Friday, December 22, 2006

Zuma Beach


Station #10...........oil on panel............11x14"
In order to banish the holiday blues and infuse a little warmth into my cold, wintery days, I painted a beach scene using a small color sketch and photo reference. It was overcast that morning and the clouds began to evaporate at around noon which caused the background mountains to appear veiled and mysterious. I wanted to create a sense of vast space and isolation by using the deserted life guard staion as a focal point.



Happy feet......
although they look a little puckered from wading in the freezing water too long!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

LA River Beach


oil on wood panel..........8x10"
Went back to a familiar location at the LA Wash with Bill Moore and Joe Stoddard in tow. The morning sun breaking through the moist atmosphere made the light appear gauzy and goldeny.

This week's sketches.....


charcoal on paper..............9x14"
Twenty-five minute pose.







charcoal on paper..............8x10"
Five minute pose.










charcoal on paper..............7x9"
Two minute pose.

For additional information regarding the Los Feliz Drawing and Painting Workshop, please click on link to your right titled:
'Los Feliz Workshops'

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Art Fair


'Taking a Break'...........oil on panel.............12x16"
While making my way through the exhibition booths at the Beverly Hill's art fair back in October, I came across a gentleman unwinding from a day's hard work. The sun dappled tents and luminous pink flower bed caught my eye. I found the high contrast lighting on the jaunty exhibitor to be quite appealing as well. I took a few reference photos and completed this painting at the studio.

Thursday, December 7, 2006

LA Wash Near Eatz Cafe


Oil on canvas panel..............6x8"
And yet, another rendition of the L.A. Wash. This extraordinary landmark offers an inexhaustible amount of views to paint!
This section of the wash is located near Eatz Cafe, a modest, little greasy-spoon diner golfers frequent. I did a previous painting of the same area but was unhappy with the results. I finally went back last weekend and painted another version with Bill Moore.

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Post Show Update


And fun was had by all!
Here is a group shot with me and some of my gal pals at the 'Treasures' opening reception. Cheers!
Left to right: Yurianna, Jennifer, Erin and Tovie.


Fellow artists at the 'Treasures' reception on Saturday night.
Left to right: Erin Rosen, Keewon Hong and Frank Serrano.

Below are three of my paintings that were displayed in the 'Treasures' group show:

'River Ridge Horse Stables'...........7x9".............oil on panel
What compelled me about this scene was the dramatic shadow cast onto the stable and the contrast of the cool and warm hues in the foreground. By the way, why do horses get so freaked out when they see an open umbrella??


'Tunnel'...........6x8"............oil on canvas panel
This little trail/tunnel is located right behind the Autry Museum and runs parallel to the Golden State freeway. I painted this one with my buddy Bill Moore (awesome watercolorist by the way!)


'Other Side of the Tunnel'..........6x8"............oil on canvas panel
And last but not least, this is the opposite view of the same tunnel (pix above). I painted this view alongside William Wray sometime in April.
(I like his version better)

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Holiday 'Treasures' Show




Three of my paintings have been selected for Segil Gallery's 4th Annual Small Works group show, "Treasures". The opening reception will take place on December 2nd from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The exhibition will run through January 2007. Please join me to celebrate the commencement of the holiday season with festivities and fine art.
Wine and hors d'ouvres will be served.
You can also click on the 'Segil Gallery' link for more details.

Los Feliz Life Drawing Workshops


'Standing Nude'.........charcoal on paper..........8x10"
Patti was holding a cherry tomato for her dog Valentino in this pose. Fortunately she only held it for 5 minutes!






'Patti'............charcoal on paper............10x14"
This is a 25 minute sketch I did at the drawing workshop several weeks ago.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Santa Monica Blvd.


oil on panel............ 11x14"
The intense, burst of vermillion from the backlit flowers to the right caught my eye. I also liked the idea of using a dominant and repetitive color (red) to suggest the relationship between organic and man-made objects.

Sycamores and Picnic Table


oil on panel............ 6x8"
I painted this simple, little study at the Betty Davis Park. I wanted to capture the sense of isolation along with the feeling of comfort, serenity and familiarity.

Old Paper Mill


oil on canvas panel............ 7x9"
Other than the rank smell of paper pulp and heat of the searing, morning sun, this view was fun to paint. Will Wray was kind enough to share his discovery of this gritty, remote location.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

The Stables


oil on panel............ 7x9"
Pathways have always intrigued me. I like when a scene draws me in and I felt this particular view did that. This is one of the many little sketches I painted at the Verdant Equestrian Center.




oil on panel............ 6x8"
This particular painting was very challenging. I had to contend with the unforgiving gusts of wind that blew dust in my face and the wary, equestrian personnel. My friend Paul Rafferty just looked on with amusement as I ranted and raved. Don't know how I managed to pull that one off without my morning coffee.


Engaging in this activity keeps me sane!
Photo courtesy of Will Wray



oil on canvas panel............ 7x9"
Another little study done at the Verdant Equestrian Center. Again, sans coffee that morning.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Little Green Tractor


oil on panel............ 8x10"
My good friend Bill Moore encouraged me to finally set up a blog. This is my first post and I am excited to share the unfolding of my creative and personal journey.
I did this little painting at the Verdant Equestrian Center. I was drawn to the little tractor in the foreground shadows and the sunlit patch that illuminated the gate in the background.