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.

Sbargia Winery

This is a great place to paint with vast views looking south. It's near Lake Sonoma in Healdsburg, CA, and the people are very friendly and inviting. They even brought us bottled water, so we wouldn't pass out in the heat.

Views at the Top

Patio Retreat

I did a plein air scene in a retreat in the Valley of the Moon. I liked the unusual subject matter and the shadows, plus the shape of the tree trunk that seemed to pick up the curves of the pots and leaves coming out of them.

John's Garden

Marilyn and John live on a fabulous piece of land in Healdsburg, CA, where Marilyn is a Master Gardener and has landscaped multi-acres. Every once in a while they invite people to paint their place. What a treat! There's never ending material to paint. This piece is a converted barn, now a guest house surrounded with gorgeous flower beds.