I came back from a fantastic 4 day painting trip, and the first thing I wanted to do was work on a larger studio piece of a scene that just caught me off guard.

This painting is the result of that studio work.  I just loved the unique characteristics of the sky and the lighting effect that resulting.  I can still remember the smell of the grapes and the early morning chill in the air that cleared as I started to setup for this painting.

This is painting on canvas wrapped on 1.5 inch stretcher bars, with clean sides painted black (no staples).  It can be hung and looks great as-is, or it can be framed.  It is priced unframed.  Call me if you'd like to discuss framing options.

I was out on a beautiful afternoon painting on a cliff top, and while I was painting a couple walked into the scene.  I've painted along this beach many times, and I've never seen anyone down on the beach.  I didn't think it was even accessible, but the tide was low enough that they were able to get out to this point.

Best part was that I never fully appreciated the scale of the location.  I never realized just how large the rocks are, or the enormous scale of the offshore breakers.

The couple ventured out close to the water’s edge, and then they quickly retreated to safer ground.  I worked quickely to sketch them in, and I love how it gives a sense of scale to the whole scene.

For a few brief moments and under the right conditions, you can see the shadow of the earth move across the distant landscape as the sun sets directly behind you. 

This was one of those fleeting moments, with the shadow of the earth moving up the face of the distant mountains over just a matter of 2 or 3 minutes.

I was drawn to this scene by the glow in the water and the contrast created by the rocks.  I love the ocean, and nothing makes me happier than a day painting on the coast.  This was from one of those special days - up early, out in the dark for a 2 hour drive, and then the magic as the day breaks open and unfolds.

I painted this in crazy hot weather by standing in the water under a bridge to survive the 100+ degree heat.  I have great memories from the day, I just kept dunking myself fully clothed in the water to stay wet, and I just had to be careful not to get carried away by the currents.  Good times.