It's spring fever. That's what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want -- oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! --Mark Twain

Come see me at Studio Gallery

 Opening reception Sunday, November 13 from 1 - 6 pm.

Birds of the Oakland Hills

Western Bluebird
6"x6" watercolor, watercolor pencil, gouache & beeswax

Three more Birds with Attitude: Western Bluebird, American Kestrel and a Leucistic Red-tailed Hawk.

Smaller than a robin, the brilliantly colored Western Bluebird is a Navajo symbol of sunrise and renewal. Ornithologists have yet to determine bluebird seasonal migration routes. Bluebirds reappear at Sibley Volcanic Preserve in the spring.

The American Kestrel uses strong winds and updrafts at Sibley to his advantage, hovering above an open field on rapidly beating wings. When prey--a lizard, rodent or small bird--is spotted, the Kestrel rapidly tucks wings and streaks downward, head first. Most prey are caught on the ground although insects and birds are sometimes taken in flight.

It is not uncommon for Red-tailed Hawks to exhibit leucism, which results in a loss of feather pigmentation. I've seen plenty of Red-tailed Hawks at Sibley but have yet to see a leucistic one. . . here's hoping.

American Kestrel
6"x6" watercolor, watercolor pencil, gouache & beeswax

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Leucistic Red-tailed Hawk
6"x6" watercolor, watercolor pencil, gouache & beeswax

Feather

A feather is complexity disguised as simplicity

Autumn in the Sierras

Grey-green sagebrush and its spicy aroma. 

Bright yellow aspen leaves shimmering against a deep blue sky. 

Ghostly bare trees among deep green pines. 

Creative catalyst.

Come say Hi and see my new Autumn in the Sierras paintings. Opening reception at Topaz Salon this Sunday, 22^nd from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.  

Topaz Salon, 1995 El Dorado Avenue, Berkeley next to the Solano Tunnel on the Hopkins Street side.

More Open Space Paintings

Tilden Park, Vollmer Peak

My love affair continues with the East Bay Regional Parks. There's one thing better than hiking the miles of open space and that's reimagining them in watercolor, crayon and bees wax on wonderfully heavy paper.

Claremont Ave. & Grizzly Peak Blvd.

Sibley Volcanic Preserve

How sweet it is . . .

My first solo show, now through October at Fournee Bakery, 2912 Domingo Avenue in Berkeley across the street from the Claremont Hotel tennis courts.

These watercolor and beeswax paintings illustrate the many enjoyable hours I've spent hiking, bird watching, photographing and painting at Tilden Park and Sibley Volcanic Preserve.  

When you go, treat yourself to Fournee Bakery's delectable goodies. Tres bien!