"Hendry's and Lagoon in the Winter", Hendrys Beach, Santa Barbara, California

"Hendry's and Lagoon in the Winter"
10 x 8 inches
oil on canvas
donated to VADA fundraiser

I made this for an art event where they have every artist paint something on the same size canvas. Its cool to see every ones different approach all displayed next to each other. Hopefully someone was stoked to walk away with this one...

Cold Springs Creek Pool, Montecito

"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.

Cold Springs Creek Pool, Montecito

"Cold Springs Pool"
12 x 12 inches
oil on panel
$450

Probably my favorite creek painting to date!

"Rattlesnake Canyon Trees", Santa Barbara

"Rattlesnake Canyon Trees"
5 x 7 inches
oil on panel
$100

Sometimes I have a really hard time settling in on a subject. I wondered up Rattlesnake Canyon with no real objective except to explore and be inspired. While the creek was flowing and it was beautiful I still found it hard to see something I wanted to paint. As I hiked up the creek these big Sycamores hanging over the creek inspired me but I couldn't find a place to set up and paint them that wasn't in the river or in poison oak. I wondered up the creek some more and was starting to feel desperate to paint as the sun was going below the ridge line. Nothing looked fun and I was feeling like a failure. I turned around and saw those same trees from above and went for it. Quite an ordeal to make a little study...

"Seven Falls", Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara

"Seven Falls"
11 x 14 inches
oil on panel
sold

I have seen waterfalls all over the world and I haven't seen anything that is more beautiful then the ones we have right here. You can get to Seven Falls in about an hour of hiking. You are rewarded with amazing swimming holes that you can jump and slide in to. You can stand under waterfalls and sun on the sandstone boulders. Not to mention there are plenty of options for connecting with the natural world and spiritual enlightenment.

"Little Falls" San Ysidro Creek, Montecito

"Little Falls"
12 x 16 inches
oil on panel
$450

My 2nd attempt at San Ysidro Creek was a little more productive. Still haven't been up to the big one yet. I am hoping for rain so I can jam up there with my new five fingers on Monday!

San Ysidro Creek, Montecito

"San Ysidro Creek"
7 x 5 inches
oil on panel
sold

My first attempt at this creek this year and I only made it to about the 1.5 mile marker when I decided to go up the creek. I ended up getting all wet and scratched up attempting this in flip flops. I realized I wouldn't be able to carry my completed painting back without ruining it so I turned around and found these little falls. There are hundreds of these as you go up the canyon. You should go check it out.

Cold Spring Trail, Montecito

"Cold Spring Flow"
12 x 16 inches
oil in linen panel
donated

Now that I have some experience in painting its much easier to do a subject like this. The important thing to remember with flowing water is that it has form. The flowing white mass has highlights and shadows. Its in them that you can express the movement of the water. Man, I can't wait to do a big waterfall or something, its going to be awesome! I might just have to go up there again today...

Cold Spring Trail, Montecito

"Cold Spring Trail"
11 x 15
oil on linen panel
donated

Every time I get up to one of our creeks I wonder why I don't get up there more often. This spot is literally a 10 min drive from my house. Its right at the beginning of the hot springs trail loop. There is a lot of water right now and it was a beautiful day in this spot. I did drive around town for an hour trying to find a place that wasn't too windy. I got lucky and found it was just perfect up here next to the mountain. On the left hand side you can see the trail coming through. I look forward to many more creekside pieces... just because its such a pleasant place to work.