Reds of Blowing Rock, NC

Pastel, 7.75 x 9

© 2016 Paula Somma.   All rights reserved.

Morning moon set at Blowing Rock, NC.  
Early morning mist rising from the creek created an ethereal moody light with the
subdued colors of fall.

Red Rocks of Black Star Canyon

Pastel, 12 x 9

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Painted plein air last Saturday morning with a wonderful group of artists.

We trekked into Black Star Canyon known for it's beautiful red rock formations. 

Poppies and Hollyhocks...

Pastel 12 x 9

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I met my friend Janine at the mission to paint plein air the other morning.

We walked around the first hour amazed at all the color this time of year.  Such a beautiful morning.

We were both drawn to this charming old flower cart naturally framed by poppies and hollyhocks.

Morning Moon over Catalina

Pastel, 12 x 16

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

My mom and I woke at the crack of dawn to watch the full moon set over catalina.  We bundled up and took our coffee with us to walk the Summit trails and take in the beauty God has so richly blessed us with.  Catalina was just a faint silhouette midst the lavender hues.  

I love these adventures with my sweet mom.  Precious moments.

After the Storm

Pastel,  9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Laguna Breeze

Pastel 12 x 16

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Laguna Blues

Pastel 9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I took my mom to Laguna for her 81st birthday last week.  We went to the Cottage for breakfast, then a walk through Heisler Park and a few galleries.  Hard to believe it's still winter here when we have days like this.  The water had so many shades of blue.

Lead the way

Pastel, 12 x 16  SOLD

© 2016 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

On my morning hike through the hills I come to this narrow path and it always stops me.

I often stand there and study the light knowing I will paint it some day soon.  The morning mist lays low in the nearby mountains and the mix of warm and cool colors is captivating.

Eucalyptus View

Pastel, 9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

It was a bit warm to be out painting today (88°F), but I got lost in this view. 

One of my favorite spots to rest along the Hermosa Trail head.

Early morning light, Catalina looked exceptionally close today.

This Morning's Moon

Pastel, 9 x 9

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I took Bob to the airport at the crack of dawn this morning.  On the way back home, I had this amazing view of the moon at sunrise.  This was over San Juan Capistrano, painted from memory.  I painted this so Bob could see what he missed.

Take Me higher

Pastel, 9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Standing Firm

Pastel, 9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

On the way to Hanalei

Pastel,  8 x 10

© 2015 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

A memorable view on the way to Hanalei.  I love the island bridges that take you through those luscious green trees and tropical flowers!

Grazing Napali Coast

Pastel, 12 x 16 - SOLD

© 2015 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Just outside Hanalei, this gorgeous pasture is nestled in the lush hills on the way to Na Pali Coast.  It’s hard to capture the atmospheric beauty the island humidity creates, but this was a joy to paint and relive this cherished moment.   Looks like just another day in paradise for those grazers.  

Above the waves...

Pastel, 9x9

© 2015 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

"I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

when oceans rise

my soul will rest in your embrace

for I am Yours, and You are mine.

Lyrics to "Oceans" by Hillsong

Back Bay Waterways

Pastel, 9 x 12 - SOLD

© 2015 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

After taking Bob to the airport, I decided to take a walk along the Back Bay in Newport Beach.  The path is just off a busy street, but quickly takes you down into the marsh and foliage away from the hustle bustle and into nature’s peaceful embrace.   What stopped me here was the horizontal layers of color in the grasses with the walking trails and waterways that lead the eye through the painting.

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Eucalyptus and Grapevines

Pastel, 9 x 12

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Inspired by a walk with my mom while in Ojai last month.  Those fond memories still looming in my mind, take me back to that place and time... relaxed, spontaneous, adventurers we were... seeking out the hidden treasures there.

Sunset Waltz

Pastel 12 x 9, SOLD

© Copyright 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Some evenings it looks as though the clouds are dancing a slow graceful waltz.  

This was one of those nights.

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.