"CLOSED"

                                                                           
                                                                          CLOSED
                                                          10X10 oil on canvas

So I deiced to take this back road and see where it takes me.  I had about an hour of sun left, getting little low on gas, looks like rain and the gas station is closed; what ells might be in store for me on this fine day.... Wait! are those flashing lights behind me? 

ON HIGH

                                                                   ON HIGH
                                                           6x6 oil on wood panel

With the evening approaching the clouds began to gather and build like a crescendo.  I had to stop and stare at a great play and its finally before everything turns to black. 

STANDING PROUD

                                                           STANDING PROUD
                                                         6x6" oil on wood panel

Driving back from Cambria on Exit 29, a crazy and winding road, I rounded a corner and there, looming up over a hill was this barn.  Finding a place to stop, I jumped out of my van, camera in hand.  One shot was all that was needed of this beauty "standing proud".

"BIRDS ON THE WIRE"

                                                          MORNING BIRDS
                                                       6x6 oil on wood panel

It was early morning with the sun peeking over the clouds; life was stirring under roofs with coffee brewing, showers spraying, and people talking in whispers.  I on the other hand was on the road with what seemed the only life was the one car heading in my direction and the birds on the wire.   (SOLD)

SOFT FOCUS

                                                           SOFT FOCUS
                                                     6x6 oil on wood panel

With the sun just coming up and the air thick with fog the house appeared to float in a field mustard greens.  In the distance a ships horn called out, adding to this, the sound of gulls  squawking to each other along the coast made for a beginning of a new day.  I took one photo in this soft focus atmosphere and continued on my way with hope in my heart in anticipation of meeting her.    

"DREAM"

                                                                DREAM

                                                     6X6 oil on wood panel

Within the shadows of the trees the air was cool and quiet; I  stopped to enjoy, knowing once the fog rolls in another kind of magic and story would take place, but!  for now, I just want to listen to the silence and dream

"GROUND FOG "

                                                          GROUND FOG
                                                     6x6 oil on wood panel

The sky was a crystal  clear  blue with wisps of vale like clouds that moved to  air currents up high.  Because it was still so early the ground fog lingered preventing me from getting on the road anytime soon.  It only took one photo and I knew I had another painting in the making.  

"FALL"

                                                                       FALL
                                                           6x6" oil on wood panel

The silence was overwhelming, the colors where breath taking.  I found myself walking slowly and delicately stepping not to disturb the quietness.  What a beautiful planet when we stop to listen.  

"APPLE BLOSSOM TIME"

                                    
                                                       BLOSSOM TIME
                                                   6x6" oil on wood panel

A fun and challenging little painting to do.  I painted this alla prima "wet on wet" in one setting with oil's.   

DELICATE BALANCE

                                                     DELICATE BALANCE
                                                    6X6" oil on wood panel

Another painting of natures wonders.  It is a delicate balancing act indeed.   We are all part of it and privy to witness it when we stop long enough to look.   I know, all that first read the title thought I was referencing the butterfly but I meant all that is in the painting, think on this a minute... I have painted water, rain, air for the plants and the butterfly is life.   Pay attention to it...   

SIMPLICITY

                                                               "SIMPLICITY" Sold
                                                     6x6" oil on wood panel

With the first day of Spring and a new season  I had to paint the innocence of dewdrops and a butterfly playing peek-a-boo.   The simplicity of a moment was a must to capture in these times of a world spinning like out of imbalanced top. 

"HUMPTY DUMPTY"

                                                       ALL FALL DOWN
                                                   6x6 oil on wood panel

Looking at the political landscape of this great country and wondering what will be next I thought this was apropos.   Need I say more..

WEST COAST

                                                                 WEST COAST
                                                           6X6 oil on wood panel 

To drive along the coast and see the clarity is sometimes startling.  On those clear days witch are meany here in Southern California is a real gift to all that stop to take it in.  This was just one of those days.   I really don't think I'm going to say much more.  I just want to drift off in it's beauty.  (SOLD)

"IN SHADE"

                                                               IN SHADE
                                                     6X6 oil on wood panel

It was still early morning and 90 degrees; I wondered what the rest of the day was going to be.  I could ponder this question till the end of the day and no-mater what I would come up with, it would mater not.  Like so many things in life we have no say, it's all what you do with at that given moment.  To cold, put a sweater on, to hot take it off.  So... I took in a nice deep breath of fresh air, walked over to this beautiful tree, and sat in its shade and dreamed of dreams. 

PALM SPRINGS RUN

                                                      PALM SPRINGS RUN
                                                      6x6 oil on wood panel

So having to get out of town, I thought, why not get up early and do a blast out to the desert, maybe stop at the "Blue Fox" and grab some chorizo & egg's, hot coffee and see some galleries.   Agreeing with myself, popped out of bed, hosed myself off and headed out to the infamies morning palm springs run..

ON TIME

                                                                  ON TIME
                                                        6x6" oil on wood panel

It was around 6:40 in Laguna Nigel and I was heading North to San Louis Obispo, meet up with some friends, catch up on some good talks, good eats at "The Spoon Trade", check out the wines, all great stuff.  So I was glade knowing all trains are on time..    (SOLD)

"AFTERNOON MIST"

                                                      AFTERNOON MIST
                                                    6x6" oil on wood panel   

A place of enchantment that I had to paint.  The original photo is from a Yana Capusta who is a photographer / Designer at: https://www.instagram.com/yana_capusta/ 

She kindly granted me permission to use her photograph as a reference for this painting. 

"COUNTRYSIDE"

                                                                COUNTRYSIDE
                                                     6x6" oil on wood panel 

So the other day I'm on my Instagram when I come across a Jody Larcombe's photo's and fell in love with her photo, I asked, could I paint this, she said yes... So, today I not just painted it but streamed it on my twitch.tv/madmanschwartz where one can see this and others at:https://www.twitch.tv/madmanschwartz/v/116373964

So thank you Jody actress/photographer at: https://www.instagram.com/jodylarc/  

"HELLO AGAIN"

                                                         HELLO AGAIN
                                                   6x6" oil on wood panel

It was a new day.  I awoke to the sounds of birds, crickets, the buzz of bees and the throaty call of frogs.  The sun was peeking over the ridge warming the air and land.  I looked around at all that surrounded me and thought of the years that have passed, and wonder of what lies ahead. But for now, it is a new day for me to embrace and give a heart felt shout and say "Hello Again." 

"DRAGONFLY SUMMER"

                                                     DRAGONFLY SUMMER

                                                    6x6" oil on wood panel

I was setting quietly, my back up against a tree letting my mind float along with the slow moving waters when I suddenly realized I best take a photo of all and get back to my son.

I took one shot and one last look and a perfect picture on a dragonfly summer's day.

   

"INTO SHADOWS"

                                                         INTO SHADOWS
                                                     6x6 oil on wood panel

I  stopped on this path and looked at was just ahead.  The forest of trees became thick, the trees got taller.  I wouldn't swear to it, but I think things got quieter. I felt myself being pulled forward.   I listened to the quiet and slowly sounds of streams and birds filled the air. I smiled as I disappeared into shadows. 

"SOUND of SILENCE"

                                                           SOUND of SILENCE

                                                          6x6" oil on wood panel

We walked for some time talking about this and that and without realizing, we began to speak softly, soon we stopped all together, words where not necessary nor did we want to disturb all that surrounded us; The gurgling of the streams, the songs of the birds, rustling of the fall leaves was all that was needed for the sound of silence.    (SOLD)

"GOODBY"

                                                                 GOODBY

                                                       6X6 oil on wood panel

The late afternoon sun was going down, the air was getting chilly.  I bent down to feel the cool waters and was struck by the sheer beauty and stillness.  Two birds glided lazily in the silence of what seemed a never ending flight.  It was time for me to say goodby.

"INNOCENCE"

                                                             INNOCENCE
                                                       6x6 oil on wood panel

Ever so quietly I moved close to get a better look and this most beautiful of little mallard's that so innocently swam on by.     

"DREAM"

                                                                  "DREAM"
                                                         6x6 oil on wood panel

Standing on the wooden walkway crossing the stream, I peered down into the cool water rippling by and the gathering of fallen leaves.  The soft sounds of the water tumbling mixed with all the songs of birds made for a perfect time to stop and dream.

"MIRROR"

                                                             "MIRROR"
                                                  6X6inch oil on wood panel

It was mid-afternoon and I was on a walk with my son and his daughter, (my grandchild]. It was a time to be quiet and listen to the sounds of this most magical place.  There was so much to see that I felt I couldn't get enough to fill my eyes and mind.  There where things for me to paint with every turn of my head.  So much beauty I thought, "I will run out of time."  Better get busy and paint.... Here's the start of many more to come.

Also on www.twitch.tv/madmanschwartz

DARK SKIES

                                                              DARK SKIES
                                                            6X6 oil on panel

Continuing my trip up North I was hoping to get to a motel or hotel before the sky opens up dumps.  Pulling off on the side of the road I got out of my car taking in the beauty that surrounded me before the dark skies take over and the rains begin. 

APPROACHING

                                                             APPROACHING
                                                             6X6 oil on panel

It was up north on a cloudy weekend when I spotted this meadow of deep burnt umber's mixed with golden shades. All supporting a gathering of rumbling clouds and the approach of rains  to come.  Yet unfazed, the grazing went on without a care, I thought to myself, could I do that, could I be unfazed by what might be approaching.     (SOLD)

HOMEWARD

             
                                                             "HOMEWARD" 
                                                            6X6" oil on panel

Heading south trying to catch the sun as it slowly sinks behind the clouds and eventually giving way to night my mind drifts to all that has taken place.   Like the setting sun and the beginning of the new day that will fallow, I too look forward to new beginnings as well, I do indeed

BRACKISH WATERS

                                                        BRACKISH WATERS
                                                          6x6" oil on panel

The sun was setting as I raced to find parking in order to find parking and walk down to the water.  This place is back-bay in Newport Beach with up scale homes that surround this most beautiful place.  I had to sneak in just to get the shot.  There is a price to see beauty, a price to see brackish water.  

PARTY LINE

                                                              "PARTY LINE"
                                                           6X6" oil on panel

At one time way before tweeting, texting, deleting, Instagram, streaming, blogging and, and, and.... There were "telephones", some with long tangled wires, some had, if you got fancy the curly wire at the end of your receiver that one had to wipe down from sticky hands.  

Well! at that time, while talking on your "telephone" you would realize you where not alone... It was the age of saying to a total stranger, "Sorry", "Can you hang up now!" or "I was talking first".   Ah Yes!... The "Party Line".    

FIRST DAY

                                                    (Sold) "FIRST DAY"
                                                             6X6 oil on panel

It was early morning and still dark and yet! like clockwork, one can hear the school bus rumbling somewhere in the neighborhood.   It was the signal of the end of summer and the beginning of a school year.   There were going to be new friends, teachers, games and a new beginning to that very first day.   

HELLO EVENING

                                                      HELLO EVENING
                                                       6X6 oil on panel

With evening approaching and a day field with lunch with friends, post-office, looking in on a few galleries, banking.... I know what your thinking... This guy is busy... But the truth is... I was just heading back into Laguna and took this shot and said to self.. #PaintThis

"SUNDOWN"

                                                              SUNDOWN
                                                           6x6 oil on panel

With the sun setting on the boundary waters a quiet fell over the lands.  After a time, new sounds came into play, frogs, owls, crickets, buzz of mosquitoes the scurrying of small night life all adding to the music of the night.  It was time to set up camp, make some hot coffee and dream.

"HUSH"

Newer version, I warmed the sky and dropped that same pink into the lower corners adding to the overall feeling.  

                                                                    HUSH

                                                             6X6 oil on panel

I had been walking for sometime, gingerly being careful not to disturb the underbrush or step on a new seedling that might one day become...   The air was still, soft sounds of unseen birds called out musical notes.   Well, on this very fine day I stumbled out from the underbrush on to this most delicate of ponds.  I found myself slowing down my movement not to brake the silence.   Stopping my walk, I sat down letting the hush fall on me like a soft blanket.

"A QUIET MEADOW"

                                                      A QUIET MEADOW
                                                        6X6 oil on panel

For me, I needed to just get away from the noise, people, sights and sounds of it all.  I have been in an amazing art show with great artists that I can talk with about what it is like to do what we do.  I play a card game with two wonderful artists and another I get to jab humor with along with great texting back and forth with.  But I still wanted to find a place to just get into me, so after a long hike I found a perfect little spot.  My very own quiet meadow to lie-down in and dream.

"STOP!"

                                                                "STOP!"
                                                         6x6 oil on panel

With the evening approaching the sky  bathed everything with a soft pinkish glow.  I found myself a place to eat, grabbed a room and settled in.  

"SNOWBOUND"

                                                       "SNOWBOUND"
                                                       6X6 oil on panel

Not sure of how much further I could go, I pulled I finely found a motel and was just able to park and check-in.  With the trip coming to a stop I turned to look out of the lobby window I thought, "WOW!" I'm without a doubt "Snowbound"

BEND

                                                                   BEND
                                                           6X6" oil on panel

A place in Oregon called Bend.  This photo was sent to me just days ago and I thought, I'm going to paint this.   Knowing the person that sent it and the scene,   Felling a correlation between the two it was an easy decision to make it work..

This will be at the Festival of Arts this summer in Laguna Beach,CA    

SOUND OF SILENCE

                                                                SOUNDS OF SILENCE
                                                        6x6 oil on panel

It was still early as the sun peeked through the trees.  My fishing buddy, a master bass fishermen guided his bass boat quietly and smoothly along.  It was mornings like this that we barely spoke a word.   Talking seemed out of place so we would look at one another and smile in agreement at the beauty that was all around us.  We became part of the sound of silence.

This painting will be at this summers Festival of arts in Laguna Beach CA