Oils – Page 15 – Leslie Landers

Dock Mates

11″ x 14″ (private collection)

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.

Exhibited …

2023 – Coastal Arts League “Seasons of Beauty”

River Willows

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

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.

Exuberant Aspen

8″ x 8″ sold

I love the way aspen groves come alive in the spring sparking with lemon lime shimmering leaves. It’s that movement, I am most trying to catch here.

Garrapata Glow

12″ x 12″ oil on linen panel

I have mixed feelings about the iceplant we see along the Northern California coast. I know it isn’t native and that it’s invasive. Still it can be so beautiful. In this plein air piece I’m drawn to the backlit glow brought on by the rising sun as the fog lifts.

Exhibited …

2024 – Coastal Arts League “Iconic California”

Wave Action

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

The sliver of blue sky only made a brief appearance when I was painting this from a bluff in Half Moon Bay. Still, that was the moment I had to catch.

Rebecca’s Hollyhocks

8″ x 10″ oil on panel

Most Monday’s, I paint outside painters affiliated with the Los Gatos Art Association. I met Rebecca when I first joined the group. She’s the group’s heartbeat. These Hollyhocks and hydrangeas were painted in Rebecca’s backyard a couple of years ago. I pulled this painting out of a group of paintings with happy memories on a recent cloudy and added in a few more hollyhocks just because.

Tahoe Speedboats

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

I painted this from a small dock in South Lake Tahoe just before Memorial Day weekend. I always think of that as the launch of the summer season in Tahoe. I hope these boats and their people have enjoy a wonderful summer on the lake.

May Roses

6″ x 8″ oil on linen panel

I painted these sherbet-colored roses at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. May roses always remind me that summer is on it’s way.

Nola’s Irises

10″ x 8″ (sold)

The eastern foothills of San Jose is home to a delightful iris grower managed by Nola. They have graciously hosted a group of painters from the Los Gatos Art Association each spring during peak bloom. You can visit too and you are able to order your favorite iris varieties online. If you can manage to choose amongst them.

Miramontes Afternoon

8″ x 10″ (private collection)

There are so many places to paint along the California Coastal Trail. This spot is just spot is just south of the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. In this piece, I am particularly interested in the subtle variations in the reflections as seen in the wet sand.