Cotati Pastures

Some painting friends from Monday Morning Painters used to have an annual pot luck, paint out, and critique at their place. This pasture adjoins their property. I loved he colors. The foreground was painted with a pallette knife.

Pond at Saralee's Vineyards

These vineyards and property are spectacular with multiple areas to choose for painting. I had tried to paint this pond before, but didn't love the results, so I thought I would try again. The reflections were perfect that day and I think I pretty much captured them. This painting is 16"x12" done en plein air (alla prima).

Afternoon Flower Garden

A few weeks ago I painted this property from the side yard. This time I saw the beautiful flowers and late afternoon shadows on the planter boxes and had to paint it. This place is in Bodega, CA, and the owners say it's been painted countless times. Can you see why? Plus the weather was gorgeous and stayed that way all day.

Old Mill Challenge

This was the Old Mill challenge at Dailypaintworks.com, done from their photo. I cleaned it up a bit taking out some bushes and limbs. I'd like to be here.

Poplars

While at a paint out in Alexander Valley in Healdsburg, CA, I was struggling to find something to paint when I saw these poplars and pasture gate. It was a challenge because of all of the green, so I tried to get a variety of greens. I also tried to create a pattern of darks to move your eye throught the composition.