Bodie, Snow Covered Wreck, 8"x10"

This old car is in the Calif Ghost Town called Bodie which is 20 miles off of Hwy 396 near Mammoth Lakes. This old mining town is almost perfectly preserved above the treeline in the Sierra Mountains. It was actually occupied up until the 1930's and was in recent years taken over by the Calif State Parks system. It has been kept in it's original state for the most part so there are no restaurants or the usual tourist shops. It is far enough off of the beaten path to reduce the number of tourist visitors. Yet because of it's well preserved state it attracts it's share of visitors with cameras. I have been there many times to photograph the many old buildings and etc. I now am painting many of them to create a series.
I am intrigued by old buildings and antique cars. Perhaps because I remember many of them from my younger days. Am I old? You betcha! I just turned 76 last month. I'm the modern day Grandpa Moses. You've heard of him haven't you?
If you would like to be included on my mailing list please email me at ernie@erniekleven.com. Also you may click on the title to go to my website where you may view other works of mine.



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Snowbound, 11 x 14 Oil

"Snowbound" is a 2006 painting of mine which I dug out to use for our Christmas Cards this year. I remember it like it was yesterday ........While I painted I imagined being in the cabin with a roaring fireplace. The sun is slowly fading behind the mountains. The outside air is frosty and bites my nostrils when I briefly step out to bring in more wood for the fire. Dinner is cooking on the stove and I am savoring life with a hot buttered rum. "This is perfect - life is good", I rumenate. I gaze through the frosty window and see a lone coyote tramping through the snow. Are you with me? I hope so! I so wanted to share this with you.
I have this framed in a rustic free form frame not shown. Framed it is priced at $499. For questions email me - ernie@erniekleven.com. And visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/. Don't forget I have Gift Certificates available in any denomination AND I will personalize them with both you and the Giftee's name printed on them.

"At Day's End", 11 x 14 Oil on Canvas

This painting is framed in a one of a kind rustic frame also made by me. I always enjoy doing paintings like this because it's such a peaceful setting. I can imagine myself there on the deck sipping a drink before dinner and thinking, "What A Wonderful World". The fisherman are returning from a good day and thinking of doing what I'm doing when they get home. How can life get any better than that?

I am now making note cards of all my work. They come folded to the 4" x 5" size with an envelope and are blank inside for your message. They are printed on brilliant matte photo paper. A description of the artwork is printed on the backside and I am offering them for $3.00 ea or 6 for $15 postpaid. Check my website http://www.erniekleven.com/ or this Blog for a selection of available images.

Also I am offering Gift Certificates in any amount in time for the holidays. They come personalized with both the recipient and your name printed prominently on each certificate. Quantity discounts are available for businesses such as R.E. Brokers and Home Lenders who might want to include them with greeting cards to their customers. Contact me for prices at ernie@erniekleven.com or call 1-916-205-2195.

I guess that's all for now.

High Sierras Oil Painting

Finally I'm back on my blog. I have been so busy working art shows that I quit trying to paint a new scene everyday. Instead I will now post paintings I done over the summer to let you know what I'm up to.

I did this painting while in the mountains near Mammoth Lakes, CA this last August. The idea was to make it look like it was painted on the end cut of a real log. The scene is painted on the same board as the frame so it is all one painting. The log look is a process call Trompe l`oiel which means "to look like". The entire painting is 22" in diameter and the edges are 1" deep and made to look like bark. I am pricing it at $875.00. PayPal, Credit Cards, & creative LayAways accepted.

Last month I did a show in Sacramento at the Convention Center. It was a huge show with lots of great looking art. Here are photos of my display.
You can see this painting displayed in the second photo. Unfortunately the news the week before was all about the current financial crises so needless to say people were not opening their wallets for many purchases.

Email me: ernie@erniekleven.com
or visit my website: http://www.erniekleven.com/

Reflections of a Rising Sun

SOLD
This painting was inspired by a scene I viewed while on my early morning run. I carry a small digital camera with me for this reason and I have created quite a large resource file as a result. I will also do plein air painting and/or sketching when the occasion permits or calls for either. My memory is still pretty good though (I'm 75) so having a photo for an assist works pretty well for me. I may do a larger canvas of this one because I really do like how it turned out. Apparently others felt the same as it sold to someone on my email list within a couple of hours of my emailing.

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/or Email Me ernie@erniekleven.com

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California Citrus

SOLD
California Citrus is inspired by orange groves in the Sacramento foothills of Loomis. A former painting of Persimmons was from this area as well. Fruit production has been a crucial agricultural product in the area from the days of the Gold Rush. While many were searching for gold others were planting the future of the area from which fruit was shipped all over the nation for many years.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

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Alpine Meadow

SOLD
This pristine alpine meadow is so wonderful in the Spring when the snow begins melting. The animals are out grazing in the sunlight, seeming to enjoy the crisp cool mountain air. What a great place to be with a fishing pole on hiking.

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or Email
Me

Joshua Tree National Park

Huge boulders were piled by giants in Joshua Tree National Park, CA. Just kidding! They once were covered with sand and the sand over time eroded away leaving the boulders piled in the strange formations that you see today. In Spring colorful wild flowers carpet the valley floor. It is a worth while place to visit.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay (Opening bid is only $29 with no reserve)

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so not to worry. I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted in my eBay store for a limited time.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Imperial Dunes" Original Oil

"Imperial Dunes" is an area of huge sand dunes in Calif near Yuma, AZ. The view is from an abandoned mine in the Picacho Mtns nearby where I was camped this past winter.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so not to worry. I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Picacho Mtn Mines" Orig Oil

SOLD
This scene is from the Yuma, AZ area but over the state line on Ogilby Rd in CA. This painting took me a little longer to do and I have been traveling so it's been awhile since my last posting. This was gold mining area and there are many exploratory holes all over.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Desert Garage" 8"x 6" Orig Oil on Panel

SOLD
This abandoned garage is located in Quartzsite, AZ next to another abandoned old bldg, the Post Office. Both are waiting for the inevitable bulldozer. This is typical of buildings from a bygone era. One wonders how many travelers stopped here for fuel and a cool drink on a hot 115 deg summer day. Hopefully you weren't having mechanical problems as well, for fixing them might have been pricey.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Sunlight Catcher" Original 8"x 6" Oil

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The morning sunlight is caught in the leaves of this vine which weaves over the remains of a doorway and adobe wall as it shines across the desert. It punctuates the beautiful sunrise.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Desert Runoff" 8"x 6" Original Oil

This runoff of water occurs when it rains as happened a few weeks ago. It's interesting to watch the flow build as the water seeks the path of least resistance. As an afterthought I should have added a small animal drinking - something to remember for next time.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Quartzsite RVng" 8"x 6" Original Oil

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
As I look out of my window this is a typical scene of RVs in Quartzsite, AZ. This sleepy town on I-10 west of Phoenix grows from a few thousand to over 500,000 people in January every year. It began as a rock & mineral swap meet and now boasts a huge RV Show and various swap meet type venues thruout the town. The traffic on the street during the busiest time, the last two weeks of Jan, is bumper to bumper. The same is true in the checkout lanes of the three small grocery stores. Come March when the climate begins it's slow climb to the 120 deg of summer, RVs are seen leaving in every direction for home or parts unknown only to return next year.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

Grape Leaves 8"x 6" Original Oil

SOLD
I said in my last Blog that future paintings would be of desert scenes. I lied. Not intentionally but I had this scene from Loomis left in me to do so here it is. The morning sun is shining through many of the leaves causing a beautiful effect. There also grapes which may not be visible in this thumbnail image.

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 8"x 6" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/
or Email Me

"Foothills" 8"x 6" Original Oil

Here it is! A painting of the beautiful Arizona mountains with a body of water thrown in for good measure. I love painting mountains! That's a simple fact. You'll learn that as we continue on this journey. The weather here in Quartzsite, AZ has been on the cool side along with the rest of the west. We plan to be here another couple of weeks so there will be more desert scenes to follow.

You may bid on this 6" x 8" oil painting on panel on eBay by clicking on the following: Click Here To Bid Opening Bid is $24.99.

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 6"x 8" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be displayed as is without framing. It has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary but I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted for sale on my eBay store for 30 days.

Angelican Church In Loomis, CA

As promised before leaving Loomis, CA here is the painting of the Angelican Church. It is small and somewhat unobtrusive although only one block off of busy Taylor Rd. This scene includes the pine decoration over the entrance that was left on from the holidays.

I am now in Quartzsite, AZ and have been for two weeks. I have participated in two RV Rallies for the Escapees RV Club. One was for the Big Sky Chapter representing MT, WY, & ID for which I am currently president. The weather has been cooler than normal but not wet like it's been in Loomis since we left. I will soon be painting the local color which is mostly brown. :) Still there is much of interest. This desert was busy with military activity during WWII. In fact in nearby Bouse there was once a huger marker on the desert floor to guide the pilots home from the bombing and strafing range.

You may bid on this 6" x 8" oil painting on panel on eBay by clicking on the following:
Click Here To Bid Opening Bid is $19.00. What a deal!

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 6"x 8" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be displayed as is without framing. It has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary but I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted for sale on my eBay store for 30 days.

"Shelter" 6" x 8" Landscape Oil on Panel

Look closely for the "Shelter" and outhouse. I am struck by the colors and the mood of this painting. I haven't been at my easel for severals days while traveling. We are now in Quartzsite, AZ and as soon as I finish my upcoming series of an Angelican church in Loomis, CA you will be seeing views of this RV capital of the world. Every year in Jan this small community along I-10 grows to over 500,000 with RVs all over the desert.

You may bid on this 6" x 8" oil painting on panel on eBay by clicking on the following:
Click Here To Bid

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 6"x 8" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be displayed as is without framing. Finally, the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted for sale on my eBay store for 30 days.

"Peeking Sun" Original Oil

This is of the sun peeking through the leaves and lighting up some flowering ground cover. This is completely from my imagination but inspired by some bushes outside our front door.

You may bid on this 6" x 8" oil painting on panel on eBay by clicking on the following:
Click Here To Bid

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 6"x 8" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. If painting does not sell at 10 day auction it will be posted for sale on my eBay store for 30 days.

"Breaking Through" 5"x 7" Original Oil

This painting may have been inspired by recent storms in Northern Calif where we are at present. We are still planning to leave for Arizona but because of the stormy weather and my wife Nancy's stubborn cold, we keep postponing our departure. (We have to get over the mountains through one of three passes so the weather is critical.)

Click Here To Bid On Ebay

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 5"x 7" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary. Not to worry. I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction.
If painting does not sell at auction it will be posted on my eBay store for 30 days. After that it will be moved to my website and priced accordingly.
You may visit my website at http://www.erniekleven.com/

#7 "Sawmill" 7"x 5" Oil on Panel

This is the Lausmann Sawmill in Loomis, CA. I was intrigued by the lines created by the piping. We had planned to leave for Arizona today but some huge storms are pinning us down for the next few days. That's OK because I still have more paintings of this area I'd like to do.

Click Here To Bid or BUY NOW for $125.00.

The painting was created with professional Winsor Newton oils on a 7"x 5" MDF 1/2" panel which has been archivally primed. The 1/2" edges are painted black so the painting can be attractively displayed as is without framing. Finally the painting has been varnished to protect the surface. These smaller paintings are scanned so the color should be very close to the original however, monitors vary so I absolutely guarantee your complete satisfaction. Please visit My Website or Email Me if you would like to receive an email with new paintings BEFORE they are published here.