Traveling to Julian, California

"On The Road to Julian" 

 

My work is influenced by the reality and beauty of nature and a dash of artistic license... 

I took a ride to Julian, California and this is my memory of a warm day and an artistic tree.  Trees have beautiful personalities that almost call out and say "look at me...." 

Julian is a picturesque mountain town and October is great time to visit.  Nature is the main attraction...although you probably can't overlook eating yummy apple pie....

 



California Inland (Original Landscape Painting)

Happy weekend everyone the festivities are over and it's back to the work I enjoy.
I completed this inland painting of Temecula, California over a week ago and now it's ready for the final protective coating.


I like the subtle dusty colors so I'll probably go with a matte finish.  Its as though the artwork will tell you what it needs.

Capturing Clouds

 

"Big Day" San Clemente, California Landscape

 

The focus of this painting is clouds and their movement against the sky....  The painting is representational but I enjoy the fun abstract shapes that fill the heavens...

 

The last few paintings have been in a small format 8" X 10."  I think I'll go a little larger with the next work....



Light In The California Landscape

California Landscape (Capitstrano Beach Area)

I was attracted to this scene because of the light.  I enjoy trees (they all have different personalities) but it was the shadows and light that I wanted to describe.   Also as the trees branches are moving upward there is this light and color that brush the tips…  It’s curious how one scene will grab you over another…

I was also working with the upbeat under painting and I wanted that hint of color to be part of the process…  It always a pleasure for me when light, dark, color, and composition come together.    



Original Acrylic Painting by JC Strong

"Sunday Driving in Trabuco Canyon"

"Evening Transitions"

Trees always have a visual story to tell. Some of these trees I found in Trabuco Canyon, an interesting rural slice of nature in Orange County. Everyone, have a great Mother's Day.

Original Painting California Landscape and Sky by JC Strong

The winds blow from the inland valley to the ocean. These “Santa Ana” winds can transform a sky. The colors at sunset looked lush and delicate at the same time. (The area is actually around San Clemente, California.)

Painting this work was a matter of problem solving. If I realy think about it, most of my work is a matter of pushing and pulling until the story is completed.

I wanted the colors in the sky to tell the story but I needed to anchor the painting. It seems to me placing the tree at the lower right-hand corner, plus the darker values in the landscape did the job. I painted the edges as you can see in the image below. See additional detail in my Etsy Shop.

Storytelling in Art by JC Strong

I was thumbing through Kevin Macpherson's book, Landscape Painting Inside & Out and Chapter Seven asks "Why do you paint?" The answer for me is I have an artistic story to express. My visual adventures are rooted usually in my perception of nature.

I painted "Red Balloon," (8'x10")above in the studio after spending time at the park. The trees were reminiscent of old California but the person with the balloon brought it into 2011. I liked the idea of old and new together . . .

I painted "Sunset at Poche Beach" (4" x 6") in order to capture an abstract moment in a very small canvas. My hope is although these paintings are very different they both provide the viewer an entrance into a story they can complete.

Original Painting California Landscape by JC Strong

It’s been a turbulent 24 hours. Southern California has had lots’ of rain. My neighborhood lost power for 18 hours. (I kept the frig closed so my Christmas goodies would not spoil. I know what's important.)

Water came down so hard, our road seemed like a river. Everybody is safe in our neighborhood. It just reminded me nature is in control.

I started this painting of the T-Street area, bridge, and majestic tree before the lights went out and I finished it this afternoon. It's a beautiful sunny spot in San Clemente, California. I'll paint a rainy day some other time.

I give the old masters a lot of credit for the ability to create without electricity and heat etc. I couldn't paint in candle light. I'm glad for the little advantage's this Christmas, like electricity and heat.

Latest Updates:
I started a Facebook Fan Page you can see additional samples of my work on that page. I also enjoy viewing other artist's work

Original Painting California Landscape by JC Strong

I had started this early morning work a while back but completed this San Clemente landscape today. This landscape felt like creating a patchwork of colors. I wrestled with the sky but I think it's now a solid part of the artwork.

Original Impressionist Landscape Painting

My all-time favorite subjects are the landscape and seascapes of San Clemente, California. San Clemente is a wonderful beach town rich in community friendliness and California history. The town is a mix of families, senior citizens, young, old, men and women that love the ocean.

Walk around town at different times of the day and you'll see the ocean, sky, and landscape in different vibrant colors. Today's painting is inspired by twilight walks near the beach, after a warm day in the sun.

Original California Fall Landscape and Art Ideas

I was in San Juan Capistrano looking just enjoying a meal with friends and found this tree with personality. Some trees send out good vibes. It was almost saying “look at me, look at me . . . ” I stood back, it reminded me of one of Charles Burchfield’s trees . . . Mr. Burchfield’s work is amazing it has a “haunting” quality . . .

Is my tree haunted? I don’t think so but it had the ability to stand out. I love trees with "pizazz" and the tree had "it" in the little parking lot behind the Italian Restaurant.

Do icons of art and art history stay in our memory to become artworks at a later date? Do certain trees, flowers, and people have attributes that compel us to put them on paper or canvas? I think they do but I’ll keep thinking about these questions as I continue with my work...

See this work and others in my Etsy Shop....