Month: October 2023

Morning@The Dunes

October 26, 2023 / By

Fort Ord Dunes State Park, located on the scenic California coastline near our home in Marina, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a military training ground, I frequently walk this coastal gem which boasts pristine sandy shores, rolling dunes, and native grasslands. I have also painted it many times, the last being for the Carmel Art Festival which won the People’s Choice Award.

Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters were painting there yesterday morning, so joined them. Most of my paintings of the area have been late in the day, and I have never painted it in the morning.

It turned out to be a beautiful Wednesday morning, and about half a dozen painters showed up. I painted a small 5×7 scene of the dunes and Monterey Bay which will be included in my upcoming Holiday Sale in November.

Below are a few pictures of the day.

Here is the final painting. It seems as much effort is made in these miniature pieces as larger works!

Morning@The Dunes, 5x7, oil on board
Morning@The Dunes, 5×7, oil on board, plein air

Painting with the Knights

October 16, 2023 / By

The Knights of the Vine Association is a prestigious and exclusive organization dedicated to the appreciation and cultivation of the art of winemaking and oenology. Founded centuries ago in the heart of wine country, this illustrious group of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs gathers to celebrate the rich history and intricate craftsmanship behind the world’s finest wines. Their members, often referred to as “Knights,” participate in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and educational seminars, all while upholding a deep commitment to the preservation of wine culture and traditions. With a passion for the grape and a shared dedication to the exquisite art of winemaking, the Knights of the Vine Association continues to be a beacon of excellence and knowledge in the world of wine.

–ChatGPT

The Knights of the Vine chapter in Monterey for the past 30 years have had a party on the Sheltered Cove pier by the Beach & Tennis Club in Pebble Beach, CA.  I was invited last year to paint during the event, and was invited back this year!

It was a sunny and warm day…well almost hot!   Here are few pictures of the day. 

Although it is unpredictable how a plein air painting might turn out, I spent about 3 hours on the piece and once again, this one turned out rather well. 

The painting was auctioned off, and went to a couple from Pebble Beach. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a great picture of the painting, but here is a snapshot.

Small Canvases, Big Ideas

October 13, 2023 / By

After our recent trip to Iceland, Norway, England and other points, I couldn’t wait to do a few studio paintings from the trip. Since it was time to do a few new pieces for my annual Small Works Holiday Sale, I decided what better subject matter! Some of these I might paint in larger format in the future. The Holiday Sale starts early November, but if interested in a presale purchase, just email or private message me donald@donaldneff.com

Godafoss in Iceland, often referred to as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is a majestic and powerful cascade situated in the country’s northern region, offering a captivating display of nature’s beauty and an important place in Icelandic history and folklore.

Godafosse, 6×12, oil on canvas

Gudbrandsjuvet in Norway is a breathtaking natural chasm, where the rushing waters of the Valldola River have carved a stunning, narrow gorge through the rock formations, making it a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Gudbrandsjuvet, 8×6, oil on panel

Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Norway, is renowned for its dramatic, glacier-carved landscapes, pristine waters, and picturesque waterfalls, making it one of the most iconic and breathtaking fjords in the world.

Geiranger, 12×9, oil on panel

Stigfossen waterfall in Norway is a mesmerizing natural wonder, known for its steep, cascading descent of water down a rugged mountainside, creating a spectacle of both beauty and awe for those who visit.

Stigfossen, 12×4, oil on gallery wrap canvas

That’s all for now, but stay tuned for more in the works!!

Painting Iceland

October 10, 2023 / By

We recently did a cruise in the North Sea on the NCL Prima, visiting Iceland, Norway, England, and several other countries.  As usual, I took a small acrylic paint kit with me in case there was a break in our busy itinerary and I had time to paint.  The opportunity only presented itself a few times.  

I won’t go into a travelog of the trip, but you can see a preview/trailer of a video I produced here—

I did produce a full movie over an hour long, but is held private.  If interested in seeing it, please email me (donald@donaldneff.com), or private message me and I will send you the URL.

Due to a last minute change in the cruise port schedule we stayed in Akureyri, Iceland for two days, and it gave me the opportunity to do a couple paintings from our cruise ship cabin balcony.  The first was the hillside opposite our ship in port. The layers of various colors and rock strata were intriguing.

The second was from the same location, but looking up the Eyjafjörður fjord.

I also started one painting from our balcony while docked in Geiranger, Norway, which was the most spectacular scene, but didn’t have a lot of time, so left it unfinished.

Since we returned, I have been doing a number of small works from the trip for my annual Holiday Sale, which will be in my next weblog!

Stay tuned!!

Paintin’ n’ Dronin’ at Rocky Point

October 6, 2023 / By

Rocky Point is a captivating gem nestled along the dramatic Big Sur coastline in California. A restaurant (currently closed) stands over this rugged promontory offering breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean  with majestic cliffs, weathered rocks, and crashing waves that create a mesmerizing symphony of nature. 

I joined the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters for a paint out at the point last Wednesday.  It was an unusually clear and warm day as we have had somewhat of a ‘heat wave’ here in the Monterey Bay area.  

Enjoy this short video painting along the spectacular Big Sur coastline.  Be sure to turn the volume up!

Here is my painting after a couple hours work.  Still needs a little something…I am not sure I like all the juniper trees on the left hand side.

Rocky Point Study, 9×12, oil on board

BTW, I forgot to write a weblog about our August trip and painting in Iceland and Norway, so look for another weblog soon.

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