Oils

I enjoy painting in Montalvo’s Italian garden. In this view, I am drawn to the morning light patterns on the columns and the orange quince in the foreground.

Many of the golden aspen leaves remain along Rush Creek in the Eastern Sierras even as the first dusting of snow arrives at elevation on Carson Peak. This studio painting was developed from several October plein air pieces painted at this along this creek in the June Lakes area.

Exhibited …

2026 – Los Gatos Art Association, Juried Painting Show

I started this painting just as the morning sun rose above the canyon’s cliffs. I was mesmerized by the colorful shapes as the aspen and cottonwood trees lit up. I was also buffeted by wind. There may be an errant seed or two from the brush around my painting spot that remains embedded in this piece.

Exhibited …

2026 – Los Gatos Art Association, Juried Painting Show (awarded Honorable Mention)

I painted this at a charming winery nearby just as the wisteria was in full bloom. When I painted this the winery was still family owned. It has since had a change of ownership and it is now called Cordevalle.

There is something magical about sunny winter days on our local coast. I painted this piece on a perfect day in Capitola. As I began painting the sun was bouncing golden tones into the water beneath the cliffs. I so enjoyed all of the activity … kayakers, a few paddling surfers and Monarch Butterflies passing by. Perfection.

My trip to Tahiti included lots of time in the water and a little painting with watercolor. Painting this small oil at home using a watercolor sketch as a reference took me back.

In this painting I’m leaning into the strong diagonals in the foreground and the shimmer of the early spring sunshine hitting the rock outcropping beyond.

Some spring days are rainy and gray. Others are filled with a warming sun and fruit trees in bloom. I was savoring just that kind of day as I was painting this apple tree in a neighborhood park.

The coastal walk along the bluff trail at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve is one of my absolute favorites. I painted this on-site and focused on the elegant lines of a tall cypress trees hanging on at cliff’s edge.

I’ve painted the San Francisco Sea Scouts many times. I really love the red SSS Viking. This time I have included the SSS Corsair. Most often, the Viking is used by the young women, while the Corsair is used by the young men. Overall, the sea Scouts offer a great nautical experience building confidence and sailing skills. The Sea Scout base is in Aquatic Park. Here you see Ghirardelli Square and the city unfold beyond the sails.