Approaching Evening At Rock Creek 11x14 Pastel

800. Sold

This pastel is a recent demonstration from my Wednesday morning pastel class.

"Remembering October" 6x8 Oil

Nfs.

This painting will be a study for

a larger piece.

Other business:

I am very happy to announce my painting "October At Rock Creek" 24x18 Oil was selected for the  "Salon International 2012" hosted by the Greenhouse Gallery.

"On A Warm Winter Evening" 6"x8" Oil on Linen

We have had beautiful weather here in Southern California so I have been taking advantage of it by painting on location. I started this Friday afternoon and added the finishing touches in the studio on Saturday morning.

 

"Approaching Storm Owens Valley" 8x10 Oil

Last Friday I made a quick trip to the Owens Valley and captured this scene before the snow came. It was cold and windy but I loved being out there while trying to capture it on canvas.

Contact me for purchase information.

"October At Rock Creek" 24x18 Oil

I often hear there's nothing that can replace the importance of painting from life and that nature is a painters best teacher. I couldn't agree more. I say this because I was struggling with this painting when I was only using a reference photograph to paint from. When I was up in the High Sierras last October, I painted a small 8x10 study of this scene. It was my hope that I would learn to see the elements that were missing in the larger studio painting. Combining the experience of being there, along with the small 8x10 plein air study and a reference photo, I was finally able to complete this piece.

Update: This painting was selected for the Salon International 2012 Exhibition.

"The Last Minutes" 16x20 Oil

This painting was conceived from an idea that I wanted to paint Mt. Baldy for an upcoming exhibit. When I was out traveling about, I found this wonderful location in the town of Duarte. The San Gabriel River flows out of the mountains here and in some areas, I felt completely removed from the city. I always enjoy finding these little untouched locations. They remind me of the importance of keeping and preserving open space for us all to enjoy.

"Portuguese Bend Palos Verdes" 20x16 Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

I recently took the opportunity to rotate some of my paintings from one gallery to another.  After looking at some of the pieces back in my studio, I could not resist the temptation to make a few enhancements before they went back out to their new location. This was quite fun. So much fun that it feels like a new painting, so I decided to post it again. Please contact me if you would like more information regarding this painting.

Winter Embrace 5x7 Pastel

125. Sold

I would like to take this time to wish you and your family a Healthy and Happy New Year.

"The Morning Break" 11x14 Pastel

 700.

I can sit forever and watch waves break. Now more than ever I appreciate their beauty as they constantly change form until finally washing up onto the shore. Always a variation of sizes and shapes with each different than the last and each day different from the previous. The combinations of shape combined with the right light make these a favorite subject of mine to paint.

"The Kona Coast" 7x5 Oil

Memories of my trip to Hawaii last Summer. Available at Colortec Gallery,

Torrance, California.

310-373-6717

"The Evening Calm" 8x10 Oil

350. unframed.

During what can be a most busy time of year, I hope this may bring a sense of peace to those who might view it.

Please contact me if you would like more information regarding this piece.

"Sun In The Valley" 10x8 Oil on Canvas

 395. usd. + tx.

I have always had a profound respect and curiousity for the world's tallest or largest things. I'm sure most of this comes from the many long car rides as a child, looking out the window from the back seat of our station wagon. My favorite of all of our excursions was traveling to the Sierras, and this painting is an example of one of the scenes I would get excited about. The same feelings I had then still remain today as I try to describe them on canvas.  I hope it comes across.

"Bright Autumn Day" 10x8 Oil

Although folks in my neighborhood are  putting up Christmas lights and decorating for Christmas, I am still in Autumn mode and still celebrating the autumn season. This painting will be part of my upcoming show at Coons Gallery in Bishop, California. The reception will be Sat December 10th. from 5-9pm. If you are in the area stop by and say hello.

"Tucked Away" 7x5 Oil

I was on one of my outings minding my own business when I turned a corner and there was this view of the house tucked away on the side of the hill. After photographing it, I moved on then returned the next day and painted it. I imagined the folks inside comfortable and warm sitting by the fire. It was a nice thought as I experienced the temperature drop about 12 degrees while I worked. I enjoy plein air painting just for this reason. I now have a great memory, one of many from this trip.

125.00 + tx. Sold

"The View From The Top" 8x10 Oil

I have been enjoying my visit to North Carolina for the simple reason that it has everything I love to paint. This morning I went out to paint and it took less than five minutes to find a spot and set up. This must be a personal record. The problem is making a decision on which seen to paint with so much to choose from. A difficult decision but that is why I bring a camera. Although there are times when the images I take pale in comparison to the real thing, they still work well to help bring to life on canvas the experience I felt when I was there.

This painting has sold.

400. + tx. unframed

"North Carolina Color" 5x7 Oil

I have been spending some time with relatives in North Carolina to experience some of the Fall season here in the east. Thanks to my wife, this trip is possible. The scenery has been beautiful and I look forward to seeing more. This pond is located near the town of Wesley Chapel. Today the weather is rainy so it is a good day to hang out inside, listen to some William Ackerman and post a painting.

125.00 Sold

"On A Warm Summer Morning" 11x14 Pastel

Happy Halloween. This was a demonstration for my pastel class. The location of this painting is the north fork of Bishop Creek. I return to this area offen to paint and shoot reference photos. The water and cottonwoods combined with the mountains as a backdrop are among my favorites subjects to paint. Now I'm off to North Carolina to paint some Fall color.

700. unframed

payment plan available.

"Hawaiian Hideaway" 8x10 Oil

Hi Folks. This painting is a recently completed commission. The first to be painted in my new studio. It's a joy to have natural light to paint by.

"The Bishop Canal" 20x16 Pastel. This Years Los Olivos Quick Draw Painting

Greetings. I recently participated in the Annual Los Olivos Quick Draw. The Quick Draw is an event where each artist is given an hour to complete a painting, drawing or sculpture. Immediately following, when the hour has passed, each piece is then displayed at a live auction. Although I certainly do not consider myself a fast painter, this intense and exciting event has me coming back every year. This years event was expanded to include an exhibition of paintings for each participating artist at a nearby location. I am pleased to say that sales were good for me. I am hoping to put together a short video that shows me working as well as the live auction of my painting.

On another note. For the past 2 months I have been working on a major remodel of my studio. I have been doing all the work myself and although it has been exhausting and very challenging at times, it is very rewarding to see the progress. For those who were wondering, this is why there has been such a lack of posting and emails these past several weeks. When time allows, I am planning to put together a brief slide show of the process. I hope you are all well. Thanks for stopping by.

"Summer Morning Beside Bishop Creek" 10x8 Oil

Just sold!

This is another painting from last weeks trip to Bishop California.

400. unframed

"Fort Road - Independence" 6x8 Oil

About fifteen years ago I was heading up Highway 395 when I decided to take a detour off the beaten path and here I discovered Fort Road. It is one of those roads you drive by many times but never notice unless you slow down. I have driven this road many times but have never painted it until last Thursday. I love looking across the Owens Valley and breathing in all of the open space. enjoy.

225. unframed.

"Autumn Afternoon At Rock Creek" 24x18 Oil on canvas

In October, the water level on Rock Creek is usually pretty low exposing many rocks. At present, I'm guessing only the largest rocks in this scene are visible due to an over abundance of melting snow. I will find out for myself in a few days when I head back up to paint the area with my good friend and artist, Gary Blackwell. I am looking forward to this trip very much.

This painting will not be for sale immediately, however I will be offering prints on canvas that will be available at Rock Creek Lodge.

"Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Beach House" 10x8 Oil

I have been spending some time on the big Island of Hawaii with my family. Like this one, I find that I have been fascinated by the old beach houses and bungalows that are here. They certainly seem to have a history to them, as if they could "Talk Story" as much as the local Hawaiians. I will certainly find more of these wonderful structures to photograph now and paint later.

Sold

400.

"Lifting Fog" 11x14 Pastel

This is one of the many backroads of rural Northern California. This painting was a recent demonstration for my pastel class. A new four week session begins on Wednesday July 6th.

www.mancusofineart.com/PastelClasses.html

This painting is availble through the

Judith Hale Gallery

800. framed.

"Down To Crowley Lake" 8x10 Oil

Last Friday morning I left Mammoth Lakes with the intention of painting Crowley Lake from the shore. While I was on my way, I glanced up this road and saw the trees and had to turn around to take a look. I was attracted to the high vantage point this view offered including the old road leading to the stand of trees. So I stayed and painted this scene. Needless to say, I never quite made it to the lake shore. Perhaps next trip.

Available Through Coon's Gallery in Bishop, California.

This painting is Sold

"The End Of A Long Winter" 8x10 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

I recently returned from a trip to the Eastern Sierras. I planned on painting the lower corral at Rock Creek but expected the area to be green by the second week of June. It was surprising to see how much the high country resembled November instead of late Spring. I was very happy to be painting on location in a place I am so fond of and embraced the challenge of looking at a familiar scene with a fresh perspective.

I am pleased to announce I am in a new gallery. The Coons Gallery in Bishop is one of the finest galleries in the Eastern Sierras with a long tradition of quality landscape painters. Many thanks to Mike Woolsey and Richard Bilow and especially to Wynne Benti for taking a chance.
400. framed

Coons Gallery

http://www.coonsgallery.com/coonsgallery/Home/Home.html

760-872-1524

"Spring Runoff" 11x14 Pastel

Spring is taking its time arriving in the High Sierras. Aspen trees that normally leaf out during May, are just starting to turn green at this point.

When there is an abundance of snowfall from winter months, the Snowcreek meadow in Mammoth Lakes overflows with snowmelt. I thought this painting best described the feeling of this time of year.

This painting was a previous demonstration from the Landscapes In Pastel class I teach at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center.

This painting is available through Coons Gallery, Bishop California (760)872-1524

800. framed

"Last Summer" 6x6 Oil

Last Summer the lifeguard towers in the Santa Monica Bay were decorated with different colorful designs. Each tower was unique with its own variation of color and shape. I enjoyed painting this scene and remembering last summer.

125.00 Sold

"A Moment Of Spring" 11x14 Pastel

I was attracted to this scene because it reminds me of what the California impressionists saw and painted 100 years ago. This is a scene east of the town of Arroyo Grande.

This painting is 800. framed

"After The Rain" 11 x 14 Pastel

This pastel painting was a recent demonstration for my Thursday morning pastel class.

I would like to take this time to wish all the mothers a Happy Mothers Day.

This painting is 800. framed

Just Sold!

"On A Warm Summer Evening" 20x16 Oil

This piece was previously posted and is now complete. This is on display at the San Dimas Festival Of Arts wich begins this evening with a the gallery doors opening at 7:30pm. Tomorrow, Saturday the 30th, I will be participating in a
"Quick Draw" and Auction. It is an amazing event to watch. I definitely need to have my game on for this one. With only 45 minutes to complete a painting and then frame it for the auction is quite challenging. No worries, I've done these before and they are lots of fun. If you are in the area and can come by and watch you will not be dissapointed by all the talented artists that will be there.

This painting is available through The Coons Gallery in Bishop California.

http://www.mancusofineart.com/Galleryreppage.html

Doctor's Orders 18x24 Oil

This painting will be on display and for sale at the San Dimas Festival Of Art
25th Annual Western Art Exhibition. This event is April 29th - May 1st.
Civic Center Plaza, San Dimas California.

Happy Easter!

1850.

"Down A Country Road" 16x20 Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

This pastel painting was the demonstration given on Saturday afternoon for the Pastel Society Of Southern California.

Please contact me if interested in this piece.

Currently On The Easel 20 x 16 Oil

This painting is currently on the easel. This scene is east of the town of Bishop California and will be part of an upcoming exhibit in San Dimas California. Other Stuff: I will be giving a pastel painting demonstration on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 1pm - 3pm at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center. All are welcome. Although the Thursday class is filled, there are a few openings in the Wednesday morning pastel class. A new eight week session will begin on April 13th.

"Threatening Skies" 11x14 Pastel

As mentioned in previous posts, I am a sky watcher. I think one of the items on my bucket list should definitely be storm chasing in the Midwest during the spring. I know that sounds crazy, after all, most folks live in So Cal for the "good" weather right? I think the attraction to dramatic skies comes from all the good memories associated with afternoon High Sierra thunder storms during my childhood. My mother seemed to put a positive spin on stormy weather too. I can remember her excitement when the skies were threatening to storm. This was and continues to be a good experience for me. Thanks Mom!

800. framed

Please contact me directly if interested in this painting.

"A Break In The Storm" 24x18 Pastel

This scene depicts a stormy late afternoon in Southern California.

This painting will be on display at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center as part of the 2nd Annual Pastel Society Of Southern California's member show. The reception is this Saturday, March 26th from 6-9pm.

All are welcome.

I am proud to say this painting received 2 awards "The Members Choice Award" and "Third Prize for best Landscape" at the opening reception.

1850. framed

Winter Sky Above Playa del Rey 11x14 Pastel

When I hear a forecast of rain, I watch in anticipation as the storm clouds add light and drama to the landscape. Observing the sky is one of those simple pleasures that I have always enjoyed.

800. framed

Sold

"Winter Pasture" 11x14 Pastel

This pastel painting is a recent demonstration from my Wednesday morning pastel class.The lesson was to oberve and interpret the range of colors that can be seen in a winter landscape.

800.

Sold

"Evening On The Carson River" 18x24 Pastel

I have been working on this pastel for about a week. I am excited to begin a new painting and give this one a break to allow the possibility for any new ideas to come before I sign it and call it finished.

Other News:
I am pleased to announce the paintings entitled "Winter Morning At Terranea" and "December Light" were juried into a national exhibition entitled "Pastels USA" hosted by the Pastel Society Of The West Coast.

"February Morning" 8x10 Oil

Sold

Yesterday morning I painted with a good friend and artist Gary Blackwell. Gary and I used to paint together on a regular basis as well as travel and participate in plein air events but busy schedules have kept us from doing this for quite a few years. Yesterday was reminiscent of times past, and interestingly, the view we painted was looking at an area we would often paint on the Palos Verdes Coast. I miss the laughter and camaraderie and I look forward to painting together again soon. Gary's work can be seen at http://gary.fineartstudioonline.com/

"Winter Morning At Terranea" 24x18 Pastel

This past week has been spent working on this painting as well as finishing the last one that I posted. Both pieces will be submitted for jurying into an upcoming show entitled "Pastels USA."

This piece was accepted.

This painting is now available at The Garden Gallery in Half Moon Bay California.

http://www.mancusofineart.com/Galleryreppage.html

"The End Of October" 20 x16 Oil

Autumn is a great time of year. It is this time of year that is all too fleeting in my opinion. Not only for the visual changes that occur but for how I feel during these months. It is certainly a fovorite muse of mine. In an addition to the season of Autumn, music is also a favorite source of inspiration. For me, it causes introspection and allows for guidance. Only a handful of people know that I love the sound of a mandolin and a year ago I received one as a gift and recently started taking lessons. Although it has been challenging and quite frustrating at times, it is mostly fun. I am taking it very slowly and one nice thing about playing an instrument is that the clean up is alot faster than painting.

On that note, I wanted to let you all know that my work will be part of an upcoming exhibition entitled, "Ten Years - The Spirit Of Our Community." This show will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creative arts center here in Manhattan Beach (see link below). If you live in the area, I hope you will stop by.

SOLD This painting was accepted in to the Salon International 2011.

http://www.mancusofineart.com/UpcomingEventsPage.html

Eric And Gracie 18x24 Pastel

This pastel is a recently completed commission for California clients.

"The Water's Course" 6x8 Oil by Joe Mancuso

Yesterday I drove to Palos Verdes and found this little section of coast to paint. I find that when I am painting out on location like this, the problems of the world seem to disappear for a while. My hope is that even a little of that feeling will come through my work and be shared with the viewer.

175.00 SOLD

"Winter Passage" 11x14 Pastel

I have enjoyed a short break from painting these past two weeks or so because it has given me the opportunity to recharge my batteries, set some goals for the coming year, and to spend some much needed time with family. As I welcome this coming year, I am thankful for being blessed with so much, such as my wife and daughters. Thanks to all of you who receive these paintings in your email and for sharing them with others. I appreciate all of your kind comments and I wish for you a healthy and blessed new year.

700. Sold

"Light Of Winter" 11x14 Pastel

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and may you have many blessings
throughout the new year.

700. unframed

"December Light" 11x14 Pastel

This painting was a recent demonstration for my Wednesday morning pastel class. The location is Redondo Beach California, on a December afternoon.

800. framed

This piece was juried into the 2011 Pastels USA Exhibition.

"On The East Walker River" 30x24 Oil

I have been working on this large piece for about 4 to 5 weeks. I now feel comfortable posting it. It is very close to being complete so it is time to start a new painting
and set this one aside for a while.

This painting is available through

Coons Gallery, Bishop California (760)872-1524


ttp://www.mancusofineart.com/Galleryreppage.html

"Evening Surf Along The Jetty" 7x5 Oil

I wish for you a Happy Thanksgiving with plenty of time to enjoy family and friends.

Sold

"November Road" 11x14 Pastel

The location of this scene is the wine country in the sierra foothills of Northern California. It was a cool autumn morning spent with an artist friend. As we were scouting for a place to paint, I snapped a photo of this view before we moved on. We ended up painting another scene but I was happy I had something to work from when I returned to the studio. This was used as a demonstration for my pastel class.

800. framed.

Payment plan available. Please contact me if you are interested in this painting.