"Pink Plumeria" 

5x4" oil on Gessobord

I don't usually do paintings focused solely on flowers, but I think I'll try and do more. The colors are inspiring on their own and I'd like to get more practice with them. Putting a nice color in the background to play off the flower's color is fun.

Here in Hawaii the flowers are spectacular--so many colors and varieties. Plumerias are so perfect they often look fake! 

"Clint's Place"

Beautiful Mission Ranch. One of my favorite spots in my hometown of Carmel. A charming little inn and great watering hole with a piano bar.

As a kid I rode my bike or walked past it twice a day as I went to and from school at the Carmel Mission. My friend Patty and I would usually head over there after school and buy a candy bar at the office (10 cents back then). Or go to the back window of the kitchen restaurant and buy a plate of tongue-scorching French fries for whatever change we had in our pockets from one of the Portuguese cooks who barely spoke any English. It was a great place to explore and fuel our active imaginations.

These days I always try to make a point of stopping in for a glass of wine while I'm in town. Views of the Carmel River Estuary and Point Lobos in the distance are gorgeous. Sometimes I see the owner, Mr. Eastwood, stop by. Doesn't stay long--only until too many long glances are cast his way.

Su Vecino Court

"Su Vecino Court" 5x7in Oil on Gessobord

One of the best things about growing up in Carmel-by-the-Sea is having ample courtyards and quaint alleyways to explore. About every block in town has some kind of little retreat surrounded by shops and cafes. This one is on Dolores near the post office. Jack London's restaurant is in the back. It's changed locations several times over the years, and it is no longer in this location. In fact, a friend said the courtyard has been revamped completely. Seems nothing stays the same for very long!