Storage shed at Soka University grounds, Malibu, CA

This is a quick 9x12 water color on 140 lb. Arches cold pressed. Nice windy day but bright, low winter sun. Just a little storage shed. The bird actually did land there for a few moments, so I included him in the sketch. About 90 minutes painted all on site.

Peter Strauss Ranch 10-7-06

I painted this on site at Peter Strauss Ranch in the Morning. Spent a couple of hours on it and finished it on site. Actual size is 12x16 inches painted on Arches 140 lb cold press block.

Kanab Bluffs 6-3-06

This is a watercolor sketch done from the front porch of the Goodfellow house. We stayed in this house for a family reunion about 9 miles East of Kanab, Utah. The color of the cliffs and the expansive view was amazing.

I don't usually use white opaque gouache on my water colors, but I thought I would try a little to indicate the ranch houses in the distance and the dead branches on the near junipers.

I didn't spend much time improving the composition and I think it shows. I pretty much painted what I saw in about two hours start to finish in one setting. If I ever do a studio version, I would design a more dynamic composition.

Finished size is 12"x16" on D'Arches 140 lb. cold pressed paper (WC block).

Soka University Abandoned House 5-13-06

Watercolor done on site Soka University grounds 5-13-06 (12x16)

This watercolor was a bit large for a quick on site painting. I started paying too much attention to detail considering I had 3 hours or so to start and finish the painting. It was a good exercise for me with a wide range of values to deal with. The location was great and I had several other inspirations for paintings that I would love to go back and paint sometime.

I went with my son Craig again, who starts back up at Art Center this week, so it may be some time until we have a chance to go together again. Hr has a digital landscape painting class this semester and I hope to be able to learn from him as he experiences this class.

Our family has a trip scheduled to Kanab, Utah on Memorial day and I will be bringing my painting equipment, so I hope I will be able to post some additional work that will get done on that trip.

Malibu Creek State Park 5-6-06

Gouache painted on site (8x10)

Gouache painted on site (8x10)

Gouache painted on site (13x10)

These sketches were done at Malibu Creek State Park on the same day in the order shown. You can see how the light changed from overcast to sunny as the day progressed. It was a beautiful day with a breeze. Sitting under an oak tree in the shade and enjoying the view was really relaxing.

I went with my son Craig who was on break between semesters at Art Center College of Design. The spot we chose was opposite the old MASH set across Malibu Creek. We saw many families, hikers and equestrians coming down the road as we sat and painted.

Charmlee 4-29-06

Watercolor sketch done on site (12x16)

Water color sketch painted on site (12x16)

Gouache sketch done above Point Dume (5x8)

These three paintings were done on the same day at Charmlee Park above Malibu. It was a great day starting out a bit overcast and then getting sunnier.