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.

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