Winter Afternoon at Demetria

Winter Afternoon at Demetria, 6"x6", oil on panel
©2013 Cindy Greene

We spent a wonderful afternoon last January at Demetria Estate in the Santa Rita Hills. The wine was delicious, we were with good friends and the views around the winery are beautiful. It was warm ("all you need is a light jacket"), and we sat on the beautiful patio along with a lot of other happy people. I can see why it's a favorite (although expensive) event venue. At the time, I was in the middle of a "30-in-30 challenge" but didn't have my oils with me. So I pulled out my sketchbook and watercolors and painted a quick study on the patio.

As we were leaving, the light was hitting the olive trees and hills at a sharp angle, and it was really a beautiful sight. Cameras and iPhones were whipped out — how do you capture such a moment? 

I painted this from an iPhone photo and my memory of the light and colors. I think I'm going to see if I can plan a plein air session next time we are in the area.

September 30 in 30 — Harmony

Harmony, 6"x6", oil on gessoed panel, ©2013 Cindy Greene

Have you ever wanted to live in Harmony?

Harmony, California is a very tiny historic town in Central California, one main street off Highway 1. It was founded in 1869 and has a rather colorful past, but now consists of a few artisans, the post office and the very nice Harmony Cellars winery. We often stop when we're passing by. The winery is worth a stop, and has a lovely view from their patio.

I loved the late afternoon tree shadows on the post office building. It was a lot of fun to paint.

And did anyone notice the two "sevens" are not alike? Right. I wonder if anyone else notices that.

September 30 in 30 — Road Trip

Road Trip, 6x6", oil on gessoed panel, ©2013 Cindy Greene

Road trip! Throw a few things in a bag (well okay more than a few), and Get In!

I live in one of the most amazing states in the USA, California. Within 90 minutes of my home, I can be in the mountains, desert, or beach — or in one of the largest cities in the country. We take it for granted most of the time, but we do love to pack a bag and take off for a few days. (And yes, the local traffic can be one of the reasons to get in!)

This is painted from a photo I took from the passenger front seat of our car on our way to the Central Coast last spring. The wild mustard was spectacular, and the marine layer was still hanging on the hills. It was a beautiful morning.