Although this painting has a Spanish name it is from a small waterfall somewhere near Sonora Pass. A seasonal creek during one of California’s wet winters. It’s amazing to me to see how rich and diverse the color of water can be. Most of my California Landscapes are started outside and finished in my studio so I push the color until I recapture the feeling I originally had when I chose to begin the painting. When I get that “yes” feeling I know I the painting is finished.

“Pura Vida”. Watercolor, 30” x 21”

This particular vineyard is a composite from my imagination, inspired by the dozens of vineyards I’ve actually had the fun of visiting. I deeply admire the farmers and laborers who grow these tasty morsels and then of course the amazing wine that is made from them. Farmers and artists have a lot in common. You do the work you love or must do and you can not be attached to the results. One must have a brave heart to be a Farmer and an Artist.

“California’s New Gold”. Oil, 36″ x 36″

I love waterfalls and California is rich and full of them. When it has been a truly wet winter the red dirt seems to come alive in them. The colors in the streams become surreal.

I entered this in the acclaimed Ironstone Art Show in Calaveras County. I’m honored to say Judge Phillip Lenhares, Curator of the Oakland Museum loved it and awarded it at that show. I was thrilled when he told me, “your art gives me a sense of the immediate, a sense of place and a sense of being in the now, keep painting”.

Awarded at Ironstone Art Show.

“Red River”. Watercolor Sold

Everything about Big Sur is magnificent. From the tide pools to the might cliffs. Visiting there gives one the sense of heaven on earth; the colors, the smell of the ocean air, the animals and terrain. But it is the almighty waves crashing on the rocks that always gets me. I imagine I will never tire of painting the ocean and shore coming together.

“Big Sur”. Oil, 30″x 40″

Somewhere near Mount Lasson, on Deer Creek I think, there is spot I remember that is so beautiful it takes your breath away. But when the mists start rising on an autumn morning it evokes the feeling of mystical, magical adventures. I have that memory in my mind and perhaps that is the only place it exits.

“Autumn Mist”. Oil, 30″ x 24″

On March 10, 2011 I finished this painting which I had been working on for about a week. It was completely one of those paintings painted from what I call the interior landscape. I didn’t have a plan,  it was one of those times when it seems the painting is directing me not the other way around. I emailed it to my artist friend Sandy Weld, who lives in Delaware and both she and my husband independently said it felt Japanese and there was a mystery about it that was kind of eerie. I named it Ode To Japan. The next day sadly Japan went through their terrible tsunami. I don’t draw any conclusions from this other than art, like life is mysterious.

Near Yosemite tucked behind June lake is an area called Ansel Adams Wilderness. While not a great hiker I did a day hike through this magnificent country and still paint from many of the photos. I visited it late September I believe. The beauty and the quiet is exhilarating.

“Ansel Adams Wilderness”. Oil, 16″ x 20″ Sold

This paper would make anyone want to paint or perhaps sing. Uncontrollable, the surface does not absorb water, it lies on the top and you must let go of thinking you are in control, allowing the paint to day where you first set it down. For anyone wanting to learn to “let go” this is the way. But with patience and a sure brush stroke you will get fabulous and fun results.

“Fledgling Song Bird”. Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 11″ x 14″

“Springhouse”. Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 11″ x 14″

The abstracts I paint, represent for me, the edge of chaos. I sincerely believe we live in trans-formative times. Perhaps humankind has always felt this way. But it does seem that changes are occurring faster and faster every day. That what we thought yesterday doesn’t necessarily hold true for today. For me colors play a role in that. Orange is dynamic and risky while turquoise is tranquil and evokes a sereneness. Juxtaposing these two colors together on paper led me to paint this. I felt spiritually at peace while painting, and so I called it Source.

“Source”.  Watercolor, 30″ x 22″

The Gold Country gets under skin. This was an image I had in a dream, I awoke in the middle of the night and began

painting. It was painted over a series of sleepless nights with transparent watercolor. The original now resides in the home of an art collector who loves the Gold Country.

“Sierra Dream”. Watercolor on Paper, 14″ x 19″  Sold