Beach Trail Pano

Pastel, 27 x 11

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

San Clemente's beach trail after the sun has set.

Cabrillo Playhouse

Pastel, 12 x 9

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

The local Playhouse in my home town of San Clemente has so much character.  On this clear sunny day, it caught my eye with all the color and contrasts.  I really enjoyed painting it and the finishing strokes were adding the telephone wires.  I almost left them out, but they were there and it added some interest to the sky by scratching them in.  The playhouse opened in 1966 and is still active today.

I'm honored to share that this painting was awarded 3rd place in the San Clemente Art Associations Members Paint San Clemente Event.

Mission Lily

Pastel and graphite, 12 x 7

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I enjoyed working more spontaneous and loose with this one.  Allowing the terra cotta surface to peek through more and adding some graphite gestures in the end.  I might try this again with another color of lily just for fun.

"Morning at the Mission" - The Mission San Juan Capistrano

Pastel, 16 x 12

© 2014 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

I took a walk through the Mission in San Juan Capistrano the other morning right when it opened.  It was so peaceful and the light was warm and still a bit low casting nice cool toned shadows across the lawn and pathways.

A Peek Between the Palms

Pastel, 16 x 12

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I took the coast to run a few errands and the ocean was so blue I had to stop and take it in.  This view of Dana Point Harbor caught my eye between the palm trees with their interesting cast shadows.  

San Juan's Open Space

Pastel, 12 x 9

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

My mom and I took the scenic view home last weekend and as we entered San Juan Capistrano, we stumbled onto this Open Space preserve of the Avocado and Orange groves.   What a gorgeous day to view this Open Space.  The focal tree I believe is an Avocado tree.  The distant trees are orange trees midst the mustard grasses.  I loved how the sun lit up the mustard and contrasted the shadows of the trees.  I can remember when I was about 11 years old, riding horses with my friend Janna through the orange groves here.  I'm so thankful they've preserved this area for the public to enjoy.

Abalone Point

Pastel, 12 x 9

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

At the Mission Fine Art Gallery today...

At Mission Fine Art Gallery today.  Such a pleasant place to be and it's such a joy to watch people stroll through and enjoy the art.  If you are ever in San Juan Capistrano, the Mission Fine Art Gallery is in the breezeway next to Starbucks across from the historic Mission.  

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.  

Palisades Tree

Pastel, 16 x 12

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

We will often take the drive along the coast on our way home.  I love looking up at the cliffs, especially late in the afternoon when all the colors turn rich and warm.  This tree caught my eye as we passed the Palisades area.  What a spectacular view this tree has facing the ocean.

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.

Sunset Waltz

Pastel 12 x 9, SOLD

© Copyright 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Some evenings it looks as though the clouds are dancing a slow graceful waltz.  

This was one of those nights.

Exciting News!

Mission Fine Art Gallery has invited me to join their wonderful group of artists.  There are 12 total artists that show their work in this lovely gallery.  I am humbled and honored to be a part of this gifted group.  The gallery is located in San Juan Capistrano across from the Mission and next to the Starbucks, between Starbucks and Cedar Creek.  Please stop by if you are in the area and enjoy taking in some of the unique original artworks in the form of paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry on display.

Hello from the sea (finished)

Pastel, 16 x 12 on Colourfix

I had started this one back in August but never was quite satisfied with the background.  My friend Jennifer reminded me of it yesterday, so I put it back on the easel and reworked the background pulling warm tones in over the earthy green/browns that were there.  I wanted the background to look like the wet sand on the shoreline with a cast of warm late afternoon sunlight, yet still keeping the shell the focus with it's unique colors of summer.  Happier with this one, I will call it finished.  

Thank you Jennifer! :)