Castle Rock Morning

"Castle Rock Morning," Acrylic on Canvas 16" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Morning light silhouettes a stony ridgeline and bathes the valley in cool shadow on a crisp Autumn day at Castle Rock, near Mt. Diablo in Northern California.

Castle Rock Spirit

"Castle Rock Spirit," acrylic on canvas 16" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

My friend Judith Kunzle helped me discover this special place tucked into the foothills of Mt. Diablo in Northern California. At the top of a rugged trail you come face-to-face with these magnificent stone cliffs -- overwhelmingly beautiful! I decided to carve out a design of strong shapes and brilliant color to convey the powerful spirit of this land, this sky, this day.

Diablo Foothills

"Diablo Foothills", Acrylic on Canvas 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

This beautiful, peaceful valley nestles into the foothills of Mt. Diablo in Northern California.  On a hot, dry October day, Autumn color vibrated just beneath the surface and the calls of Peregrine falcons pierced the air.

Summer Haze, Lake Chabot

"Summer Haze, Lake Chabot," Acrylic on Linen 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

On a hot, spare-the-air day in the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Chabot and its cradle of hills were draped in a soft, smoggy haze. Marshy circles created a beautiful pattern across the water's surface.

Across the Strait

"Across the Strait", Acrylic on Canvas 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

All along Benicia's waterfront you get these fantastic views across the Carquinez Strait to the northern rim of Contra Costa County. The hills are still wild territory with a patchwork of tawny grass and rugged oaks that cast beautiful shadow patterns and reflections. Endless inspiration for painters!

August Afternoon, Benicia

"August Afternoon, Benicia", Acrylic on Canvas 8" x 10", © Nancy Roberts

Painted with friends Judith Kunzle and Barbara Tapp at a cozy little beach along the Benicia shoreline.  It was so peaceful painting to the gentle sounds of lapping waves, distant trains, shorebirds, and families playing with their dogs. The perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!

Barbara Tapp (left) and Nancy Roberts at work.  Photo by Judith Kunzle.

My set-up.

Del Valle Spring

"Del Valle Spring", Acrylic on Linen 12" x 16", © Nancy Roberts

Lake Del Valle is the centerpiece of a beautiful regional park just south of Livermore in the San Francisco Bay Area. On the first sunny day after weeks of rain the lake sparkled with reflected color. It was a joy to paint in this lovely, peaceful location.

I started this one at the lake, but ran into some problems and decided to let it rest for awhile. After looking at it with fresh eyes this week I was finally able to pull it together.  Each painting is a puzzle!