April's end

nearly the last day of April - a hectic month getting ready for the show at Easton Gallery:

It's such an honor to be included with this group of artists in this beautiful and important gallery. Ellen Easton has been the preeminent supporter of landscape painters in Santa Barbara for so long, with the Oak Group painters and others, as well as publishing 3 beautiful and informative art books, 'Ranchos', 'Gardens of Santa Barbara' and 'the Santa Clara Valley of Ventura County'.

This will be the last show, as Ellen has decided to retire. It will be a grand party to honor her and her long commitment to the local art community.

I'll be showing 6 oil paintings and 11 gouaches. Will depend on how much the wall can hold and still look good. There are well over 80 pieces of work from all the other participating artists - so a rich and varied show!

Reception is on May 5 and the show will be up through July 30.

In the middle of all this preparation, I was able to get to Santa Cruz Island with friends for an overnight camp trip. lots of hiking, lots of photos and lots of island foxes. It was just gorgeous - green grass, wildflowers, beautiful vistas, the air and water -

oil drilling hut
santa cruz island
gouache
4"x6"

old wind mill, santa cruz island

gouache, 4"x4"

Also keeping up painting with the Rose Compass group and our "River's Journey" project. We had the opportunity to paint at Live Oak Camp - normally not open except for groups and events. Lovely to have it all to ourselves.

Plus our Monday painting days have been spent near the River as well. It's a changing environment - still water running in the river toward Cachuma Lake.

clouds breaking up near paradise camp

gouache, 4"x4"

young sycamores

gouache, 3"x5"

One more announcement: my work was chosen for the annual Westmont Museum tri-county juried art exhibit. This year the theme is "Out of Place". Very exciting, as only 52 pieces were chosen from 340 entries. I'll be showing 3 of my 'small shack' series: Sierra Resort Shack, Salinas Pump House, Lompoc Train Shack. You can see these on previous posts. Show opens on May 18, reception from 4-6 pm and closes June 24.