuminate the landscape. There is a moment where they both are giving equal light. The colors where extraordinary. So much so that I had to go back the next day to see them again.

"Hammond's Layers", Hammond's Beach, Montecito

2012-02-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

"Hammond's Layers"
24 x 36 inches
oil on linen
$1800

Any view that you can get all these layers in makes me happy. Beyond the first point is Miramar Beach. Behind that, the orange cliffs is Ortega Hill. You can see Summerland Just before the canvas ends. The purple hill that sticks out from the mountains is called Torro Ridge, I believe.

I still haven't done the view from the end of Miramar Beach at Fernald's Point.

"Butterfly Beach Wind Swell", Butterfly Beach, Montecito

2012-02-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

"Butterfly Beach Wind Swell"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

This was my third painting this morning. I woke up to get the moon set over butterfly beach. I made a couple other pieces that need some adjustments. Its really hard to see your painting under headlamp and there are usually some things that aren't planned. This piece however was done in great light and great spirits as the sun rose over a hefty wind swell.

"Sunset from Loon Point", Loon Point, Summerland

2012-02-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

"Sunset from Loon Point"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$220

This one looks a lot better in person. I have 50 or so paintings lying around and this one keeps catching my eye when I walk by. Imagine with a nice gold frame.

"Loon Point Near Sunset", Loon Point, Summerland

2012-02-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

"Loon Point Near Sunset"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

The little trees and the littler people where fun to paint. I have painted this point from Santa Barbara so many times that its surreal for me to be there. I felt like I was walking around in one of my paintings.

"Rincon Point Curves", Rincon, Carpinteria

2012-02-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

"Rincon Point Curves"
18 x 24 inches
oil on linen
$750

Yes, the waves where that good on Friday this past week. It is Rincon after all. What struck me was how cool everybody was on the beach. Makes me want to go hang out there everyday... I think some people do.

"East Beach Cloudy Morning", East Beach, Santa Barbara

2012-02-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

"East Beach Cloudy Morning"
8 x 10 inches
oil on linen
$220

I find it really difficult to fit a sky with clouds into a painting. The canvas always seems to small. One day I will get a huge canvas and paint a huge cloudy sky on it.

"East Beach Cloudy Sunrise", East Beach, Santa Barbara

2012-02-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

"East Beach Cloudy Sunrise"
8 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
$250

East Beach now has a large lagoon. You can tell the birds love it like this. Just beyond the beach you can see The Cabrillo Arts Center, the cliffs at Graveyards and then Butterfly Beach after that. You can just make out the tower of the Coral Casino at the point.

"Hammond's Breaking", Hammond's Beach, Montecito

2012-02-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

"Hammond's Breaking"
20 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
sold

This must have been one of the best days at Hammond's beach. This was last Thursday at around 11am. 75 degrees, light breeze and wave after wave after wave. Perfect for surfing and painting. I didn't finish that morning so I was forced to come back, boo hoo, the next day to finish it. The waves where not nearly as good and the ocean was all chopped up by the wind. But I had seen so many waves the day before I was able to recreate that spirit of the morning before... which is always hard.

"Courthouse Balance", Santa Barbara

2012-01-31T17:09:00.000-08:00

"Courthouse Balance"
24 x 30 inches
oil on linen
$1400

I must have started this painting a year ago. I went on location several times, worked on it in the studio, then when back there to work on it. I finally finished recently in the studio. Thats why I like to finish pieces on the spot, in one session, otherwise it can literally take a year to get done. Hope this one was worth the wait!

"Our Beach Colors", Our Beach, Goleta

2012-01-30T19:22:00.000-08:00

"Our Beach Colors"

18 x 36 inches

oil on canvas

$1600

I arrived as the sun rose and watched the orange and red ice plant begin to radiate with color. The contrast with the cool blues and aquas of the ocean was breathtaking. I feel like I am actually perceiving their real color where as before I was still painting what I thought was their real color. You can always see things differently if you try.

"Eiling's Park View North", Santa Barbara

2012-01-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

"Eiling's Park View North"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

This is a nice view because you can see all the layers of foothills between Hope Ranch and the Mountains. There are a few homes I would like to see the view from. Especially ones that can see down both sides of the valley.

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

2012-01-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-22T01:38:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-19T02:03:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-18T01:59:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-16T00:46:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

"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

2012-01-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

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

A good place to shop.

"State Street Lights", State Street, Santa Barbara

2012-01-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

"State Street Lights"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$400

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

2012-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-31T17:09:00.000-08:00

"Toro Canyon Sunrise"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
sold

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

2011-12-29T00:50:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-21T08:35:00.001-08:00

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

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

2011-12-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-12-11T18:49:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-12-10T20:42:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-12-09T21:35:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-12-07T21:22:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-12-06T21:15:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-12-05T18:38:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-12-02T13:26:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-29T15:05:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-27T20:15:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-25T11:11:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-23T07:59:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-23T07:53:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-23T07:48:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-23T07:25:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-22T21:08:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-21T22:05:00.001-08:00

"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?

"Santa Cruz Island with Clouds", Santa Barbara

2011-11-18T19:35:00.001-08:00

"Santa Cruz Island with Clouds"
8 x 8 inches
oil on panel
sold

Clouds are hard to paint because they don't stay still. Luckily for me we have had many of the same days. High clouds over the ocean with rays shinning through them. Definitely some heavenly moments...

"East Beach Light", from the Wharf, Santa Barbara

2011-11-15T07:52:00.001-08:00

"East Beach Light"
8 x 10 inches
oil on panel
$400

I have studied and I have studied and yet I still have much to learn... I realize that now that I have painted about 50 little paintings of the sunrise down here. I will probably do another one tomorrow morning if its clear. Pray to The Sun God with me please.

"Wharf Sunrise", the American Riviera, Santa Barbara

2011-11-14T21:02:00.001-08:00

"Wharf Sunrise"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$180

Fall is the best time for sunrises and sunsets in SB. I couldn't of imagined a better moment. And to think I was sleeping through so many more of these.

"All of El Cap Cove", El Capitan State Park, Goleta

2011-11-13T20:15:00.001-08:00

"All of El Cap Cove"

12 x 36 inches

oil on canvas

sold

The hills march along playing the base

the cliffs are rocking the electric guitar,

the ocean sings a rhythmic song as the clouds chime away.

The mountains are the background singers,

who naturally round out the band.

Oh, and of course not to leave out the audience

for without which the band would have no purpose.

For those I give you the rocks of brown and white

who made it into the general admission.

And the ice plant relaxing on the lawn as some tall guys walk between em.

"Hollister Ranch Rights", Hollister Ranch, Gaviota Coast

2011-11-13T09:14:00.001-08:00

"Hollister Ranch Rights"
18 x 24 inches
oil on panel
$850

The first time I have ever been to "The Ranch", and I was completely blown away. Its like there is a whole other part of the coast the size of Santa Barbara and Goleta that I had never seen. For someone that grew up here and now have been painting the coast I am deeply connected to this land. Seeing this whole new place was like Christmas morning when your 5 yrs old. Hopefully I can get back up there soon...

"Mariposa Reina", Gaviota Coast

2011-11-12T20:24:00.001-08:00

"Mariposa Reina"
11 x 14 inches
oil on canvas
sold

That's the old road down below in the canyon. You can see it had a little more charm then the freeway does. Also the oil refinery and the haunted school probably keep people from visiting here.

"Hidden Cove, Gaviota Coast", Goleta

2011-11-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

"Hidden Cove, Gaviota Coast"
16 x 20 inches
oil on canvas
sold

Ocean, wave, reflection, beach, cliffs, distance, clouds, sky. In that order.

"El Capitan Clouds", El Capitan State Park, Goleta

2011-11-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

"El Capitan Clouds"
8 x 10 inches
oil on panel
sold

This piece was actually given to my buddy Zack who was nice enough to let me crash his camp. I think those clouds ended up raining on us a few minutes later.

"El Capitan Sunrise", El Capitan State Park, Goleta

2011-11-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

"El Capitan Sunrise"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

Every moment was one of nature's masterpieces. I wish I would have been videoing. Right after this moment, everything turned even more gold. Then it started to rain and I enjoyed a rainbow, no a double rainbow, so intense.

That's Santa Cruz Island in the background, fyi.

"El Capitan Evening", El Capitan State Park, Goleta

2011-11-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

"El Capitan Evening"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

That's the life guard tower on the cliffs to the right. Its amazing how many more stars you see just being this far outside of town.

"El Capitan Sunset 2", El Capitan State Park, Goleta

2011-11-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

"El Capitan Sunset 2"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

You can see the freeway lights from the campground. I was thinking the lights where nice for the composition but it sure is going to be nice when they remove the freeway from here.

I enjoyed getting the fire light on the trees in the foreground. Its nice to have two sources of light in one piece I think.

"El Capitan Sunset", El Capitan State Park, Goleta

2011-11-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

"El Capitan Sunset"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

I spent 3 days on the Gaviota Coast and came back with 11 paintings! It helped that my friend was staying at El Cap campground and provided me with food and shelter. Their spot was right on the bluff so I even was able to keep warm by the fire for the night pieces. Altogether one of my most productive couple days of painting.

"Ledbetter Gold" Ledbetter Beach, Santa Barbara

2011-11-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

"Ledbetter Gold"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

When the sun come up it hits this cliffs at varied angles throughout the year. After watching a dozen sunrises here, I am still surprised at the results. Yes, I jumped in the water for a swim right after I finished it.

"West Beach Evening", Santa Barbara

2011-11-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

"West Beach Evening"
8 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
sold

When I made this a couple months ago and left it to dry at my friends house. I hadn't been back there since then and totally forgot about it. I like the mountains and the little warm cloud strokes at the top. The sand is funky, but I never know what to do with sand anyway.

"Eilling's Park Big View", Eilling's Park, Santa Barbara

2011-11-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

"Eilling's Park Big View"
11 x 14 inches
oil on panel
$450

It was fun to slow down and get to know the trees in this painting. Instead of painting them as monotonus blobs, like I do sometimes, I painted them as individuals. The more I looked at them the more they became unique.

"Warm and Cool Light at the Courthouse", Santa Barbara

2011-11-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

"Warm and Cool Light at the Courthouse"
11 x 14 inches
oil on panel
$500

I put my glass of ice water down on the ground while I was painting. I picked it back up and went to take a sip when I noticed and inch long cockroach in the glass. I went thirsty but still came out with one of my better attempts at the courthouse tower.

"Hendry's Standard Work Day", Hendry's Beach, Santa Barbara

2011-11-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Hendry's Standard Work Day"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
sold

I made this on a clear weekday morning last week. I was there just after 8pm and I set up right at the river mouth. I brought my dog, and like usual he protected the camp. Then he drank some of the pond scum, chased some birds, dug a few holes, intimidated a few other dogs and owners. Par for the course I would say...

"Eillings Sunset", Eillings Park, Santa Barbara

2011-11-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Eillings Sunset"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

If you want to paint colorful landscapes, a good place to start would be the sunset. The key is to not try to paint it big. The colors change every moment and on a small canvas you can change an area's color in a few strokes. Also, the pressure that there won't be any more light in a few moments makes you rise to the occasion.

"Hammond's June", Montecito

2011-10-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Hammond's June"
16 x 20 inches
oil on linen panel
$680

The hardest thing about oil painting in the grey weather is the moisture in the air. If it gets on your canvas and you try to paint oil over the top the oil won't bind to the canvas. Later when it dries, it can just flake off. The second hardest thing is the lack of shadows.

Mountain Road Sunrise, Santa Barbara

2011-10-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

"Mountain Road Sunrise"
8 x 10 inches
oil on panel
$380

SB was completely fogged in so I headed up the hill. This is a view you get from Mountain Road above Mission Canyon. Just as I was finishing the marine layer that you see down below rushed up the hill to envelope me and the Santa Ynez mountains, and then stayed there for the next week. I was lucky to have this hour of light.

East Beach Colors Grande, Santa Barbara

2011-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

"East Beach Colors Grande"

24 x 48 inches

oil on canvas

$2500

Colors of Santa Barbara Art Show at the Natural History Museum, October 20th

2011-10-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

I am curating this show to benefit the Mental Health Association. I have many of the area's best young artists participating. Wine, food, and live music. Please come and watch us paint on the grounds of the historic Natural History Museum. Its this Thursday, Oct 20th, 5:00 - 7:30pm. $45/ticket. 50% of sales go to the Mental Health Association.

Point Loma View, San Diego

2011-10-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

"Stay Classy San Diego"
16 x 20 inches
oil on canvas
$850

My first plein air painting in San Diego, believe it or not. I really need to travel more. But when you have days like we have had recently here, its really hard to leave. Its certainly inspiring to be looking at something completely different.

October Full Moon Set 2, Butterfly Beach, Montecito

2011-10-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

"October Full Moon Set 2"
8 x 10 inches
oil on panel
sold

Sunrise happens fast and the Moon sets even faster. The dance of colors was as beautiful as anything I have seen. I can't wait till tomorrow's sunrise. The high clouds and atmosphere should produce something equally amazing.

October Full Moon Set, Butterfly Beach, Montecito

2011-10-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

"October Full Moon Set"
6 x 8 inches
oil on panel
sold

Reminds me that we are only here for a short time. That the moon has been fascinating to all of us along the way. I think seeing and responding to the cosmic movements ties us to our past.

Miramar Morning October 2011, Montecito

2011-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

"Miramar Morning, October"
20 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
sold

Wow, what a day at Miramar today. I made this under the heavy sun. The tide was so high when I got there, the only place to set up was on the steps. Can't really complain as I was afforded this view. I jumped in the water every hour I was there and still barely survived.

Jalama Ranch Sunset, Near Lompoc, California

2011-10-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

"Jalama Ranch Sunset"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
sold

I spent a weekend at this which turned out to be one of the greatest bachelor parties of all time. A great place to eat, drink and paint for a few days.

Goleta Slough Layers, Goleta

2011-10-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

"Goleta Slough Layers"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
sold

This is the view that we had for my last plein air painting class. As always it was a delight for me to see how other people see the world. Each of the students made an amazing piece and I think we all learned a lot while we where out there. Goleta Beach is a great place to paint because you can set your stuff up just a few feet away from your car. My next class will be at the Douglas Family Preserve. Email me at chrispotterart@gmail.com if you are interested in attending.

De la Guerra Dusk, Santa Barbara

2011-10-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

"De la Guerra Dusk"
8 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
$250

This is a painting I made in the studio from memory. I find it really annoying that I can't set up my easel in the the center of the street and paint. This view I know so well that I can imagine the view from here. I can't do that with all the other great streets around here... at least not yet..

"The Savoy Club", State Street, Santa Barbara

2011-10-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

"The Savoy Club"
8 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
$350

Its really fun to be out painting when everyone else is out clubbing. It made me realize this is a great subject for practicing to paint people. From the people lining up to get in, to the bouncers to the people coming outside to smoke. Also, its not a bad place to take a break and get a cold one.

Butterfly Beach Cypress, Montecito

2011-09-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

"Butterfly Beach Cypress"
16 x 20 inches
oil on canvas
$850

Despite the overcast it was very pleasant at Butterfly Beach while I was painting this. This really an excercise of perspective drawing and managing values. By value I am referring to the lightness and darkness of the objects. Each of those areas that go off into the distance: road, path, railing and beach are all very similar in color and in value. The other challenge was to make that tree be as close and tangible as possible yet still have it fit within the canvas edges for the most part. In the tree you can see I have outlined a few things. While that does not exist in nature I think its cool to add it when painting nature.

2011-09-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

"Presidio Afternoon"
16 x 20 inches
oil on canvas
$850

One of my favorite subjects minus a major street. Maybe one day we will get smart and make it look like this again.

2011-09-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

"Anapamu Afternoon 3"
16 x 12 inches
oil on panel
$600

Walking in the shade of the Italian Stone Pines on Anapamu Street. Over the past years I have enjoyed blissful moments contemplating these trees elegance and strength.

"Hammond's Synthesis", Hammond's Beach, Montecito

2011-09-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

"Hammond's Synthesis"

24 x 48 inches

oil on canvas

sold

Cloudy Carpinteria Bluffs, Carpinteria

2011-09-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Cloudy Carpinteria"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$380

Upon arriving to the bluffs last Friday I was not inspired by the views and light. It was totally overcast and there were no shadows. Had I not been teaching a class there that day I probably would have gone somewhere else. As I was setting up the easels I looked around at the views and the place started to interest me. While I have used color more forcebly then reality it was actually a great subject. As the afternoon wore on just a little more light came through the clouds and I was able to feel out some shadows and highlights. I guess what I am getting at is that it takes time, patience and a little imagination to see the beauty that surrounds us.

Courthouse Colors, Sunken Garden, Santa Barbara

2011-09-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

"Courthouse Colors Grande"
3ft x 5ft
oil on canvas
$4000

This building is really about balance and openings. For its size its not that imposing. It invites you in to explore it. My kids call it the castle tower. We like to go to the top to look at the views of the city and hold hands because I know they can get through those railing bars if they wanted to.

Shoreline Park View, Santa Barbara

2011-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

"Shoreline Park View"
36 x 48 inches
oil on canvas
sold

You get one of the best views of Santa Barbara from Shoreline Park. On this evening they had a thing called "Santa Barbara Nite Moves". This is a public event where hundreds of men, women and children do a 1/2 mile swim and then a 3 mile jog. They all meet down at Ledbetter afterwords for a little party. I thought it was great how whole families would participate.

Hollister Peak Farm, San Luis Obispo

2011-09-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

"Hollister Peak Farm"
20 x 30 inches
oil on canvas
$1200

I have been wanting to paint this mountain ever since I started painting outside. I finally had the opportunity a few weeks ago. This peak can be seen from Hwy 1 just South/West of San Luis Obispo. It is part of an extinct volcanic chain called the Seven Sisters. After painting so much in Santa Barbara, its was inspiring to be looking at something completely different.

Foggy Tracks 1 and 2, near Hammond's Beach, Montecito

2011-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

"Foggy Tracks 1"
7 x 5 inches
oil on panel
$120

I have been wanting to paint these tracks for a while but every time I come to this area I can't help but paint the beach scenes. The beaches where totally fogged in so it was an easy decision to finally do this spot. I was standing about 5 yards outside of the trains path and boy those things really move some air. The rush almost knocked my easel over.

"Foggy Tracks 2"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$120

Mission Impression, Santa Barbara

2011-09-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Mission Impression"
12 x 12 inches
oil on canvas
sold

I made this a couple years ago while I was still working at an office.Seeing it anew reminded me you can learn a lot by looking at your older work.

Cold Springs Creek Pool, Montecito

2011-09-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

"Coldsprings Trail"
12 x 12 inches
oil on panel
sold

This was done standing on the Cold Springs Trail on the first hill. This view is looking down the canyon, towards the ocean. In this one slice of the canyon there are at least 4 or 5 different kinds of trees and many sizes of boulders that make for interesting viewing and painting.

Cabrillo Layers, Santa Barbara

2011-08-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

"Cabrillo Layers"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$350

After I painted the sunrise, I turned my easel to the right and tried to capture the layered view of Cabrillo Blvd and Mission Creek. And what would Cabrillo be without an old Winebago?

East Beach Sunrise, Santa Barbara

2011-08-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

"East Beach Hazy Sunrise"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
sold

The haze created some nice shimmer this morning on the water. Its really hard to figure out what hue the receding coast line is. One of the fundamentals in painting is that there is more blue as the landscape goes into the distance. There are times when that is clearly not the case and you have to ignore the fundamentals and trust your eyes and instinct.

2011-08-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

"Sequoia Morning"
10 x 8 inches
oil on canvas panel
$280

We took a family camping trip to the Sequoia's. I made this one morning before the kids woke up. It was fun to do as I had contemplated the view the morning before. Sometimes a little mental preparation can make all the difference. Speaking of, the following two pieces where done by my son while I was teaching my wife and cousin how to paint a landscape painting. He said he would sell them for a Lego Deathstar. Does anyone want to trade?