"Santa Claus Lane December Clouds", Carpinteria, California

"Santa Claus Lane December Clouds"

15 x 30 inches, oil on canvas, $850

Hanging out in the sand dunes just like I did when I was a kid. I still get excited when the train goes by too. I had to put it in even if I did have to sacrifice the point and the ocean to the left. 

"Santa Claus Lane Softly", Carpinteria, California

Santa's Workshop #4
"Santa Claus Lane Softly"
Carpinteria
6 x 8 inches
oil on panel
sold

"Moonlight Sparkle from Stearn's Wharf", Santa Barbara, California

"Moonlight Sparkle from Stearn's Wharf"
oil on linen panel
16 x 8 inches
$350

I really like this one.

"Miramar Verde", Miramar Beach, Montecito, California

"Miramar Verde"

12 x 36 inches, oil on canvas, sold

Plein air painting is all about painting what you see before you. Observing the subtle variation of light and the uniqueness of a moment. This painting on the other hand was made in my studio from my imagination while watching golf on tv. You can see Ortega Hill behind the big tree along the point. Past the point, which is Fernald's, is the little hamlet of Summerland. Dreamy...

Cloudy Carpinteria Bluffs, Carpinteria

"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.

Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Carpinteria

"Carpinteria Rhythm"
12 x 16 inches
oil on canvas
sold


I made this painting over two very windy days in the spring. The salt marsh has turned out some of my best paintings this year. I love it any time you get this many different elements to work with. Sky, Clouds, Mountains, Foothills, both with Rocks, Trees, Houses, Shrubs, Grass, the Marsh, Reflection and some Coyote Bush. The problem is I can never leave any of them out.

Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Carpinteria

"Salt Marsh Colors"
11 x 14 inches
oil on linen
$500

One of the reasons I love coming to this spot to paint is because you have the natural landscape from start to finish. The foreground is what it must of looked like up and down the coast before we paved over all our creek systems. Then you are able to see a clear foothill range dotted with oaks. Followed by the Santa Ynez mountains, which are actually much taller in Carp compared to SB. I like that you can just barely see the homes along the horizon. I wish there where more places like it.