This painting is 9 x 12 inches oil on linen panel It was a plein air oil painting painted outdoors, overlooking San Mateo Creek, San Clemente, California, right next to Camp Pendleton, the US Marine Base.
You can see the ocean in the distance. The surfing beach is named Trestles because of the railroad trestles that run along one side of it.
Last week I had the pleasure of painting this panorama of the Arroyo Seco from a vantage point high above the canyon. I wanted the late afternoon look, so I had to work fast. As it turned out, I left the painting of the sky and foreground for later, concentrating on the trees, grasses, mountains and architecture as the sun relentlessly continued its course. It's an interesting time of year. Not all of the deciduous trees have leaves yet - but the grass is thick and abundant, and bright yellow green. In a few months the vivid green will turn straw brown and there will be a solid canopy of leafy trees below. Every season brings its own beauties to enjoy. I'm guessing that I could look at a plein air painting of an early California impressionist and pretty well guess the month it was painted if I knew the location.
My husband shot a little bit of video as I painted, which I've included here:
I've spoken to several people recently about painting the view from a favorite spot of theirs - their back yard, a favorite camping spot, and other locations. I am happy to do plein air paintings on commission and welcome your inquiry. Write karen@karenwinters.com
"A Very Good Year" 8 x 10 oil on linen panel by California plein air impressionist Karen Winters
Plein air California impressionist oil painting painted on location in Temecula California in November 2009. Golden afternoon light touches the vines which were turning fall colors. Not far away, down in the vineyard, a wedding was taking place. What a beautiful setting for romance. I hope to paint a scene like that soon.
A garden path at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden in Claremont, California. I painted this while i was doing an art show there - something to keep me busy and out of trouble!
