This summer I hiked another section of the French Grand Randonee Cinq–the GR5 hiking trail that links the North Sea with the Mediterranean. Our little group (my mom, sister, and two dear friends) trekked 100 miles over mountain tops and through medieval villages to arrive, finally, at the Med. It was extremely physically challenging for us and also extremely beautiful–so very full of the best kind of quiet and light and wonder. I did some watercolor sketches in my journal along the way and hope to work from photos in the studio to capture some of these memories in oils. Here are some shots of the trek and some of my sketches. Enjoy!

“Spook Mountain”
8×10
Available at Forest & Ocean Gallery in Laguna Beach and online at dailybrushwork.com

I’m honored to have two paintings juried in to the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association’s Best of Plein Air Show this year! LPAPA is a fantastic group and I love participating in the events and art opportunities they offer. It’s a privilege to be a part of such a great collection of artists.

“Spook Mountain” is available in the gallery in Laguna Beach and online (link above). I painted it out in Yuma, Arizona around Christmastime while the grandparents, Scott, and the kids climbed around on the rocks and roasted hot dogs. The view was just incredible with the atmospheric lighting separating each mountain receding in the distance. I really had the sense that I was painting the space and the air.

This little watercolor painting was also juried in to the online show and is available here. I often do watercolor sketches while my kids play in the water and explore the tidepools. This was my view while I painted “Crystal Cove Breakers.”

The Best of Plein Air Show opens June 2nd and runs through June 27th at the Forest and Ocean Gallery in Laguna Beach. The opening reception is on Saturday, June 4th, 5-8 pm. Come out and see this great collection of plein air work in person!

Forest & Ocean Gallery
480 Ocean Ave
Laguna Beach, CA  92651