Last Saturday's Painting Landscapes workshop was pure pleasure for me. What a wonderful group of painters to spend a day with! We talked color palettes, we mixed colors, we talked composition, we cropped photos, and we painted, painted, painted. You should have seen the work everyone had on their easels – what a delight it was!  I especially love it when people find the colors that make their hearts sing.

I was so busy I didn't have a chance to take photos to share, but I hope everyone will keep in touch – and have a wonderful time with your painting!  I'd love to see how your work develops.

I also finally decided on my catalog image for this year's Napa Valley Open Studios catalog – Hillside Vineyard (Tilted Heart). I painted it of the vineyard of friends, a beautiful spot high on the hillside far above their ranch house, and further above the valley floor. As it was nearing completion, I suddenly noticed that a shape in the tree branches looked like a tilted heart – hence the title. I had a lot of affection for this little piece (11"x14") throughout its painting process, so it seemed appropriate.