Saving Daylight

After many days of rain, fantastic lightening and thunder, rainbows and the beautiful clouds, green hills and sunshine, it's nice to have longer day length edging back in. Turning the clock to "spring forward" is always an adjustment.

Last Monday we painted at San Marcos preserve again with great clouds moving over the mountains. Clouds have to be one of the most difficult things to capture in paint, so whenever I see someone who has mastered those constantly changing, ephemeral masses and wisps, I take notice.

cloudy sky, oil on panel, 8x10"

Back in the studio I am working on quick studies from photographs I've taken, taking to heart the approach that Matt Smith showed us. Trying to keep it simple and use color and light to make the painting.

Ellwood bluffs, oil on panel, 9x12"

Toland Park, oil on panel, 8 1/2x11