Mitchell Canyon

"Mitchell Canyon", acrylic on linen 16" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Happy New Year!

Started this painting alongside Judith Kunzle and Samantha McNally, and finished in my studio today. Mitchell Canyon is a trailhead in Mt. Diablo State Park with beautiful views up the mountain's northern slopes. I love the gentle rhythm of the foothill ridges folding back and forth as they climb toward the summit.

Mid-Winter Improv

"Mid-Winter Improv", acrylic on linen 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Started from life, finished in fantasy. I needed a little mid-winter cheer! My model was a beautiful tree at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek, California.

Rose Hill Journey

"Rose Hill Journey", acrylic on canvas 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Rose Hill is a historic cemetery tucked into the hills of Black Diamond Mines, once the site of thriving coal mines and now a beautiful regional preserve in Northern California.  Crumbling headstones dot the terrain and ancient Cypress trees  connect earth and sky.

Some Enchanted Evening

"Some Enchanted Evening", acrylic on linen 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

I started this at a real farm in Brentwood, but as I worked it morphed into a moonlit labyrinth. I love combining plein air with fantasy!

October Garden

"October Garden", acrylic on linen 16" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Fall color in the Ruth Bancroft Garden means hot pink, turquoise blue, and every shade of green you can imagine. An artist's delight!

Deer Valley October

"Deer Valley October", acrylic on linen 12" x 16", © Nancy Roberts

Mt. Diablo and its foothills cradle an expanse of rugged ranch lands in far East Contra Costa County. Started this while painting with friends on Deer Valley Road in Antioch a few weeks ago, finished in my studio today. The warm October colors are cheering my heart on this cold, rainy day (although the rain is most welcome.)

Blake Garden Overlook

"Blake Garden Overlook", Acrylic on Canvas 16" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Blake Garden has spectacular bay views.  It was a joy painting with friends in this peaceful garden on a crisp, glittering Bay Area day.