Saratoga Vineyard and Oak Tree Oil Painting

Saratoga Vinyard and Oak Tree • 12" x 12" • oil on panel

Year after year the ride over the Golden Gate Bridge through the city and on the freeway is graced by the smell of my home-made cranberry ribbon apple pie. Listening to music and talking about Grandmas beautiful Thanksgiving table and meal. Off the freeway and into my parents neighborhood we know we are there when we see the gorgeous vines of the corner vineyard and the old oak tree. This year is unlike the others as we are having a late fall and the leaves are still lush on the vine. Soon they will shrivel and fall to the ground exposing the orange vines that lie beneath.

Back at my studio I paint the vineyard with its fresh and bright green grass against the red earth. A little cloud in the sky after the rains and the majestic old oak tree standing tall in the back as if guarding the grapes. I capture the feeling of this Saratoga vineyard so dear to my heart and so near to my family home.

View my Website: www.lorimargulies.com

Autumn in Sonoma

Autumn Vinyard and Trees • 12" x 12" • oil on panel

The race to the barn through the traffic is harried in the rain. I help my daughter saddle up the horse and as she jumps fences I wander the beautiful grounds. I walk through the vinyard watching birds splash in puddles and flutter through the trees and shrubs. I see a pair of deer disappear into the vinyard ahead of me. Each row of grapes is breathtaking as the angles change and the raindrops fall and drip from my face and from the leaves. The sky reflects on the wet leaves. The grapes left on the vine are shriveled but add to the rich colors my eyes are mixing. My fingers are frozen and the mud is caking on my boots but I can't get enough of the fresh air and the luscious colors and textures all around. I rush back to the barn in the dark to catch my daughters last round of jumps. I can't wait to get out my rich oil colors and a wood panel and paint this delightful day!