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. 

Under the Old Oak

Pastel,  16 x 8

©2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Last fall, my mom and I spent a few days in Ojai.  One morning we set out for an early drive to Solvang.  Lots of old oaks and farmlands along the way with an occasional morning grazer taking a rest under a tree.

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.

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!