Summer Hues

Pastel, 19 x 27

® 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Longer days, the sun sets after 8… and there's moments like this.
Summer is here.

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Keyhole, Laguna Beach

Pastel, 9x9

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Enjoyed a day in Laguna Beach with our dear friends from Kennewick, WA.

The Keyhole is always an interesting view along the coast here.

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.

Peaceful Perch

Pastel, 12 x 16

® 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

This sweet mourning dove didn't seem to mind me stopping to study her awhile as we both enjoyed an early morning sunrise.
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Beyond Borders

Pastel,  9 x 12 - SOLD

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Morning inspirations hiking along Hermosa Trail.

Rocky Creek Bridge

Pastel, 9x9

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

One of my favorite views along the coast of Big Sur.

Meet Me At the Top

Pastel, 9x9

© 2016 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Another familiar view on my hike.  If you look close, on the left is a tall twiggy bush and perched at the top a small hummingbird.  That is how faint my view is of him as I approach the top of this hill.  He's there, just about every time like clockwork.  I can feel him cheering me on. 

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.