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!
I already have my Small Works Holiday sale on, so just click here to see the bargains!
November 26 is Artists Sunday Read More »
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.
Stay tuned for more info on the show when it opens!
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/
THE 2023 HOLIDAY SALE IS OPEN! Read More »
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.
Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters weekly printout was at the preserve, and I joined them. The last time they were, there, I painted a scene looking south down the coast. The sea has been unusually calm much of the past several weeks, so this time, I painted a quiet cove. Below are some pictures from the day. Although quite a few showed up, limited parking spread us out over a wide area.
Below is my painting after about two hours. With a little touchup, I think it is a keeper.
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.
–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.
Painting with the Knights Read More »
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.
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.
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.
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.
That’s all for now, but stay tuned for more in the works!!
Small Canvases, Big Ideas Read More »
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!!
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.
BTW, I forgot to write a weblog about our August trip and painting in Iceland and Norway, so look for another weblog soon.
Paintin’ n’ Dronin’ at Rocky Point Read More »
Colorado thunderstorms are a magnificent display of nature’s power and beauty. The state experiences an impressive array of thunderstorms throughout the year. These storms are characterized by dark, billowing clouds that roll across the sky, often accompanied by intense lightning strikes and deep rumbling thunder. These wonders of nature rarely occur in coastal California, where I live.
I was recently visiting family and friends in Colorado, and during a morning walk witnessed a squall coming in directly over Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak, dominating the skyline around Colorado Springs, and one of the most famous peaks in the Rocky Mountains, stands tall at an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302 meters). It was a scene begging to be painted, so I did a piece back in the home studio.
I have done a number of cloud paintings over the years, and never quite satisfied with them. This one, I think, is a step in the right direction, but as usual might touch it up in the future.
Squall Over Pikes Peak Read More »
