Peeking Through

Pastel, 12 x 9 - SOLD

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

After a day of thick cloud cover the sun started peeking through at sunset.

It was always there, just behind the clouds, shining bright as always.

After the Storm

Pastel,  9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

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

End of August Moon - 2014

Pastel, 27 x 18.75

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

A moment captured on our early evening beach walk the other day.  

I can't quite get the color and contrast to represent the painting accurately here. 

Beach Trail Pano

Pastel, 27 x 11

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

San Clemente's beach trail after the sun has set.

Brush strokes from Heaven

Pastel, 12 x 7

© 2014 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

Some sunsets are as though God took a brush and swept it across the sky just for us to enjoy.  This image was inspired by a photo Bob had taken about a year ago.  I painted it once before, but came across it recently and felt drawn to paint it again.  So many layers of colors and textures, but nothing quite like standing on the beach that Spring evening last year.  Truly spectacular.

I'm honored to share that this painting was awarded 2 awards at the Pastel Society of So. California's 5th Annual Members' Exhibition - 2014:  3rd Place Miniatures category by Juror Marla Baggetta and 2nd Place Miniatures category Popular Vote.  

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.

San Clemente Pier

Pastel, 12 x 9 - SOLD

© Copyright 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I love the pink glow that consumes the sky just after the sun sets.
It creates a variety of luminous color in the reflection on the water that I never tire of observing.
I look forward to a fresh new palette of color with it's own variations at the end of each day.

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.