Larkspur 4x6in. paper framed I am now also working in watercolors to capture wildflowers  here in the Sierra. I like painting them on location.

Butterflies are everywhere \          This week the sky is fluttering with groups of Pale Swallowtails in groups of 3 or more spiraling upward .They are looking for females and chasing off other males. I counted over 20 in one area flying over strong scented White Mountain Lilac or Snow Flurry. First time I have ever … More Pale Swallowtails

The annual beginning of summer plein air painting of the shack or as I call it a Truckee Fixer Upper. We had lots of rain in May and color is popping up. I will finish and sign at studio. Arrowroot blooming is blooming so I sat and did a watercolor sketch while eating lunch. First … More Green on Green

Last of Winter Linen panel framed 12x9in There wasn’t much change to paint this day with a storm forecasted. I thought I could get some photos, but ended up with a sweet 12x9in painting of the storm rolling in over the mountains. Detail I unclipped painting and it fell over onto my palette. So the … More Last of Winter in Squaw

I painted this view many times in the fall. Here is a early summer view of the Truckee River Downtown Truckee 10x10in thick canvas I liked the small amount of snow left on the Sierra Crest. Abstract tree detail

Summit painting before the rain The sun was only out for a moment and the painting represented the grey day, but got too dark and flat in color values. I will go back and use this spot in the next few months

Painting in campsite I painted early morning next to the Merced River The view was worth the cold nights. Turn my chair around and I had a view of Half Dome It was May and the dogwoods were in full bloom with river roaring and falls blasting enough to hear them in bed at night. … More Yosemite View

This year we have the poppies are cropping up in clusters, but are missing spreads of wildflowers. I went up and did a quick sketch before the coming storm. Big Rock Poppies 7x5in. Then I came home and painted a 8x10in panel in oil from the sketch. It is now framed and in HCH

This barn is up in Modoc County. It is in the Fandango Pass,  which marks the convergence of two famous pioneer trails, the Applegate Trail and the Lassen Trail. I wonder how the roof looks now after a few years of bad weather. Fandango 36x36in. High Camp Home I think the detail would make a … More Fandango Barn

I took a two day workshop from one of my favorite artists, Dana Hooper. She taught us how to use blocking and large brushes to get the subject matter down quickly.  I am looking forward to using her techniques in my paintings. By pushing  my colors I was outside my comfort zone. It was also … More Dana Hooper Workshop