Fragrant

 

oil on panel, 9" x 12"

This was an attempt to meld abstract and realist elements in a still life.  I was working from a bouquet of lilies on the kitchen table and didn't want to get too realistic but did want to suggest lilies.  More importantly, I wanted to convey their scent in pictorial form.  I'm already longing for spring.  Can you tell?

Springing

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

Just a spontaneous "mood" painting to help me switch hats.

Purple Parrot Tulip

acrylic on panel, 12" x 12"

This felt like an exercise in speed painting, as I had precious little time in which to do it.  That said, it came together quickly and I'm actually quite happy with the result. 

Old Magnolias

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

Spring fever is hitting me at the moment, and I'm seeing magnolia trees sprout their blossoms, so here's a little taste of spring.

Springers in Spring

acrylic on panel, 10" x 20"

I've heard young cows who have yet to give birth referred to as "springers."  I've been wanting to paint these springers in this scene since last spring, in fact.  So, now I've done it and I kinda like it.

Been to Church

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This was a quick exercise I made for myself to see how fast I could recreate a painting I had found online of what looked like a cathedral on a misty day framed by greenery, branches, and a few springtime blossoms.  I gave myself an hour and was very happy with the result.  My thanks to whoever the artist was!

Birds of Ellis Creek

acrylic on canvas, 12" x 24"

This is just a small sampling of birds to be found at Ellis Creek on any given day, a local wildlife sanctuary that I frequently visit.  On this particular day in spring and after a good rain, there were a number of egrets, along with the usual swans, Canadian geese, and even a great blue heron adding to the magic of the place.  I love Ellis Creek!

Fragile

acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"

In keeping with my yellow/gray exploration, I could go on and on adding branches, birds and butterflies to this painting.  Instead, I decided to quit before it loses its feeling of space, something I find rather appealing.  Those little yellow birds are warblers, and I love how their cool yellow color pops next the cool gray, in this case payne's gray.

Eye Candy

acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10"

A colorful little ditty, again using springtime as the theme.  When I think of spring, I mostly see pink and green, one of my favorite color pairings.

Red Bud

oil on canvas, 10" x 10"

I worked from a photo I had taken to create this painting of a scene I passed along Highway 162 last spring, a road full of breathtaking beauty at this time of year.  The magenta blossoms of the red bud bushes springing out of the bright green grass and set against the dark greens and blues of the many trees make for an eye-popping natural bouquet.  

Spring Scene, Eastside Petaluma

iPad painting, 10" x 14"

With this loose digital sketch, I tried to capture the pillowy lushness of spring growth in a field of weeds and mustard flowers on the Eastside of Petaluma. 

The Slough in Spring

iPad painting, 10" x 14"

This was done from a photo I took at Covelo Ranch in the spring, when the slough was full.  Now it is completely dried up and you can walk across the bed to the field beyond.  I loved the subtle gray-greens set against the pink of the plum blossoms and their reflections in the brown water, with the charming little turquoise foot bridge in the distance.  

Into the Mist

acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20"

I used a recent iPad painting as reference for this one.  

Springtime

iPad painting, 10" x 14"

Clark's Demo

acrylic on canvasboard, 6" x 12"