"MORNING HAZE"

                                                                "MORNING HAZE"
                                                                 24x24 oil on canvas

With morning haze giving a soft focus to the sky and sea where they meet became a metaphor of my journey.   The pursuit in searching for other ways of talking about subjects such as skies, waves, land or even objects is an interesting journey to say the least.  I must satisfy myself above all and I must appeal to an audience that is for the most part not familiar with what art is.  This is where the lines blur for I recognize my audience is small and yet when that one stops and gets what I am trying to say my journey is clear and the horizon comes into focus.  

"EASY SUNDAY"

                                                          "EASY SUNDAY"
                                                          6X6" oil on wood

It was late in the day when I arrived in Santa Monica.   The meeting was cancelled giving me a chance to just stroll the shore.  The sun setting and the sky turning wonderful warm shades made for a great backdrop for the pier and memories.  (SOLD)

"MONDAY BLUES"

                                                      "MONDAY BLUES"
                                                     6X6inch oil on wood

A few weeks ago we had a great needed downpour.  All the dust was washed away, all plants got a good drink, the air is clearer.  All this is good, BUT! For me it meant running around with my iPhone taking pictures for my rain series.. This petites oeuvres d' art that you see just might become a large canvas.... There is more to come so stay tuned.. (SOLD)

"MAGIC"

                                                                   "MAGIC"
                                                            6x6" oil on wood

With the moon so full and a blue moon at that I had no choice but to paint the glare of it.

As many times as I have looked up at this glowing ball it still brings a smile and a Wow! that crosses my lips.  The simple beauty that it gives us all is immeasurable.   Every child looks and points to it.  The moon is magic, for when we stop to marvel, all troubles and negative thoughts vanish and for a brief moment we are one with all..    

New Black & White

                                                        "RAINS COMING"
                                                         6X6" oil on wood

I sat at the end of the field and waited.  The sky got darker, the winds picked up and the smell of rain was in the air.  I got out of there just in time for a crazy downpour was crazier so reported on the news.   It took three photos to get what I felt was needed for this painting.  (Sold)

"WINDMILL'S EAST"

                                                       "WINDMILL'S EAST"
                                                          6x6" oil on wood

Still heading East these giants loom over the hills and turn in slow motion almost hypnotic in there silence.   It doesn't mater whats on your mind, they wash away all negative thoughts and your left feeling good... Its true...    

"MORNING WHISPERS"

                                                        "MORNING WHISPERS"
                                                               6X6" oil on wood

Up in the morning heading out to Palm Springs, catching the sun lighting the land is a thrill to see.  Off in the distance the windmills spinning magical whispers and a new day begins its journey.  So many changes, somethings becoming a new and others are leaving and in time will become like windmills spinning morning whispers.  

"FARAWAY"

                                                             FARAWAY
                                                         6X6 oil on wood

Catching the light at just the right moment as it changed within seconds and disappeared.
I was glad I took the picture.  It had been lost amongst hundreds of other photos from over the years.  I pined it to my studio wall and thought on it till finely I said OK! I'm ready for you.   

"LAGUNA MOON"

                                                           LAGUNA MOON
                                                            6X6 oil on wood

This is at the top of a hill above the festival of arts in Laguna Beach CA.. It is where most of the artists park.  On this evening the full moon had just pecked over the hill and eventually will set out at sea. (Sold)

"LISTEN"

                                                              "LISTEN"
                                                          oil on wood 6X6"

This is a little back off the main body of the lake.  We would shut the engine and drifted in in silence into these quiet spots.  Ether he or I would say quietly "Listen" and there was nothing, no sound, not even birds.  It was a place where I learned how to bass fish with one of the best.  He new just where to cast his line and seconds later, he would pull his rod up and reel in a bass... I was always in awe  and this same guy taught me the art of bass fishing.  (Sold)

"DAYDREAM"

                                                               "DAYDREAM"

                                                              6X6 oil on wood

                                                         
Just a quiet spot, no one around, birds singing off in the distance, soothing sounds of water gently rolling of stones... Gosh! This is a great place to just lay-back and daydream the day a way.   

"HIGHWAY 66"

                                                                 "HIGHWAY 66"
                                                                 oil on wood 6x6"

Fallowing up from a large canvas painting I did of this same road I wanted to do a smaller version of same...  This will be in the up coming Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach CA this summer.

"NEIGHBORS"

                                                                     "NEIGHBORS"

6X6" oil on wood

                    Not looking over the fence, I wonder who is living there.  Every now and then I would hear voices, music coming from the house, smell the barbeque and hear the clap, clap of the occasional backdoor screen shutting, then silence.   At times the house was dark for weeks.  Then, lights, and familiar voices come filtering through the fence and... they are home again.  It was just one of those times.  I was in my yard quietly reading a book listening to the chatter from next door when I was startled to hear from over the fence; 

Hi Neighbor!  

"SANTA FE"

                       
                                            "BOUND for SANTA FE"
                                                        6X6"

I have made this run to Santa Fe numerous times and always find something new to photograph and turn into a painting.  This airstream shinny and new just gleamed in the sunshine, it was a must to take a picture of.   I wanted to paint it like an old sepia photo, all warm tones, I think I got it, don't you?    (Sold) 

"ON THE EDGE"

                                                           "ON THE EDGE"
                                                        30x30 oil on canvas

Traveling on a back road with the city riding the horizon, flanked by the pacific on one side and dry grasses on the other it was truly on the edge.  I pulled of the road, knelt down to get closer to the ground thus accentuating the sky and sliver of life I took one photo.  It was to be my next painting.  

"EQUATION of SPACE"

                                                       "EQUATION of SPACE"
                                                            24x24 oil (sold)

This is from one of many road trips with my sis.  I was traveling around doing art show, each was a crazy adventure onto them selves.   This painting was from traveling through the heartland with its endless horizons, but more then that; The combination of sky and land made for a mind bending visual effect on the senses and emotions, numbing and exhilarating, one could not exist without the other, thus the title of the painting. 

"TRACKS"

                                                                 "SOFT SNOW"
                                                              6X6inch oil on wood

It had snowed the night before, not a lot but enough to add to the already deep mounds.  It was late in the day with the sun making its way down when I decided to go for a walk.      Blocks from my sons house when I spotted the tracks in the soft snow.  Could have been a rabbit or the countless squirrels that lived all around us here in Minnesota.  Really beautiful place, and if not for him moving here, I would never have had the opportunity to go on this walk and do this painting.  Thanks Mitch!  

"Two New Works"

                                               
                                                       "LOOKING SOUTH"
                                                       6X6inch oil on wood  (Sold)

                                                      
                                                           "MOONLIGHT"
                                                          6X6 oil on wood

Being in Laguna Beach one has a plethora of things to pick to paint, from early mornings to full moons lighting up the sky.  Oh I know! Every place has multitudes of subjects worth painting, I just happen to be in the right place at the right time to see these.   

"DRY GRASSES"

                                                       "DRY GRASSES"
                                                     6x6inch oil on wood

With the city in the distance and miles of dry grasses it was hard to ignore the change in the climate.  It seems I just remember greener times.  Those words we here from the weather reporters, "UNSEASONABLY WARMER" Hmm! I do wonder why.... So! For me, I get to paint some interesting color combinations, rich rusts with good blue backgrounds, big puffy clouds.  All great stuff, don't you think?  Just say'in        

"LAGUNA MORNING"

                                                           "LAGUNA MORNING"
                                                         a 6x6 inch study on wood

After months of painting only my large canvass it feels so good to return to my small studies on wood.  To do these is slowing down my thoughts, working with small brushes, blending and re-blending, all to capture so much in such a small space.  It is both challenging and rewarding.  This big sky is took place one morning with the sun just making its way above the hills in South Laguna Beach, illuminating this band clouds that disappeared to the horizon.   It was a must stop and catch ones breath.  Such a beautiful planet, do take care of her. (Sold)

Here is #12 for the SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                                   "OFF SHORE"
                                                               30X30 oil on canvas

I'm not sure just when I took this picture, but at the time my thought of painting it was far, faraway.  I was North on the Interstate 5 heading up to Redlands, California when I pulled off onto a little road with a sign that said "DEAD END".  So! I of course had to see where this might take me.   Well, much to my delight, 8 miles into this drive this is what I found.  Taking one photo using film of the time.   Putting this photo away with all the rest of forgotten shots  I found it and said to self, "Hello!" Here is another for my scrapbook series.... Nice find.

Another for the 'SCRAPBOOK SERIES" #11

                                   
                                                    "BARBED WIRE & RAINDROPS"
                                                                  30X30 oil

There are times when one is just in the right spot and the right time.  Pulling off on the side of the road, I excited my car to see the sun beginning its journey to the other side of the earth.  I garbed my camera and spotted these two posts in an empty field and thought there's  a nice composition.  Squatting down I took aim and clicked off four photos knowing this is a painting.   The other was raindrops that I truly love painting, putting the two together I new would make a nice painting for my series.         

#10 " For the "SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                    "SHADES OF GRAY"
                                                     24x24 oil on canvas

Where I was standing I could see the clouds building and the trees started to rustle and sway back and forth.  The sky turned dark, the clouds began to expand and move toward me.  I headed back inside just in time with the first drops beginning to fall. I stood in the comfort of the home and watched the clouds and sky turn beautiful shades of gray.

I thought to myself... Here's another painting.     
this painting can be seen on YouTube

#9 in the "SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                    "AFTER THE RAINS"
                                                     24x24 oil on canvas

The rains had stopped.  At times it was as though the sky had opened up and all the water in the heavens came down at once.  With the earth not being able to hold any more water, this was a perfect time for me to go take a look.   Camera in hand, I headed out to find that something, It was then, with the sun beginning its descent, lighting up sky and clouds and giving a fabulous encore performance to the now present pond, I found just what I was looking to paint.  

This painting will be on display at this summers up coming show in Laguna Beach California.

another for the "SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                          "SANTA MONICA WEST"
                                                               24x24 oil on canvas

Always looking for subjects to paint and being a part of Southern California the subject matter is endless.  With camera in hand or now with my iPhone and its ability to take really good photos I am at the ready.  This is just one of those right place, right time and I got a something to paint.

"SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                             "PALM SPRINGS RUN"
                                                           24x24 oil on canvas

I remember getting up early and making this Palm Spring run.    I was just in time see the morning sun come up giving a shout out to all... "I'M HERE"   At that moment I balanced my camera on the steering wheel firing off countless shots thinking; There's got to be a painting in there someplace.   This painting is part of my on going "SCRAPBOOK SERIES" that will soon become a book.    

"SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                  "ROMANCE IN PARADISE"
                                                        14x14 oil on canvas

With warm breezes and everything left somewhere far faraway, its time to kick back, have something cool in your hand to sip on, distant island music, a love one close by.  All that said;  Now if no-one says something stupid.... Its "Romance in Paradise"  

"SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                             "OPEN" 14X14 oil on canvas

I first posted this Jan7 2015 but since then and now knowing at that time, I just might not be finished with it.  And sure enough I was not tell now.  The changes I feel have made a big difference and now I can sign this painting and add it to the ongoing collection. 

"SCRAPBOOK SEREIS"

                                                   "FRIENDS & LOVERS"
                                                      14x14 oil on canvas

I have thought about all the things that surround us and have found all things are in sets of two's.  For insistence; Night & Day, Light & Dark, Hot & Cold, Good & Yes you guessed it.. Bad. So you see where I am going with this and if you are like me, you will come up with so many more that it will make your head spin.  Thus, the title to my painting.  The two are sunōnumos with each or at least should be.   Being the romantic, I can't think of a better combo then Friends & Lovers.

"SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                            "CONTEMPLATION "
                                                                14x14 oil on canvas

The name of this painting has so many meanings for me.  This place was a discovery, my direction on the never-ending hunt for what I want to say and how to do that is a discovery...  I must let go, for to hold on means I stay in one place and I won't do that;  So discovery is a new me and that spell's freedom.

"SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                         "VACATION TIME"
                                                         oil on canvas 14x14

We plan for trips to who knows where.  Its maps, internet, note pads of info till that moment when you say OK! Lets Go...  However long the trip is, its over in a flash and you're back home.  Its back to work, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, laundry and life.  But late in the evening when all is quiet you open the scrapbook and return to memories, and if only for a moment, its vacation time. 

"SCRAPBOOK SERIES"

                                                             
                                                           "QUIET WALK"
                                                       14x14 oil on canvas

This is the beginning of a new series called "THE SCRAPBOOK" Not sure how many will be a part of this, but I must say I am really enjoying what I just painted and excited about what is coming.   This is from an old photo that I obtained and the memory of how I have forgotten.  But no-mater I must paint on and continue to look for more in my scrapbook.

"Roasted & Ready"

                                           6x6 oil on wood "everything red"

As much as I love painting I love cooking.  There is an interesting correlation between the two.  Each needs to be planned and figured out as to what comes first, the coloring or the look of the presentation and then  what it is going to be presented on so the palate and eyes can feast.  So much to think about, but for now, its back to the kitchen, I mean studio... 

See you on the next corner.

 

 

"HIGH SURF"

                                                                6X6 oil on wood

Just another fantastic day in Laguna Beach...  This is one of the storms that  past through making great waves  rumbling the shores along the coast.   Love paintings these.  The problem is there are so many subjects to choose from.  OK! Back to the easel, time is a wasting.  See you around the next corner.

"NOW WATER"

With snow coming down I drove in silence.  The muffled sound of the road let my thoughts melted away like the snow flakes turning to droplets only to vanish and return again; and to think!  All this took place in my imaginary reality staring at a blank canvas.

This painting is 20x20 For questions a simple email at:schwartzart@earthlink.net

"FIRST RAIN"

My challenge is two fold; first is picture the right subject, second is to get the right drops to make a total image.  Sometimes everything comes together in one photo but even with that I always add or subtract things giving the rhythm I am looking for to make my painting work.

  This painting is in oils on a 30x12 inch canvas gallery wrapped

"L.A. BOUND"

                                        "L.A. BOUND" / UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Funny how lost I got with ear-buds plugged into my head and wipers keeping in time to the music, made an hours drive seem like a blink.... I had to stop and think, did I run any lights, did I do anything foolish?  Coming up to the next stoplight gave me time to look out of my windshield and take in the rain and bright-lights. I love this kind of night.

This painting is 14x14x1.5" on canvas    

"Long Beach"

                                                   "long beach" 14x14 oil

Continuing on the series "Up Close & Personal" this is yet another.  With the light diminishing setting at a stop light it was perfect.  One shot with my iPhone and I was on my way with another image to be painted.

"Santa Monica"

                                                     "santa monica" 14x14

This is one of an ongoing series of paintings about light, rain and what happens when camera focus's on just the drops of water.  For me it is a magical moment both to see and then paint.   Stay tuned for more.  

"NO TRAFFIC"

                    
                          "oil on wood size: 6x6x1.5 inch. get it now for $160 + s/h

 Knowing this was going to be a wonderful sunset I pull off on the shoulder kicking up gravel and dust.   I shut the engine, get out of my van and head out about 50 yards into the darkening desert.   After a time I found a place to get this shot.  I knelt down using these two posts of what was left of a fence protecting a long forgotten covered up hole in the ground.  Anyway, they made for a nice composition for this crazy artist out on the highways.

Tell next time.  Catch ya on the way back.