Changing Light

Clouds were rolling in over Lake Tahoe, the wind was picking up. The day was glorious with sunlight peeking among the clouds. Few tourists, few boats, and a quiet two hours in Zephyr Cove gave me time to make an effort to capture the beauty of this landscape. What joy!

December Sunshine

What a gorgeous winter day it was, just before New Year's, along the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe. A few splotches of snow in the shadows, some ice along the river, and bright sunshine everywhere else! I've never enjoyed a winter day as much as those this past week! This little painting is my tribute to December sunshine.

Along the Creek by Julie Trail

Ruth and I almost froze our patooties this morning when we met in Amador City to paint. But the sun came up, the warm rays thawed us out and made for a beautiful painting morning! The shadows are long and dark these winter solstice days, but the warm colors of fading autumn make beautiful brights! I love the contrast between darks and lights!

Changing Season by Julie Trail

The change of season in Northern California Foothills is an artist's dream. I love nothing more than the bright hues of November. The air is crisp. The birds are migrating. This stand of brush in the Shenandoah Valley inspired me!

Path to the Barn

Ruth Andre and I met for a painting day just as the fog was clearing. We had a view of the foothills that went on forever, and this barn captured my interest. I'm thinking I need cows in the painting, as these cows entertained us with their bells ringing a tune during the hours we were there! Should I take a chance and plop a couple or three brownish blobs to approximate the cows? Or be safe and leave the grassy hillside alone?

Cottonwoods

These cottonwoods grow along Sutter Creek and always attract my attention for their tangled branches and wonderful colors. Ruth Andre and I painted this morning under mixed sun and fog. It was a beautiful morning! Spent the afternoon recreating the scene with a watercolor....a photo coming soon!