We have had a number of weather fronts coming in the last few months along with great sunsets over Monterey Bay. We walk along the dunes near our home in Marina, CA quite frequently, usually in the late afternoon, and enjoy the low or setting sun, particularly in the winter months when sunset is earlier. I recently did a painting of one of the sunsets, and I just have to keep painting them!!
This painting is a bit of a composite of the landscape components, but all the elements were within about a hundred yards of each other. The sky is pretty much was I saw it. It’s interesting, and I don’t know what causes it, but the yellow sky near the horizon is not reflected in the whiter highlights in the upper clouds. I saw this same phenomenon in my last painting of the sunset.
Sunsets on Monterey Bay by Fort Ord (now closed) are often breathtaking and captivating experiences. The reflection of the sun on the waters of Monterey Bay adds to the beauty of the scene, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
Prior to moving to Marina, CA, I visited the area frequently showing in art galleries in Carmel, and at the annual Carmel Art Festival for the last couple decades. I always drove right by Marina and the massive dunes to go further south to the rocky Big Sur coast and other areas which I thought would be better subject matter for my paintings.
Now, I walk along the dunes with my wife, Josie, 3-5 times a week for daily exercise, and the ideas for painting studies there are seemingly endless. Riding my eBike along the coastal trails is also fun and great exercise! I am losing track of how many times I have painted them, but here is another one!!
What drew me to this particular sunset was the light filtering among the small clouds in the upper atmosphere. They didn’t seem to be affected by the bright yellows and oranges of the sun and clouds below. Enjoy this new piece just off the easel.
Dunes Sunset, 24×18, oil on canvas
For those who know the area, I call this Divarty Hill, just west of the Divarty Rd/Hwy 1 underpass. Some may recognize the tree, but I replaced the asphalt road with vegetation.
I’ve joined artists, creators and makers across the country for the Artists Sunday, earth’s largest art event, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 26th, encouraging consumers to shop with artists. Think of it like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday but for shopping for art!
The Wright Flyer holds immense significance in American history as it marks a monumental achievement in aviation. Constructed and flown by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, the Flyer made its historic flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This event is recognized as the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft in history.
There is a reason I keep this model of the Kitty Hawk Flyer hanging above my desk, which I look up at constantly through the day.
I put this model together many years ago, and it was a difficult task. I originally bought it at the NASA space museum in Washington, DC for my son to put together. On the box, it said ‘easy assembly’, and thought he would learn something putting it together. After bringing it home, realized it was for model experts only, and wasn’t ‘easy’ by any stretch of the imagination . The kit was on the shelf for years, and eventually, I put it together over ten years ago. The model is extremely delicate and I have had to repair it many times from various accidents.
The Wright Flyer is a symbol of pioneering achievement that transformed the course of history, heralding the dawn of powered flight and leaving an indelible mark on American innovation and the world’s technological landscape.
Here is the reason I keep this model of the Kitty Hawk Flyer above my desk, especially on this Thanksgiving Day–
It is a constant reminder we are lucky to live here and anything is possible!!
This time of year I usually paint a few 6×6 miniatures for Randy Higbee’s 6″ Squared Show. This year’s show will be online only, starting December 2, 2023.
I usually do pretty good in his show selling most, if not all the pieces, so just painted three new ones. Many times, I do smaller versions of some of my larger pieces, and sometimes they are small versions of a larger work I am thinking about doing. Working on all three simultaneously over the past week, I took a photo during the initial stages of painting.
Below are the three completed pieces. Click on each one for a larger version.
Lobos Splash, 6×6, oil on panelUpper Truckee, 6×6, oil on panelMisty Sentinel, 6×6, oil on panel
Stay tuned for more info on the show when it opens!
The quest started 10 years ago today as a simple idea. I didn’t even know if I would, or even could finish it. After all, it was a commitment for a year.
I didn’t know if it would turn out worthwhile, or just a stack of sticky panels for the scrap heap. I didn’t know if anything would be interesting or worth looking at.
I didn’t know I would eventually paint ghost towns in Silicon Valley, or haunted springs, or wild beaver sign in a metropolitan city, or the worlds largest homeless camp, or the world’s first ‘plein air selfie’.
I didn’t know it would snowball in scope and public interest way beyond my first simple idea. Little did I know it would be featured on NBCTV, and other TV spots, articles by major publications, multiple showings in various venues, and a book.
I didn’t know eventually strangers would walk up to me, give me a hug, and say I brought back their fond childhood memories of days gone by in the “Valley of Hearts Delight’.
Ten years ago today, I started a year-long quest to paint a different “Creek and River of Silicon Valley” each week en plein air, or on location.
The collection of 60 paintings is still intact and will be for the foreseeable future. I am still seeking venues both local, national, and international for showings, so inquiries are welcome!
Looking for a totally unique custom gift for the holiday season which will last a lifetime? These little paintings make great holiday gifts. Just click on the link below.
This year I am also including notecards and books on sale. This is the biggest discount I ever sell my paintings, up to 70% off. Most prices are for unframed original, however if the frame is shown, it is included. Shipping is free in the continental US. If you are interested, just email me at donald@donaldneff.com. https://www.pinterest.com/nextmoran/2023-small-works-holiday-sale/
Point Lobos, located along the ruggedly picturesque California coastline, is a natural wonder that enchants visitors with its breathtaking beauty. Often referred to as the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks, the protected state reserve boasts a landscape of dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Its crystal-clear waters reveal a mesmerizing underwater world, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
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!
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.
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.
