I'm So Fine, SOLD

Sorry for the glare on this one. I forgot to shot it and a good shot under glass is so hard. There is something compelling about roosters. I am not sure if it is their shape, color, attitude or gesture or all four. Well, yesterday I was in the garden early working on that bermuda grass in the flower beds. Then a little time in the studio. Duke and Rosebud kept me company all day and that was very nice. I need to get in the yard real quick here or it will be to hot! "I have many options for my life, and one option is to see options." quote by Anne Wilson Schaef. Stay in the moment!!!

Corn

Sorry, I have been away. Jerry and I took a trip to see antiques. We went as far south as Solvang. There is an antique store in Solvang that has some beautiful things. It even has art glass which is our passion. I am a bit uninspired right now, maybe it is the 107 degree heat. I worked in the yard very early yesterday. I was outside about 5:30 A.M. It was cool and beautiful then. I was weeding the flower beds and suckering some of the trees.

The Herd

This painting of sheep reminds me of Nietzsche's philosophy of the herd. They all just follow blindly. I do not want to do that. I want my choices to matter. Well, my e-mail from the state fair got lost in Neverneverland, but I was able to get into their results on the internet just now and I did not get in again this year. I have no room to complain, I got in 2 years in a row and took awards both years. Although I did not get in last year, my plein aire painting I did on location at the state fair last year sold...so I have had my turn and now it is the time for someone else to shine!!! Well, I just planted some flowers in the pots in the front yard and adjusted the water. I am going back out to play with the plants in the yard a bit. I read something interesting by Thoreau this morning,"For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the root." Since I will be hacking at roots...I thought this thought was a good one for today!! : )

See my New Baby

Well, spent all day yesterday checking out antique stores in towns along 680. It was a nice day but did not find anything that we could not live without.

Breakfast Please

Well, I got stung 2 times by wasps yesterday. I hate when that happens. I was helping Jerry out on the olive ranch. I went to an auction this morning but didn't see anything that I could not live without. How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward!!!

What are you looking at

I really love the cows ate the ranch. They are fasinating. Sometimes they watch me as though I am a spectator sport. Enjoy the moment!

Simplot Again

There is something about these structures against the sky that moves me. It seems to suggest the past, the present and the future. I painted about an hour yesterday then worked in the olive orchard, removing trees that were planted to close to the spring that feeds the pond. This area is to wet in the winter and the trees can't stand that much water and die or do poorly. Life is about balance. I am trying to find mine.

My Vines

These vines are beside the house. Water reflections are starting to be more important to me. I got great news yesterday!! The colonascopy went well, as well as anything like that can go! No polips and I do not need another one for 7 years!!!! YAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Butt

I like this and even think it would be an interesting larger painting. It is so appropriate since the dreaded colonoscopy is today. : (

Costa Truck and Cherry Orchard

I have painted this subject 3 times now, each with a little different composition. I still like the image. I have a thing for old things...rusty...cars and trucks etc. Look at things from a new point of view.

Reflections on Locke Road SOLD

I delivered this painting to the Knowlton Gallery yesterday for the barn show that opens on June 30. It is an 18 X 24 oil painting. I worked on location for 3 hours and finished it in the studio. Contact the Knowlton for more info. The show runs for 2 monthes.

Trust your intuition. : )

Garden Path to the Barn SOLD

This is to old Locke House Barn. I delivered it today to the Knowlton Gallery for the barn show. It is a 16 X 20, oil. I worked on location for 2 days then put finish on it in the studio. The opening reception is July 11th.

Each day is a journey. I hope to be kind along the way.

Farming and Ranching 42

This is at Peltier and Devries in Acampo, Ca. We have another glorious day today and I am off to the studio very soon. I blocked in one of the pieces for the hospital yesterday and am mulling over some thoughts about color. Each of the masters classes I take gives me a different palette of colors...which means that my color palette has changed. I am not sure it is for the better. My goal is to see if I can use my old color palette and still get wonderful atmospheric perspective. Remember to stay in the moment. This is a hard one but very rewarding. : )

I am working on the 6 pieces that I am doing for Lodi Memorial Hospital. They need to be finished by Sept. 15th but I am hoping to finish them before I go back to school. I am on my way out to the studio. Catch you later.

Farming and Ranching 41 even more sheep

I like the gesture of these guys. After I vacuum I will trek out to the studio and see if I can make some progress on the 8 paintings I have to do. Yesterday I spent a few hours in the garden weeding. It really felt good. Think good thoughts!!!

Farming and Ranching 40

Well I am back and happy to be home!!! I spent 1 night at Lily Lake and it was beautiful but MUCH to primitive for happy painting. ( for my taste that is) I am not good at hiking to the outhouse after dark in bear country. But the excellent news is we spent 3 nights with my sister in the Virginia City area and it was so wonderful to see her and spend some time with her. I also got some painting done and got to enjoy an old friend. I really like the farm above. It is of the old Ward Ranch out on Peltier Road in Acampo, Ca. I am hoping to do a larger one of it someday. After 4 days of rain and hail and a snow storm on the way home....our weather is soOOOOO fantastic in the valley. Enjoy!

Farming and Ranching 39

I really like this one...even if no one else does. I will be away from the computer for about 4 days. I will post more then! Remember to see the beauty in each day!!!!!