Nocturne Oak

"Oak At Night "

6" X 6" Oil on Panel
I was talking to some friends at a show last night and the subject came up about nocturnes. When I decided to get something onto this panel I figured why not go with a nocturne. I always enjoy painting them...something about playing with the different amounts of light and color is always just too much fun. Plus nocturnes have a mysterious look to them. Whistler was onto something! hahaha.

Caifornia Oak

"California Oak"

6" x 6" Oil on panel

A more greener version of the California oak tree. I like the paint them in a more olive drab color...even a reddish color but you have to think "variety". They say it's the spice of life. I think humor is the spice of life. I have grown up with oak trees as a prime part of the California landscape. We had them all over Pasadena and it would be hard to imagine growing up without having climbed around in an oak tree to pass the summertime. In California we now have a law against cutting oak trees down. Good law! We have several oak trees here at the house and have no inclination to cut into one. We wouldn't dare!

$115.00

Trying Lukas Paints

"Hillside Trail"

5" X 7" Oil on panel

The nice thing about being a painter is being able to try out the various brands of professional oil paints. I tend to paint normally with Winsor & Newton artist paints because I love their color and am very familiar with their mixing combinations. This painting however was painted using Lukas 1862 oil paints. Lukas has such a buttery feel and great color. The Lukas company has been around for ages and are a pretty trusted name. In a letter to Theo, Van Gogh mentioned how he should have used Lukas paint on a particular painting so I'm very happy with the company of artists who have used Lukas paint. If you get the chance to try them out go for it.

$100.00

Spring!

"Spring Oak"

6"x6" Oil on panel

Spring has arrived here in the valley. In a drive the other day down to Santa Barbara I spotted the California poppies and lupine along the road and beginning to grow up the slopes. With all of the rains we had this winter this should be a great spring. Around her you have to enjoy it while it lasts because soon the summer will turn the hills nice and brown. Warm ochres are the norm here in summer and I love it!

$115.00