Mitchell Canyon Revisited

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

Here's a newly-revised version of a painting I started a few months ago at Mitchell Canyon, a beautiful valley at the base of Mt. Diablo in Northern California. I liked the painting's structure, but felt it needed some lightening and brightening to really bring it to life.  I love having the freedom to give my paintings a make-over when they ask for it!

March Peach Trees

"March Peach Trees", acrylic on canvas 12" x 16", © Nancy Roberts

Every year the peach orchards in Brentwood burst into bloom with spectacular pink flowers. It was a joy to paint there with friends on a sunny Spring day!

Color Journeys

I'm happy with my new show "Color Journeys" at Benicia Plein Air Gallery! My opening reception is this Saturday, April 6 from 4 to 6 pm. If you're in the Bay Area this weekend I hope you'll drop by!  "Color Journeys" runs through May 5 at Benicia Pleiln Air Gallery, 307 First St. in historic downtown Benicia, CA 94510, open Thursdays through Sundays noon to 6 pm. Learn more at www.BeniciaPleinAir.com

Diablo Between Storms

"Diablo Between Storms", acrylic on canvas 4" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

A rare chilly day in East Contra Costa County, with storm clouds hovering around Mt. Diablo. Snow from the night before was melting before my eyes as I painted this view from my studio window! 

Vaqueros Spring

"Vaqueros Spring", Acrylic on Panel, 9" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

Los Vaqueros Watershed is a beautiful, peaceful valley near Brentwood in Northern California. On this early Spring day the terrain glowed with iridescent greens while icy blue hints of Winter still lingered in the shadows.

Black Diamond Winter

"Black Diamond Winter", acrylic on linen 12" x 12", © Nancy Roberts

I've been enjoying my studio time during this cold weather. Finished this one today, started at Black Diamond a few months ago. Hoping to convey the feeling of a mysterious terrain mantled in subdued colors and icy light.

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.