Two views of the Russian River

Lately, I've been going down to the river to make quick studies. I like this practice as it helps me to avoid overworking the paintings. The first photo shows a study done on the riverbank close to my house. The second photo shows a study I did on Johnson's beach, looking west. The pillars are the first part of the summer dam to go in. 

Henry Hensche said...

"Art deals with the sensory development of man on a higher plane. Art can make life beautiful...it is worth the effort to achieve the highest level of seeing that you are capable of achieving."
---Henry Hensche

Hot Summer Day

Yesterday was a clear, hot day. I drove along a beautiful road in my town called Sweetwater Springs. I set up my pochade box and painted there for a couple hours, then finished the painting in my studio. I love the golden hills of Sonoma County against the bright blue summer sky!

The Vision

"Anything under the sun is beautiful if you have the vision; it is the seeing of the thing that makes it so."
---Charles Hawthorne

Hanging out with Herons

Today, I began a painting at the Laguna of Santa Rosa. It is a beautiful place, full of tall grasses & plants of many different colors. While I painted, Great Blue Herons & bright, white Egrets flew around, and fish jumped in the laguna. I tried to look for every color I could find in each direction I looked.

Russian River Gallery Show!

This month, four of my paintings are hanging in the Russian River Art Gallery small works show on Main Street in Guerneville. One has already sold, which is exciting! This photo was taken by my friend Steve at the opening reception.

True Seeing

"After all, the true seeing is within."
---George Eliot