On the Earth in Autumn, California

In the middle days of November I was consumed by the fiercest need to be among the colors of the vines when the slant of the season's light brings a glow to the earth. This year when I travelled to Carneros to paint there were more leaves on the vines, a quality of yellow orange. Every day the oranges became deeper, heading towards ocher, sienna, ruby and scarlet.

I mixed every warm color I had and then started again, using the contrast of the earth shadows.

Every day I searched for the right composition to start another painting through one spot after another facing the sun, now setting earlier. It was a race against coming rain and cold which would devastate the leaves, and all six paintings needed attention.

I believe that sunlight flowing through red leaves is the most intense color that I can find on the planet. It reverberates through my whole body to scream red. It is so bright I cannot begin to use enough color to express what I am seeing.

It has been thrilling to be up in the hills alone with only the changing drama of the light and my own struggle to catch it. These paintings are my yearly tribute to the celebration of oranges, vines, earth, and the golden world in the waning days of autumn.

These fresh paintings will be on exhibit this weekend at the 41st Annual Winter Industrial Center Open Studios. Please Join me and 80 artists:

December 4th, Friday Opening 6-9pm, and December 5-6th Saturday and Sunday 11 - 6pm.

480 Gate 5 Road, Studio 331. Visit my website for directions. I look forward to seeing you there! Warmly, Kay