Sketchbook

My mom and I were so fortunate in the timing of our recent visit to Yosemite arriving between closures for spring flood risks and early summer overcrowding. The weather was perfect too. Mostly the visit was a chance to enjoy the beauty that is Yosemite with mom, but I did have a chance for a little painting.

The painting on the left was painted near the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite Park in the early morning. I was struck by the variations between rust and olive tones in the dark water as it flowed over granite slabs. The middle piece was painted mid-day at the point where Teneya Creek leaves Mirror Lake. There was considerably more flow than I’ve seen in previous spring visits yet the water is shallow in this spot passing over a sandy bottom. This is what gives rise to the pronounced chartreuse colors. My final plein air painting for the trip was alongside the South Fork of the Merced river near the Wawona Lodge. These willow bushes usually line the shore. Here they find themselves stranded in the midst of the rushing water.

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff for the Tahoe summer season. I was so fortunate to be invited to stay with good friends the week before this summer start. There was lots of time for hiking at favorite spots and enjoying the rush of waterfalls after our wet winter.

I was able to spend time painting before breakfast. These three paintings were done from a beach with a pier that was just steps away. Lucky me!

Spring 2023 is a stunner and it was a beautiful time to be in the blooming desert. I spent a week with friends exploring Joshua Tree, enjoying a poolside jazz event and hiking Indian Canyon Trails.

Here are watercolors from my sketchbook.

The first is a sunrise view from the hotel. The second is of a nearby historic adobe. The last two are from Indian Canyons.

I have visited the Palm Springs area many times. Still, this is only the second time I ventured into Indian Canyons which now tops my must do list in the area. The palm trees here are the only type that are native to California. There were ample spring wildflowers this year and with ample shade and water in the river it absolutely delivered on a full on oasis vibe.

I have traveled with these amazing friends each year (except for that first pandemic year) for decades so I will end here with a photo of them in Joshua Tree National Park.

It’s been quite of a winter where I live so for the first day of spring here are a couple of watercolors featuring early blooming quince.

Hang in there … we’ll be drying out soon!

I lived in Colorado for six years and return to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and good friends as often as I can. This visit offered up a chance to paint aspen trees. The two views on the left are painted in oil. The one on the right is a watercolor.

When the California Art Club’s San Francisco Chapter announced a plein air painting event in Yosemite a few friends and I quickly signed up. As it turned out there were 60 participants and it was so much fun. Here are 4 of my paintings from this trip to Yosemite.

The last painting is my favorite from this trip to Yosemite and it was later purchased. Here’s a photo one of my painting friends took of me as I was just beginning this piece.

One of the great joys in outdoor painting is getting to know an area in a way that is personal and deeply experienced. This painting trip was especially delightful in that I was able to share it with some amazing painter friends. We set off for a morning spot and an afternoon spot each day. In the evenings we returned to a large ocean front house we rented to share dinner and look at that day’s work. I am, bit by bit, becoming a better painter. Painting immersion with a group like this is as valuable as a class with a master painter to generate growth.

The six paintings above were hung at a lovely art gallery for a show that included about two dozen participating artists. I was so happy that my painting “Ready to Go” received an award for “Best representational Painting.” It’s the one first painting in the gallery above. I so appreciate the Redwood Art Association for hosting this terrific event. See you next year.

I hadn’t explored the Whitehouse Trail area of Ano Nuevo before the pandemic but it became a treasured spot for fresh air, coastal views and painting.

A collector who appreciated an 8″ x 10″ plein air piece I completed onsite asked me if I could paint a similar view in a 18″ x 24″ format.

What a fun project and great to learn that “Ano Nuevo Bluffs” was so happily received and displayed in the collector’s new San Francisco home.