Magical Morning at Asoleado

I finally finished the piece I started just before our wedding and our subsequent trip to the Southwest....(more about that later).

The inspiration for this painting was a magical morning we had here at Asoleado last February. I woke up just as the first delicate streaks of dawn were painting the horizon. All around was an inch and a half of snow! I woke up Michael, and he and I wandered from window to window watching the light shift and change into day on the sparkling snowy fields and trees. Michael's camera was whizzing and clicking. He got some wonderful shots, some of which are absolutely destined to be reference for paintings. This may not sound exciting to those of you who live in more temperate climates, but for this Swedish-born Eastcoaster turned California person it was a real treat.

Another plus- I'm thinking the subject will make me feel cool during the hot summertime here in the mountains of the Los Padres (that and our neighbor's pool).

The title is "Snowy Morning at Asoleado"  16 x 20.

oops

I forgot some key information- the piece on the bottom is "The Slough at Sunset" 12 x 16, and the top image is "Lonesome Road" 24 x 36

two new pieces

I just love the way the sunset colors tint the land and sky- in these two pieces I am particularly interested in the way the shimmering water and the tips of the grasses pick up the fading light.

here's the pic

new painting, new subject

So here's my latest piece. 12" x 24" "Spanish Revellers"

It's been ages since I have worked with the human form. I'm amazed at how quickly it all came back! What a joy to work with these bright yellows and reds... they are tones that rarely show in the landscapes and seascapes that I usually do.

We were in Madrid the night the local football team won a major championship, and there was celebrating everywhere. The mural on the wall is a copy of the famous Velasquez painting "The Drinkers".

It just goes to show that partying has long been a favorite pastime in Spain! (just one of the many things we loved about it...)