Champagne Trees

"Champagne Trees", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 24"

I started this painting last Spring in the cherry orchard on Eureka Avenue in Brentwood.  The trees had just been pruned with these amazing, uniform flat tops.  I've heard this is done to make it easier for people to reach the highest cherries during U-pick season.  As I developed the painting the tree shapes started to remind me of champagne glasses, and the big bubbles appeared. Lacy roots keep the trees from floating away.

In progress



Plein air in the orchard, Spring 2015

Brentwood Tractor

"Brentwood Tractor", acrylic on linen, 16" x 12"

The East Contra Costa Historical Museum in Brentwood has a wonderful collection of vintage tractors.  I started this painting there last weekend during a paint-out with friends, and finished it in my studio today.  The view toward Diablo was actually over my left shoulder, but I decided to include it with the tractor because they seemed to belong together. (Sold)

My painting in progress at the East Contra Costa Historical Museum, 11/1/15

Duck on a Bike

"Duck on a Bike", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 9"

I have a great collection of vintage toys, and this colorful tin litho duck is one of my favorites. When you wind him up he pedals his little tricycle and his propeller hat spins furiously. So fun to paint!

The Divine Goddess

"Michelle Stretching", charcoal and pastel

Our model at the figure group last week was Michelle, a beautiful dancer and aerialist dressed in her ballet gear. Her poses were lovely. It's easy to see why she bills herself as "The Divine Goddess!"


"Pensive", charcoal and pastel

"Lacing her Shoes", charcoal and pastel

"Michelle's Back", charcoal and pastel

Paris Sketches



Eiffel Tower

We went to Paris in September -- it was fantastic! We rented an apartment on the top floor of a 19th century building across the street from the Jardin des Tuileries and a five-minute walk from the Louvre. The views from our balconies were spectacular! We could see the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, the Hotel des Invalides (Napoleon's Tomb), the Grand Palais, and of course, the Eiffel Tower.  I didn't do nearly as much sketching as I'd thought I would, but I did manage to do these sketches from our balcony.  I took a lot of photos, though, so I have a wealth of images and memories to paint from. So inspired!

The Louvre

The Musee d'Orsay

Hotel des Invalides (dome) and Basilique de Ste. Clotilde (spires)

Susan Monson as La Bonniche

Our model at the Brentwood figure group this week was the beautiful and talented Susan Monson, in character as La Bonniche, the French upstairs maid (aka the girlfriend.)  So fun!

"I will dust your house, but I will not enjoy it!", acrylic on paper

"La Bonniche, Gesture", acrylic on paper

"Dusting Le Tour Eiffel", acrylic on paper

"Le Break", acrylic on paper

"Le Big Pillow", acrylic on paper

"Catching up on le news", acrylic on paper



"Un Petit Nap", acrylic on paper

"Tea with Hedwig", acrylic on paper

"La Bonniche Dreams of Becoming an Actress", acrylic on paper

Vaudie Va Boom

Our model at the Brentwood figure group last night was the lovely Vaudie Va Boom sporting a retro red minidress and shades. In the portrait I'm afraid I didn't really capture her likeness, but I hope it at least catches a glimmer of her glowing spirit.

 

Vaudie Va Boom, acrylic on paper

Vaudie Reclining, acrylic on paper

Gesture with Sunglasses, acrylic on paper

Vaudie at the Table's Edge, acrylic on paper

 

Vaudie Becomes One with the Chair, acrylic on paper