MIDDLE HARBOR OAKLAND

The backlit clouds moved so quickly. This determined that the sky would be the first thing to paint. I didn't know if the light would change to fully sunlit or fully overcast at any moment, so I made myself work very quickly to get it all down, starting with palette knives and bigger brushes. Every vantage point had marvelous views of the Oakland port and  San Francisco skyline, so I'll be back to this location again.

9 X 12
Oil on panel

more info: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

WILSON PEAK

This is the view of a '14er' called Wilson Peak. There are a ring of these 14,000 foot mountains around the box canyon where the town of Telluride, Colorado is nestled. This is a view from, 'See Forever Village', at about 10,000 feet. You get breathless up there, but one adjusts and it is magnificent. My son climbed this peak, so I gave the painting to him as a remembrance of that accomplishment.

9" X 12"
oil on  panel

TOMALES BAY MORNING

This little painting was done early in the morning looking down across Tomales bay from a hill overlook at the Marconi Center. I worked quickly with a palette knife.

Oil on maple panel

6" X 6"

THE RICO '53

I spent a day painting in the little town of Rico, Colorado last July. It was nearly 100 degrees that day and serious fire threats everywhere. So, I was especially attracted to paint the retired 1953 firetruck that is parked next to the station on the main drag.

Oil on panel

9 X 12

for more info: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

ELLIS WATERSHED WINTER MORNING

I associate painting in the same location with Monet's haystack series. The angle of the sunlight, moisture in the air, and the growth of various grasses and bushes change with the seasons, even in coastal Northern California where we don't have dramatic changes like the east coast. I have been to this place many times, and each time I see it a little more.

Oil on panel
8" X 10"

email: lisagreentein@gmail.com for more info

PEAKS

PEAKS

Last July I spent a week painting in Telluride, Colorado thanks to my wonderful son who made it possible. This was done in the morning from a deck area at about 10,000 feet. It took some getting used to the altitude. The mountain views and Aspens from every vantage were spectacular to paint.

9" X 12"
oil on panel

contact: lisagreenstein@gmail.com for more info

5TH STREET IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT

Small study of houses on 5th Street in Petaluma. I have been struggling more with getting the effect of bright sunlight than with the overcast light effect. The light/dark contrast is much greater and color in brightly lit areas get more sun and sky coloration. I think this little painting got it.

Oil on panel

5" X 7"

contact lisagreenstein@gmail.com for more info

FIGURE WITH COCKTAIL HAT

The bright background colors against the model's fair skin tones and her actively seated pose is what interested me in this 2 session pose.

Oil on panel

11 X 14

CHERYL'S SHABBAT

This is the completed version of the painting.
I simplified the composition and light source.  I hope this brings peace and healing to those who live with it.

oil on canvas
48 X 54

commission- sold

STUDY FOR CHERYL'S SHABBAT

I made this study from a still life set-up of ceremonial Shabbat objects with a window sunset. This was to try to work out the painting problems before creating a large commisioned piece. I had compositional problems, focal point problems and problems with four light sources to work out. I looked at a lot of Bonnard paintings to try to understand how he approached painting the interior and exterior view. I will show you the painting in my next post.

Oil on Panel
12" X 18"

available

PORTRAIT OF JUDITH

Judith brought a dancer's costume to model in. My initial inspiration was her thoughtful facial expression, and so I chose to paint her portrait rather than the full figure.

Oil on panel

6" X 8"

for more info: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

BACK AT YOU

The model returns the gaze of the artist. 

Oil on panel

11" X 14"

for more info: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

MERAV IN THOUGHT

Merav can be in a contemplative pose, and yet she always looks as if she may spring into action, like a cat. I was inspired to paint her with a colorist approach. 

for more info: lisagreenstein@gmail.com
 

WARM HILLS

The late afternoon low sun and long shadows on  the hills near Tilden Park.  I went a little wilder with the bright colors than I usually do.

Oil on panel
9" X 12"

SOLD

5th & E

5th & E

I was drawn to this scene because of the interesting shapes and layers.. or maybe it was the red/green thing this time of year!  Sage words from my teachers came to me. "Look for the larger shapes." "Draw with the paint." It has the grey day light effect.. which tends to be warmer overall, especially in the shadows. Painting on location.. it began to drizzle and I had to run and put up my painting sun-brella to keep the painting dry and finish it.  ¡Felicas Fiestas!

Oil on panel
8" X 10"
contact: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

TOMALES BAY MORNING

I attended the California Art Club's retreat at the Marconi Center on Tomales Bay this past Oct. This was the view right outside my room with some nice tree shade to paint under. We lucked out with temps in the 70's and minimal fog. This is my attempt at working faster and looser with a palette knife. I will be showing this at the reception for my show at the El Cerrito City Hall Gallery Space. 10890 San Pablo Ave, 2nd Floor  Nov. 6- Dec.18. 

Reception this Sunday, Nov.18 2-5. I'll be there!

6" X 6"
Oil on panel

for more info: contact: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

SOLANO TRAILS

This is a larger painting, created from plein aire studies and panoramic photos of King Hill on the Solano Land Trust. It will be included in the Heritage Feast art auction, this Saturday, Oct. 13.  This is a great food and art event on the historic Rush Ranch near Fairfield CA. The event raises funds to acquire land, protect the natural habitat and for public enjoyment of these beautiful open spaces. There may still be tickets left. Wear your cowboy boots!
http://www.solanolandtrust.org/HeritageFeast.aspx

32" X 54"
Oil on canvas

FOG OVER LYNCH CANYON

The rolling in of coastal fog makes dramatic light events on the hills of Lynch Canyon, California. This painting is included in Solano Land Trust 3- currently showing at the Vacaville Museum.

Oil on board / framed

11 X 14 (framed size)

SOLD

LYNCH CANYON GRAZERS

Spending time in Lynch Canyon is like time-traveling back to California before the modern era. Drifting fog creates dramatic moving light shifts on the bucolic rolling hills and grazing cattle. This is the reason that plein air painting in places like this is so magical. This painting is part of Solano Land Trust 3 - now showing at the Vacaville Museum. http://www.vacavillemuseum.org/current

Oil on linen on board
9" X 12"          
for more info contact: lisagreenstein@gmail.com

HEAD STUDY

I took a figure workshop with Camille Przewodek last month. This was very challenging for me. This lovely model was posed outdoors by the river and we worked fast- in two twenty minute sessions. The idea was to paint the light and color which in this case was very warm. She is backlit, creating a mud-head effect. Henri Hensche took his students to the beach and had them paint what he called mudheads. No features, just the basic head and shoulders - the light and shadow. Its surprising, but you can even get a likeness this way. This helps to solidify the form, and the light, no temptation to paint eyelashes!

Oil on board

8" X 10"