Lovely Lady..Cubist style oil painting

I have a wonderful new painting in my home, from local artist Brian Baker. I saw his work at the Oakleigh art show last weekend..couldn't get this one out of my mind so I had to have it!

This is Brian and his paintings at the Oakliegh art show:

"Pot Wars" Art Show 12-13

Art Show the past Sunday in Montecito, Oakleigh community, was a magical place.  Set back on a private road it seemed to be a gathering of lovely, artistic folks in a beautiful natural setting.  I got to meet Jeff Shelton and his family.  I've admired his local architecture since moving here to Santa Barbara. His whimsical, beautiful structures use local craftsmen to carry through his unique designs (see Cota Street Studios, Ablet House, Vera Cruz house and much more).
I used HDR software and Nik 'glamor glow' to bring out the magic of the afternoon at Oakleigh.

 

 

My 2013 Christmas card

It's a little early but I want to share this Xmas card I made on Walgreen's Photo site. My beautiful grandkids!
I changed the photos into black and white, from the pics I took when I was there in Sept.

Enjoyed the meet up tour of John Given's organic farm on ocean N. of Goleta.  Gerri French organized it. Interesting to hear the fortitude it takes to bring a crop to market. So many decisions he has to make as a farmer. Enlightening.

beautiful dog on property..part australian shep I believe

Beautiful clouds at the Santa Barbara Harbour yesterday.  This is a "winter sky".  usually blue skies here. temp in the mid 60's in November is not hard to take here in the Central coast CA.

Saw this while driving along Portosuello Rd. in SB..Not sure why it really spoke to me. I like the sepia tone version..dreamy quality to it.  Some people might not like it..but something about the overlapping rounded shapes grabs me...and the trees and path outlining the rounded shape.

Driving to Solvang Thursday as part of my RN work I stopped to take a few pics along the way.
Beautiful country here..

The turning leaves beautiful contrast against the dark shadowed mountain.  The acres of grape vines I passed were also changing colors this fall..a lovely view.  Also passed an ostrich farm!

 

Drivning through Mountain pass on way to Solvang...