Happy Fourth of July and happy summer! "California Gold" takes on new dimensions as our late afternoons fill with rich luminousity, the hills turn gorgeous shades of golden earth tones, and the colors, scents and tangible vibrations of summer fill the air.

At a time like this, wild horses could not keep me away from the pleasures of plein-air! The painting in this month's sanctuary springs from such a recent  adventure at Elkhorn Slough, steeped in glorious summer afternoon light. 

Having recently experimented with new and expanded concepts in color harmony, Summer Sunset feels like a small victory towards a next level of painting.  This is one of the most exciting (and at times challenging)  aspects of being an artist -- every time you approach the easle, there is the blank canvas, beckoning you to take chances and to go where you have not gone before.

Experimenting, bringing a "beginner's mind" and leaving behind the tried and true can feel intimidating, yet also exhilarating and full of adventure.  New concepts take you outside your comfort zone-  and yes, feel uncomfortable - yet also open up new horizons. Just as in other areas of life, not every painting or result may come out as you intended, yet the evolution of who you are, as well as your abilities, take flight....