Painting the Foothills

"Foot Of The Figueroas"

12"x16" Oil on Canvas
The Figueroa mountains line the northern half of our valley. My backyard is pointed right at them so I get to see them throughout the year in various light and shadow. I grew up right below the San Gabriel mountains living less than 2 miles from their base. Always having large mountains within walking distance has sort of stuck with me and I think I'd go crazy living anywhere away from the mountains.

Moonrise Near Adobe Creek

"Moonrise Near Adobe Creek"

6"x 6" Oil on Panel
Another view over my neighbors field. The distant mountain range are the Figueroa mountains. In the mornings I can see the grasses on them but by late afternoon they turn some very wonderful colors of blue....the clouds pink up and it makes for a very nice time of day.

$115.00

On The Easel

"At The Foothills"

24" X 36" Oil on Canvas
I've been working on this piece for the last 3 days. This is a scene at the foothills along the north side of the Santa Ynez valley. The mountains are the Figueroas and are about 10 minutes from my house. I did this painting from a reference photo I took in the evening about 2 years ago. I love the warm earth tones you get in the evening, probably my favorite light. This painting is at the stage where I have called it "done" which means it will sit for the next 2 or 3 days and I'll take another look to see if there is some part of it that could use a touch up.

Valley Oak

"Valley Oak"

5" x 7" Oil on Panel
More of the ever present oak trees familiar to the California landscape. Oak trees are pretty fun to paint. They have a very common shape which is somewhat an oval with large clumps jutting out...like layering snowballs on top of each other. Oaks have great shadows too especially in late afternoon. From the road along the ridge of Foxen Canyon you can see oaks sprawled across the hills at the base of the Figueroa mountains...it's a great sight.
$100.00