This is the last week I have at home before I fly off to San Miguel de Allende to paint with Frank Gardner.   I'm looking forward to the coming week, but I seem to be moving through molasses while trying to get everything done before leaving. 

Additionally, the weatherman has predicted rainy weather off and on during the week (It's pouring right now.) so I decided to go to the Monday uninstructed figure painting group which was inside.   The model was a cowboy and struck a relaxed but rough and tumble pose.   It was a fun morning and -- as always -- the wide variety of WONDERFUL work that emerged from the various artists in the group was inspiring.

Today I picked up my paintings from the photographer and then tried to take advantage of the beautiful weather before buckling down to business again.  I was hoping to see wildflowers.  I didn't see too many, but wow... what a gorgeous, amazing day!  I drove and stopped and took pictures and then drove on.  The clouds were billowy and amazing... They were all fluffy and majestic against the blue sky -- sailing along and making a great foil for the lush greens of the Las Virgenes / Malibu Mountainscapes.  Wow... life is sooooo good!

The top photo is looking down on the Malibu State Park Creek Bridge and through the gorge and the photo just below that is the view from my back yard overlooking the San Fernando Valley.

All the rest of the week I've been trying to finish up a variety of seascapes for entry in a couple of shows.  (I'm not sure why I keep trying to enter shows...  I guess I just crave the opportunity to show my work.)  Got it done, photographed and submitted ...

Now it's time to get ready and pack for the big Mexican adventure!