Oils

Winter Crocus

6″ x 8″ (private collection)

I was attracted to the idea of these blooms pushing their way through the snow in this painting I created with a palette knife and a very limited set of hues. This piece was part of a series of winter paintings done for a “Holiday Treasures Show” at Gallery 24.

Pescadero Beach

12″ x 12″ oil on panel

The stretch between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz is sometimes called the “Slow Coast.” It’s a wonderful area to spend a day painting. In this view I am looking down on a stretch of beach as the waves gently roll in.

Heritage Apricots

16″ x 20″ oil on linen panel

Before it was called Silicon Valley, this area was known as Blossom Valley. This painting reflects on this agricultural legacy. I love the twists and turns of apricot trees as they age.

Coastal Cypress

12″ x 16″ oil on linen panel

In this plein air piece (painted just north of Half Moon Bay) is focused on the shape of the trees and profusion of foreground texture. I decided to make room for a sliver of the ocean in the distance to give us a sense of place.

Beyond West Cliff

11″ x 14″ oil on linen panel

I’ve painted at Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz many times. In this piece, there is only a hint of the archway. Instead of focusing on the opening in rock formation, I’m taking in the effects of the sunshine bouncing everywhere and the colors reflected in the water.