Bunches of quail, several deer, otters, and even a fox on the beach. They were all very gracious hosts. Even though I’m sure I smelled pretty bad to them, none of them said so. They live in a beautiful home.
Home Renovation
Artwork Notes
These paintings contain notes, thoughts, and written scribblings for those inclined to read…
I May Not Play the Fiddle, But I Was on the Roof
Pretty stoked to paint this one from a rooftop today. Seriously, why paint in a studio when you can climb ladders and crawl through a skylight and set up in a place like this instead? Big thanks to my friend Charles for opening the door… um skylight… to make this one possible.
Losing his Mind While I Lost the Plot
Everybody Has Been Burned
Fire creptOver the mountainWe saw it from townAfter dinner last night Smoke driftingOut to seaThis morning Everybody hasbeen burned beforeEspecially here On this day thoughThe Rasta ManOnly smiledAnd gave me a beerInstead
There Used to be Two
Prior to the Fire
Painted this on location on my first day in town on this trip. This was the ridiculously hot day here. Not an ounce of wind either. If I knew then what I know now, I would have jammed up the coast to the points north as the wind has been prone to howl out there, […]
Redgate Ranch Afternoon
Quick afternoon sketch of the scene here. Gonna get weird with some live art after I finish a burger real quick. Good vibes all around, stoked to be here.
Demolition: Speed of Love
I see them on their good daysAnd it’s hard to believeThe damage that the fairer of the twoSometimes inflictsWhen she lashes outUnseenOn her darker days The gaping holes wrecked into the seawall hereSpeak of forces beyond comprehension I go out here like everyone elseJust to watch on the really big daysBut the seawall always seems […]
Knuckle Bones
After a whirlwind road trip to that stretch of California just below Point Conception yet still well above LA, its good to be home for a bit. But only for a bit. Enjoyed painting our good old “knuckle bones” out here the other day before getting ready for another painting road trip to the points […]
And This
This may or may not have been painted on my way down the coast a few weeks ago, or on my way back home today. I’m not talking. But I am exhausted and my back hurts and my knee is all tweaked and I could use a good long nap.
Yo No Soy Marinero
Last one from a recent Ventura/Santa Barbara trip. Sometimes a painting almost seems to paint itself. This one really didn’t need me much at all. The more I got involved the more I messed it up so at one point I just sortof mentally checked out. I put on some music to drown out the […]
Without Regard For Rules or Regulations
Found a few more paintings from my recent Ventura/Santa Barbara trip lurking in my van when I unpacked. This one’s title has nothing to do with ignoring the state park rules, but more about my decision to drop that palm in the foreground, chopping off a chunk of the composition against all of my better […]
Educational Facilities
I’m Only Bluffing
Have you everwatchedA treeBlowing awaySo slowlyThat its rootsHave timeTo catch and holdThe earth below? I have
Forgive Us Our Trespasses
The first sign saidNo Trespassing After climbing over the gateAnd walking across the forbidden landThe second sign saidPermission to Pass We couldn’t help but wonderFor whom was this one written? It is always goodTo be forgiven
Land Rights
To step foot on these shores is to step back into an older CaliforniaPreserved in the ether of wood, and rust, and leather If exclusion is the cost, so be itSurely we’ve spent more for less elsewhere By the way, if you can get me past the front gateI give really good deals on commissioned […]
Rey y Reina, Fuego y Agua
Found another one from the last road trip. Not sure how this wasn’t posted earlier. Painted during the Rey Fire a few weeks ago. Those are its massive plumes in the upper right glowing in the afternoon sun. Huge thanks to those that made this view possible for me. The word I heard was that […]
Port of Call
Moment of Silence
The hills burn and we breathe the smoke as they exhale. Second hand exposure to long forgotten memories. The mountains never forget.
Well Oiled
The Queen’s Castle
Even though she was royaltyWe continued to stareAt the linesAroundHer blue eyesAnd at theShape of herTremblingLipsThat encircledHer delicate mouth Meeting her wasOur good fortune She showed us graceAnd mercyWe did notEarn Little did we know thenJust how goodThe Queen would be to us Or just how difficultFortune can beFor thoseWho have received it
Pass the Potato Chips
The hills are on firePass the potato chipsWe mean no disrespectBut what else is there to do?
California Burning
This painting tour of the Santa Barbara/Ventura coast is quickly developing a wildfire theme. Every time you turn around down here there is another fire raging on another hill. I had a different spot in mind today, but the view of the smoke plume from this little utility road was just too good to pass […]
Low Speed Rail
On a flat and windy day hereI asked her father for his blessingThat his only daughter might become my brideHe laughed and paddled hard for a terrible little wave
Wall to Wall
Kicking this tour off with a bit of urban lore, some ghosts of 80s punk rock, some working class grind, and beach house lounge jockeys all woven together in an iconic Southern California juxtaposition. With waves. Don’t leave anything valuable in your car.