July 4 New Almaden

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

Fun to paint a bit of New Almaden with flags flying for 4th of July celebrations. This historic town is nestled in the San Jose foothills with a heritage associated with cinnabar mining and quicksilver (mercury) production.

Dock Mates

11″ x 14″ oil on linen panel

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.

Garrapata Glow

8″ x 8″ 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”