Pacific Checkmate

11″ x 14″ oil on linen panel

I had to scramble to try to catch the late afternoon light streaming between these rock monoliths at Sue-Meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s Point). The stone towers seemed to be in conversation or perhaps in the midst of a chess match.

Exhibited …

2024 – Coastal Arts League “Iconic California”

2022 – Redwood Art Association “Humboldt Open”

Sturdy Cypress

9″ x 12″ oil on linen panel

I painted this from Moonstone Beach in Westhaven California. As I began the painting the fog was lifting so I raced to catch the veil it cast over the distant trees before the sun took over which it did for about 20 minutes. After that, the fog came back in full force. So … this painting is really about the moments in-between and catching a sense of peace even as things constantly change.

Exhibited …

2022 – Redwood Art Association “Humboldt Open”

Celadon Morning

12″ x 16″ oil on linen panel

I painted this from a hill above Trinidad California. This area has become one of my favorites anywhere. Here, I’ve tried to catch the celadon cast of the water on a quiet September morning.

Exhibited …

2023 – Coastal Arts League “Member Show”

2022 – Redwood Art Association “Humboldt Open” (Honorable Mention)

Incoming

9″ x 12″ oil on linen panel

As I was setting up my painting gear the fog dissolved leaving a perfect day for painting and enjoying the rocky shore at Pacific Grove. There was just enough time to capture the image before the rocks gave way to the incoming surf and rising tide.

Exhibited …

2023 – Coastal Arts League “Seasons of Beauty” (2nd place award)

2022 – Los Gatos Art Association “Juried Member Show” (Honorable Mention)

Coming and Going

9″ x 12″ oil on linen panel

I painted this on a day when weather reports indicated the sun would be fleeting. Instead, it was sunshine all day. Such a joy! This painting began with an interest in the reflections of boats in the Santa Cruz Harbor. From my painting spot I was able enjoy the activity of sailors and kayakers heading in and out.

Exhibited …

2024 – New Museum Los Gatos “Greater Bay Area Open”

2023 – Coastal Arts League “Seasons of Beauty” (2nd place award)

Coastal Shimmer

11″ x 14″ (private collection)

I was attracted to this scene by the sandstone pillar’s angular puzzle shapes. Then, as the morning sun illuminated the distant bluff at just right angle, I was taken by the the warm green reflections in the water. That moment of morning shimmer persists in my memory even as the bluffs themselves erode and change.

Exhibited …

2022 – Coastal Arts League “Annual Juried Painting Show” (Honorable Mention)

Standing Watch

12″ x 9″ (private collection)

As I was setting my gear to paint this scene at Sue-Meg State Park (formerly Patrick Point), it was clear the weather was about to change. Blue sky to the right. A bank of clouds to the left. I noticed a gorgeous celadon color in the water and hung on to that as worked as rapidly as I could to capture the moment.

Ready to Go

11″ x 14″ oil on linen panel

The gorgeous color of the backlit water drew me to this late morning scene in the harbor of Trinidad California. I painted this for the 2021 Humboldt Plein Air Paint Out and was delighted later to learn I received an award for “Best Representational Work.”