Tree by the stream...

Pastel, 9 x 12

© Copyright 2013 Paula Somma.   All rights reserved.

  "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
it's leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

⁸ 

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Hibiscus - Red

Pastel, 9 x 12 on ColourFix

© 2013 Paula Somma.  All Rights Reserved.

I've been recovering from achilles tendon surgery the past 6 weeks. And though I'm very limited in what I can do, once I figured a way to get at my easel, this recovery time seems to be going much quicker for me, and far more enjoyable.  I'm so thankful for what I "can" do, and that's been my focus.  My friend Gaylyn sent me some beautiful photos she took of hibiscus flowers to paint while recovering. What fun to pull out all my warm and cool reds that are usually used for small accents and lavish them on.

Beach Trail View

Pastel, 12 x 9.5

© 2013 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

One of my favorite views along the beach trail Bob and I walk.  Coming around a bend on our way back, you get a glimpse of Dana Point harbor in the distance.  Another beautiful day to capture.

Happy Independence Day!

Pastel, 12 x 7
© 2013 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

I'm so grateful for the freedom we have in this country,

and so thankful to all who have served, and are serving, to protect it.

Canola Fields

Pastel, 12 x 9
© 2013 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

I belong to a fabulous group of artists on FaceBook, Paint The Barn In Winter.  Founded by Casey Klahn, this group selects a common photo reference each month to paint from in any style or medium you choose.  It's a wonderful experience to not only participate in, but what I'm learning and enjoying just by viewing other interpretations and responses to the same image is invaluable.  I'll be posting a few of the earlier "challenges" as well.  This one was actually from a video Casey took of the Canola Fields.  I took a still shot from the video shown below.   Painted on Art Spectrum ColourFix (Umber).

San Clemente Sunset

Pastel, 12 x 9

© 2013 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

My husband, Bob, and I love to walk the beach here in San Clemente.  Early on in our marriage, Bob realized that when I have a camera in hand, I often get swept up in composition and miss the joy of being in the moment.  So he is the one often taking the photos on our adventures in life so I can take it all in.  Not just visually, but the feel of the place, the subtle sounds and smells.  Thankfully he's got a great eye and the combination of his photos with my memory of the moment make for strong references to paint from.  This was an amazing sunset that evening a few months ago.  Now I have a tangible memory of it to share.

Painted on ArtSpectrum ColourFix (Storm Blue) with no underpainting.