Los Vaqueros Spring

"Los Vaqueros Spring", acrylic on canvas, 8" x 24"

Started this painting with friends a few weeks ago at Los Vaqueros Watershed Park when the Spring terrain was aglow with vibrant greens.  With summer around the corner these hills will soon be turning to gold.

Chase the Wind

"Chase the Wind", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 16"

Started this painting with friends along Old Sand Creek Road a few weeks ago.  After a while it got so windy we all packed it in (tough to paint when your easel wants to fly like a kite!)  Finished it up in my studio this weekend working from memory and imagination.  I wanted to capture the feeling of that lovely, crisp spring day, with a pattern of wind-waves in the meadow and a sky full of mares' tails.

Bo Vixxen

"Bo as a Mermaid", charcoal and pastel

"Angel Bo", charcoal and pastel

"Ready to Fly", charcoal and pastel

Our model at the Brentwood figure group this week was the lovely Bo Vixxen.  For the first poses she donned a sparkly outfit and feathered wings to become a burlesque angel.  Then she morphed into a gorgeous mermaid with a slinky tail.  Such a joy to draw this beautiful woman!

Orchard Rhythms

"Orchard Rhythms", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12"

I love painting in our local orchards when they spring into glorious bloom each year!  Here I've tweaked reality with joyous color and patterns inspired by a radiant spirit of growth and renewal.

Diablo from Deer Valley

"Diablo from Deer Valley", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 16"

Started this a couple of weeks ago, painting with friends on Deer Valley Road in Antioch, and finished it in my studio today.  I'm really happy with this one!  I feel like it captures the joy I was feeling as I painted this glorious mountain on a spectacular spring day.

Seko Ranch, Spring

"Seko Ranch, Spring", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12"

I started this one last Sunday during our paint-out on Eureka Avenue in Brentwood, and finished it in my studio today.  Seko Ranch is so beautiful right now with all of the cherry trees in bloom. Can't wait to go back during cherry season (usually May) to buy their delicious fresh-picked cherries.  Seko has the best cherries around!

North Peak Rhythms

"North Peak Rhythms", acrylic on canvas, 12" x 16"

Here's my interpretation of Mt. Diablo's North Peak, started on location in Clayton in late January.   In my fantasy there's a gentle frosting of snow with a hint of poppies to come, and a feeling of spirit and peace radiates from the mountain.