La Playa de Ludwigia

At Riverfront Regional Park in Windsor, I found this scene. This very pretty green beach along the edge of the river is composed of an invasive weed, Ludwigia.

Spring Lake

While the Monday Morning painters gathered at Spring Lake on the boat launch, I chose instead to paint from the south side of the lake. While I find this ever changing water scene to be a challenge, I wanted to tackel the view once again. As I painted I was amazed at the number of people out walking, running and biking in comparison to years past. I didn't put any of them into my painting, though. That will be my next plein air challenge at Spring Lake.

Vineyard in Kenwood

The group gathered at Landmark Vineyard on the final day of Judy Butler's two day workshop, where we tried out using BIG brushes and LOOSE strokes. It was fun, and we're looking forward to the next workshop this fall.

The Artist at Work

Last Monday's venue for Monday Morning Painters was the Healdsburg Veterans Memoral Beach, but I chose to paint the old railroad station nearby. While I was hard at work, John Farnsworth (the junior) painted me and gave me the painting. Not only does this painting capture the essence of me, it is nicely rendered. Thank you John, and check out his blog at http://www.gringopaints.blogspot.com/

Matanzas Lavender

The glorious lavender fields at Matanzas Creek Winery beckon many plein air painters during the June blooming season. I love the contrast of the orange unbrellas.

Along the Carissa Highway

Last month I drove to Atascadero, CA where I visited family and searched for wildflowers that grace the western side of San Luis Obispo county. Along the Carissa Highway the hillsides and plains are blanketed with wildflowers in April. Driving this scenic road is a step into the past, an awesome experience in a disappearing American landscape.

Poppies in Paris, ID

Last July I was in Paris (Idaho) for a family reunion where cousins I hadn't seen for too many years to count gathered together to celebrate our lives. Paris is a very small farming community in southern Idaho whose population of 546 has declined since the last census. While strolling along the short main street I happened upon these images that knew I would paint someday. Well, it's not a plein air painting, but I didn't take my painting gear with me.