Ready to Bloom

"Ready to Bloom", acrylic on canvas 12" x 12" by Nancy Roberts, copyright 2016

The cherry orchards in Brentwood will be blooming soon, but for now the trees are still bare. I love the structure of their gnarly trunks and lacy branches. Just before the bloom the twigs at the crowns of the trees take on a lovely russet color that glows in the Spring sunshine.

I started this at a favorite spot on Eureka Avenue a few days ago and finished it in my studio today. For anyone who's interested, here are some photos of my process:

Sand Creek Valentine

"Sand Creek Valentine", acrylic on canvas 12" x 12" by Nancy Roberts, copyright 2016

Spent Valentine's Day painting with friends along Old Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. Recent plowing has created beautiful stripes on the gentle hills and remnants of an old almond orchard are in bloom. Now available at Delta Gallery in Brentwood, www.deltagallery.com.

Spring Terrain

"Spring Terrain", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12" by Nancy Roberts, copyright 2016

Started this last weekend at Los Vaqueros Watershed, painting with a group of friends. It was a lovely warm day after weeks of rain and the sunshine felt like heaven.  First day of Spring!

Trolls Selfie

"Trolls Selfie", oil on wood, 6" x 8" by Nancy Roberts, copyright 2016

Here are a couple of my favorite models posing prettily. (Sold)

Signe

"Signe", acrylic on canvas, 16" x 12"

Here is the lovely model Signe posing for our group at the Lafayette Studio on December 6. I thought it would be interesting to include the studio setting and a fellow artist to round out the composition.

Cheeky Enjoys a Quiet Moment

"Cheeky Enjoys a Quiet Moment", acrylic on canvas 8" x 8"

My mom bought this cute wooden monkey back in the 60's. With his sleek lines and hip personality he fit in well with our Danish Modern furniture, boomerang Formica counters and sunburst clock. I call him Cheeky.

Farm Fresh

"Farm Fresh", acrylic on canvas, 16" x 12"

I started this painting at the Brentwood Farmers' Market and finished it today in my studio.  My friend Anna Williams was kind enough to pose for me in the foreground, which was just the element the composition needed. (I'm afraid I haven't really captured her lovely likeness, though.) I love the beautiful, colorful jumble of fruit, veges and flowers at the market, especially early in the morning. I'm so not a morning person, but once I'm there I always feel joyful.