Paula Somma Art Journal

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Mission Blooms

Pastel, 9 x 12

I took a stroll through the Mission in San Juan Capistrano a few days ago and all is in full bloom.

What a gorgeous mix of old architecture and new life.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

My father-in-law took my husband and I on a little tour around the outskirts of Baker City this past Fall. A scenic drive along the Powder River, stopping here and there to take in the beauty and details.

Memories to hold dear, and a painting to capture a treasured moment along the way.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Lost Winds Sunset

Pastel, 9 x 12

Lots of memories for me here at Lost Winds Beach. Hanging out with friends, trying to surf, volleyball, beach runs, and enjoying many sunsets over the years.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Into the Hills

Pastel, 9 x 8 - SOLD

Monday, February 16, 2015

Fall Sunset (rev)

Pastel, 12 x 9

Monday, January 12, 2015

Heaven's Palette

Pastel, 12 x 18

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Endurance

Pastel, 12 x 8

I am fascinated with trees and thoroughly enjoy painting them. Some stand out more than others to me symbolic of character or emotion. This one was on the road out to Julian awhile back and looks as though it's younger years endured quite a bit of harsh winds and weather to form it's trunk this way. What interest me most is that the roots must run deep and be anchored to solid ground in order for it to hold this posture and still flourish. A truth in life.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Christmas Time is Here

Pastel, 9 x 12

For our Christmas card this year, I wanted to create something less traditional yet still bring glory to God for His amazing gift to us all. My hope is that this peaceful image, although a tree, will still point to the birth of Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas. The Evergreen tree has been known to represent everlasting life for it's endurance of life through the dead of winter. The triangular shape also symbolic of the Trinity and points all to heaven. With the sun setting behind the tree, I wanted the hints of light to decorate the tree in place of manmade lights, for it is God's handiwork and ability to shine and reveal Himself through His creation. I placed the tree in an open field to represent that there is nothing that hinders us from freely coming to Christ, His invitation is to all and for all through His immeasurable love for us.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Eucalyptus and Grapevines

Pastel, 9 x 12

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.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Ojai Lavender Field

Pastel, 9.5 x 9 - SOLD

Nothing like the sight and scent of walking through a field of fresh lavender.

This is a field up in the quaint town of Ojai, CA.

Monday, November 3, 2014

On the Ojai Conservation Trail...

Pastel, 12 x 9

My mom and I took a road trip to Ojai last week for a few days. What a beautiful time of year to explore that area, and what an adventure seeker my dear mom was. As we entered the winding road to our B&B, we came across this conservation trail. Those fiery orange/yellow/red trees caught our eye immediately and we just had to stop and take a stroll through the tree lined paths. More Ojai inspired paintings to come soon.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Fall Succulent

Pastel, 16 x 12

I enjoyed observing the shapes and shadows here with the subtle gradations of colors shifting from blues, greens and lavenders. The warm pink tips of the petals were like putting icing on the cake for me. This was painted on a black sanded surface allowing many layers to carve out the shapes, retaining the contrasted shadows and leaving some of the surface peeking through to add texture through out.