Diablo Looking West

Here's another view from Mt. Diablo, looking west from a vantage point near the summit.  It was a vibrant Spring day and I was inspired to really push the color.  I love the cascade of hills and valleys from this vista and decided to exaggerate their contours with some swooping shapes and patterns.

"Diablo Looking West", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 16"

Diablo South Slope

I started this painting at Mt. Diablo in Northern California, alongside my friend and mentor Chris Carter. While many artists choose the spectacular, downhill vistas in this area, Chris suggested looking up. She was right -- what a glorious view! The striking, linear clouds and mid-day moon added a magical feeling to the day.

"Diablo South Slope", acrylic on canvas, 16" x 12"

Portrait of a beloved vacation home

"House on the Lake", oil on canvas, 15" x 30"

This painting was commissioned by Cathy Daniel as a surprise for her mother.  The house is nestled among beech trees on the shore of a scenic lake in Michigan.  Cathy asked me to include herself and her two brothers as children playing on the beach.  It was a joy to paint such a lovely home!

River Road Bridge

This beautiful bridge is just north of Isleton along the Sacramento River.  I started the painting on location last Fall, blocking it in with acrylic.  Once I got it home I decided to build the top layers in oil, and worked on it off-and-on, never feeling quite satisfied.  I was finally able to finish it over the Christmas holiday, and now I'm happy with it.  I'd like to paint this bridge again -- I love its balance of delicate laciness and massive strength.


"River Road Bridge", oil on canvas, 12" x 24"



On location

Initial block-in, in acrylic

Pearl E. Gates





Our model this week was the lovely Pearl E. Gates, burlesque artiste, sparkling in crystals and lace. With her radiant smile and cascade of golden hair it was a joy to draw her!



Seated gesture

Reclining gesture

Joyful dance pose

 



Magnoliah Black

Our model this week was the lovely Magnoliah Black, star of Rubenesque Burlesque, decked out in her cutest Christmas finery.  It was a treat to draw her!



Argyle socks

Detail

 

Seated pose

Detail

Gold bow

Gesture

Umbrella pose

Wrapped in ribbon

Detail

Sarah Christine

Here's model Sarah Christine wearing a feather headdress and fringe.  Sketched recently at our Brentwood figure group.





Sarah Christine, kneeling pose

Sarah Christine, heroic pose

Sarah Christine, gesture one

Sarah Christine, gesture two



Sarah Christine, seated pose