A Zen Piece

The cold weather dredged up memories of a warmer time and the tranquility of a koi pond.

After a good aerobic workout in the snow, I was calm enough to visit this quiet place in my mind. Yes, such a place does exist....stop laughing.

I worked transparently for much of the picture, reserving opaque paints for the fish, lily-pads and surface of the water. There were objects reflected on the water, but I edited them out, going for simplicity and quiet.

These dark, transparent paintings are difficult to photograph and the new camera mocks me or I'd have posted sooner. It's still not even close, but all I can do for now.

Cold Weather Work

Cold weather encouraged me to paint in the studio.

I did walk and snowshoe though, and discovered ski tracks on an abandoned railroad bed. Apart from the visual pun, icicles, rock and snow made a delicious combination that compelled me to paint the scene. I snapped a bunch of reference photos and rushed home to block in the painting.

Plein air work definitely helped with the memory part of the job, since my new camera knows way more than I do.

The camera and I will understand each other one day.

Valentine's Day in Cambria '08

Yes, we got permission for this photo of a happy group out to buy Valentine flowers. Sorry, no names.

Photos From Last Year's CA Trip

These photos depict mid-coast California.......Elephant Seals near San Simeon, Montana de Oro State Park and a Surfer at Cayucos with Morro Rock in the Distance.

Packing the Suitcase

It's almost February, so I'm ordering supplies and contemplating painting spots in Arizona and California.

There will be a four-day workshop with Ralph Oberg in Scottsdale, and some free time beforehand to paint, visit galleries, and perhaps run up to Sedona.

After that, it's on to SoCal to visit our daughter, then drive up the coast via San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, and Cambria, to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula. There will be plenty of good stuff to see and paint. Lots of great places to hike as well.

Will post photos as soon as I get home. I may even put up some preview pics.

Meander with Me

On this new blog you will soon find photos of my travels, informal daily process stuff, and random nuggets.

We need to wrap up the "Friends of Pam and David" Cash and Carry benefit show first!
Check out carolbrightmanjohnsonfineart.blogspot.com for extreme bargains from a number of artists. 100% of the proceeds from that show will benefit nationally known artists
Pam and David Lussier, who are struggling with staggering medical bills.

I do have some fun photos of trips to Wyoming, Utah and California to post.

Thanks for visiting, and y'all come back real soon.