People are always really surprised to hear that I often paint on planes. Whenever I fly, painting with my field watercolor kit is my favorite activity to keep me occupied. Above are two recent photos. The first is in a first class seat, and the second is in coach. It works in both!

Painting at home can be distracting. On the plane, there are never disrupting phone calls. The blackberry is off- so no emails to worry about. I don't even have to get up to get water as the flight attendants bring it to the seat. The tray table works just fine as a work space, and it cleans up easily. The cocktail napkins they pass out with the pretzels work better then a paper towel for blotting. The ipod and fancy headphones clear out the noise of the plane, and I am off in my own little world.

This is the exterior of Hop Kiln Winery in Sonoma (www.hopkilnwinery.com). I tried a different technique here- the use of watercolor pencils. I have resolved to stick with my brushes, but it was a fun experiment.

Now for something completely different...
In 2005, my husband and I took a trip to Italy. While in Venice, I snapped a picture of these street performers and I have had the photo in my "inspiration" file ever since. So, this one is for Venice Carnival lovers... for people who love the masks they sell along the winding streets in Venice.

Philips Hill Estates (www.phillipshillestates.com) in Anderson Valley just moved into this charming historic building. Toby, the wine maker, is an artist, too. I love his work-- which is abstract, and the total opposite of mine. I will send a copy of this little painting along to Toby, though, to commemorate his new space!

This painting is of Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma www.chateaustjean.com. I tried to keep the painting light, quirky and imperfect, and with just a few playful shadows. The winery has a lush lawn and I wanted to capture that as much as the building.

This is the front door to my grandparent's home when I was growing up. It no longer is their home, and it is no longer red... this was more of a sentimental piece.

I adore the swimming pool at the Montage in Laguna Beach http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/. This is one of my all-time favorite properties. I love the subtle colors of the lodge interiors, the landscaping, the views, and this amazing pool. I even love their branding- their logo is a little gilded framed painting. What's not to love?