After the Storm

Pastel,  9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Painting Los Rios...

Pastel,  9 x 12

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Plein air painted with my friend Janine yesterday in the Los Rios District, SJC.  

We found this historic structure that has a butterfly conservatory garden.  Monarchs were fluttering about on this warm late afternoon.  Interesting soft shadows and filtered light through the trees.

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.

A Glimpse of Glory

Pastel, 9 x9 

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Heaven and Nature Sing...

Pastel 12 x 9

© 2015 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I walked the hills a few nights ago and came across a weathered remnant of my grandfather's fence that he put up in the 40's.  A bird landed on the post just as I stopped to take a photo, what timing.  The formation of the clouds were so wispy and rhythmic I thought heaven and nature truly does sing.

Have a wonder-filled Christmas!

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

Blue Tin Roof

Pastel, 5 x 7

© 2015 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.