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.

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.

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. 

Color of Summer...

Pastel, 12 x 9 - SOLD

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

With summer coming to a close soon, I thought I'd try to capture the lighting and colors of the season.  Fall is beautiful here too, but the light will soon shift, shadows will change and colors won't be quite as warm.  Here we have the color of summer...

Morning View at The Montage...

Pastel, 9 x 10.5

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

With misty mornings come softer hues… a peaceful view from the Montage in South Laguna, CA.

Morning Shore

Pastel, 16 x 12

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Bob and I went for our first morning beach walk since my surgery which was almost a year ago.

What a beautiful morning to celebrate this milestone.

I couldn't quite go the whole distance, so I took pictures at the shoreline while Bob continued on.

This wave had perfect form - no artistic enhancements here at all.

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.  

Childlike Wonder

Pastel 12 x 9 on ColourFix

This little boy didn't even know I was taking his picture.  He was completely enthralled with the waves and all that he was finding along the shoreline.

Oh to hang onto that childlike wonder as we walk through life.

Beyond the Point

Pastel on ColourFix,  12 x 6.5

© Copyright 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Chilly Toes

Pastel on ColourFix,   12 x 5.5

© Copyright 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

This little girl was having so much fun running around at low tide.  She didn't have any playmates, just her mom and dad that stood close by.  She sure didn't seem to miss out on any joy... just her and the ocean was all she needed to be entertained.

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.