Fresh Air

I spotted this California native Western Redbud tree in full bloom on a bright sunny spring day at a park in San Jose. It was fun to try to catch the light airy feel of the tree and and the contrast between the reddish purple blooms and the all of the spring greens in the scene.

It’s pretty clear that the Red Baron Peach Tree in Filoli’s Heritage Orchard is the star of the show. The appearance of this brightly colored fruit tree loudly announces that spring is here in full force.

In this backlit early morning plein air piece I was drawn to the moody shadows and the sense of mystery. I decided not to include the ducks and frogs but they were certainly good company as I painted the spring fed pond.

I’ve enjoyed painting along this urban stream in San Jose many times. In this piece, I tried to catch the backlit tree and strong reflections it cast.

Fun to paint a bit of New Almaden with flags flying for 4th of July celebrations. This historic town is nestled in the San Jose foothills with a heritage associated with cinnabar mining and quicksilver (mercury) production.

This plein air piece was painted near the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite. I was tuning into the olive and rust colors of the rushing water in the early morning light.

The Spirit of Tahoe is berthed at a dock in South Lake Tahoe where it is ready for day long cruising excursions. Early in the morning it sees the arrival and departure of several smaller fishing charter boats. I painted this scene from a nearby dock with a great view of all the comings and goings. In this piece, I am working to capture that moment early in the morning when the sunshine catches the boats and brings on a glow. This was painted as Memorial Day was set to kick off the busy Tahoe summer season. Coming after a very snowy winter, I also enjoyed painting the mountain backdrop still covered in all its snowy glory.

I painted this in June along the banks of the South Fork of the Merced River near the Wawona Hotel. Most years, the willows would be defining the banks of the river. With the super wet winter we had, the willows now find themselves knee deep and in the midst of rushing water.

I painted this early in the morning from a small dock in South Lake Tahoe just as the sun was inching above the treetops. A flag was up alongside the small cabin on the left and with Memorial Day Approaching, I had to include it.

Tenaya Lake is magical. For me, it marked the end of a week long endurance-testing backpacking trip, the spot I first painted en plein air and the scene of a hasty one time only skinny dipping experience.  Here I am catching the lake in spring as the impossibly pink penstemon flowers make their appearance in nooks and crannies between granite rocks and in shaded lakeside patches.