I could go on and on about Pacific Grove. In this painting I was after the magical blues that show up late in the afternoon.
Afternoon Blues
6″ x 8″ (private collection)
Seascape
First Nocturne
I’ve painted at daybreak and at sunset but this is my first nocturne. I painted this from the wharf in Monterey Harbor. I was pretty happy that I thought to pack a headlamp with my gear!
I’m not sure how many nocturnes I’ll be doing. My husband wasn’t thrilled that I was out on my own in the dark but it sure was fun.
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)
Outcrop at Pigeon Point
6″ x 8″ (sold)
There are lots of beautiful scenes to paint near Pigeon Point Lighthouse and have almost painted this large rock outcrop several times. I did some rambling around to find it’s “good side” and had this go at it.
Trinidad Overlook
6″ x 6″ oil on linen panel
This view is from above Luffenholtz Beach in Humboldt County with views north toward Trinidad. It’s a beautiful spot and a lot to capture on this small panel.
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)