"Open Gate"

"Open Gate" - Oil - 8" x 10"

"My plein air paintings are a diary of my life. A few weeks ago, when we were visiting our son and daughter-in-law, the guys wanted to attend an RC model competition. Having experienced two generations of contests, I went down the road and set up my easel in this picturesque rural setting. I did two small paintings while my husband and son enjoyed the event. I enjoyed myself as much as they did!" --- SFG

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"Springtime in the Vineyard"

"Springtime in the Vineyard" - Oil - 11" x 14"

"This vineyard, perched on the hills above Cambria, California, defied the image of a slick winery and had rustic appeal of its own. The old barn harkened back to the days when it was a cattle ranch." --- SFG

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NOTE TO ARTISTS:

Yesterday, I started to write this blog, first showing the work as it was when I stopped work on it in the field. Then I had another shot of the "finished" work. When I had both images on the screen, I realized that the painting was better in the "before" view than in the "after".

Before:

After:

I had lost the simple shadows on the barn and overdone the lines around the barn doors. Today, I reworked it and am happier with the result. Sometimes we loose sight of the big things when we begin to "noodle"!

"Nursery Near Hubbard"

"Nursery Near Hubbard" - Oil - 8" x 10"

"The area south of Portland, Oregon, is where much of the landscaping plants for the west coast are raised. The beautiful patterns such nurseries make as they drape the hillsides and fine landscape painting material. This one is in view of Lenhart Air Park." -- SFG

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"Near the Shed"

"Near the Shed" - Oil - 8" x 10"

"While visiting our son and daughter-in-law, I painted the farms within walking distance. This one, across the road, had sheds, a small vineyard, and roses at the end of the driveway. The light was just right to enjoy the blooms." --- SFG

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NOTE TO ARTISTS:

These small paintings that I've been posting lately are not masterpieces, but are part of the ongoing discipline of painting. Many are done while traveling with family or friends.

An artist must maintain his skills. Bill Reese, a wonderful teacher, said (often), "If you paint every day, you get better. If you paint every-other-day, you stay the same. And if you paint every third day, you get worse."

"Ann's Table"

"Ann's Table" - Oil - 16" x 20"

"Fellow artist Anne Laddon sets a lively table when she entertains. With the other Alla Prima International artists, we shared a fun and inspiring time at her beautiful home near Paso Robles, California. Here's a corner of that table, complete with wine, dip, and vegies." -- SFG

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"Tree in Kanapaha Park"

"Tree in Kanapaha Park" - Oil - 8" x 10"

"This was just a quick morning sketch on location, but it describes the tree and park setting nicely." --- SFG

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"Near Stanford's Museum"

"Near Stanford's Museum" - Oil - 11" x 14"

"I set up my easel beside the Cantor Arts Center on the busy Stanford University campus. Despite the foot traffic, it was a pleasant and inspiring setting. The shapes of the trees were a good foil for the cars and pedestrians." -- SFG

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"Til the Cows Come Home"

"Til the Cows Come Home" - Oil - 11" x 14"

"This farm and field in Archer, Florida, was brilliantly lit in the spring light. Cattle ambled through the scene and I added them when they arrived at the best spots for the composition." -- SFG

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"The Yellow Barn"

"The Yellow Barn" - Oil - 8" x 10"

"I love to paint the farms of Oregon. This one, outside Molalla, was a historic treasure, I'm sure." -- SFG

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"Burney Falls 2"

"Burney Falls 2" - Oil - 14" x 11"

"Here is another view of Burney Falls in northern California. Situated in a California State Park, the cascade strikes outcrops near the top that redirect the flow. Then the froth free-falls to the misty pool far below.." --- SFG

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"Flowers and Russian Doll"

"Flowers and Russian Doll" - Oil - 24" x 30" - Private collection

"I painted this about ten years ago and it has been in a private collection since, but I've finally arranged for reproductions of this work to be available. As you can see from the enthusiastic use of color and loaded brush work, an alternative title could have been 'Fit of Joy'! Click on the title to get information about prints and note cards." --- SFG