Even Harbor (IP)

I can't say that I'm finished with this one yet as I think it needs to be darker. Not in feeling but in the light.

Cleone Lake Tenants

I really like the water in this one. I think it helps to work onsite. I have painted by this lake many times. I love the variety of reflections on the water and of course the birds.

Floating Workhorses

I really like the character of this little harbor. I still need to sit down and actually paint there. This is one that I worked on at the gallery this weekend. The light is always better there.

Dream House

If it were feasible I would love to own this home. I don't know its history I just always liked it. Its near the city park in my home town.

About Peace

The title comes from where I go when I see a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. I got a new sets of Terry Ludwig Pastels for the holidays. I've been taking them for a stroll. The under painting is watercolor and the surface is print making paper.

Bike Beachcombing

I was sitting on the beach painting and noticed this couple up on one of the cliffs with their bikes. I got a quick sketch in before the rode away.

Birds on Lake Cleone

On the last day of our visit in Fort Bragg I painted over at Lake Cleone in Mackerricher State Park. The birds were comfortable having a snack at my feet and playing in the lake. I painted them and took pictures with my phone. It was peaceful and the atmosphere was amazing. This place definitely needs more attention as there is so much more to explore and paint.

I loved the way the light fell on the grass.

This is one of my camera phone images of the area.

Sunset Light Commerce

My hometown during the winter sunset. My family wonders about my sanity most times especially when I go outside at night to take these pictures. They make for interesting paintings.

Pacific Green

I was sitting on the captain's deck of the hotel and looking down on this beautiful ocean. I was playing with some ink and gouache too. It was the new year and inspiration was abundant.

I Like This Cloud

Anyone that follows this blog knows that I follow my partner Pam's advice on when to stop painting. I was going to add more layers and more detail in the ocean. Pam told me twice to leave it alone. Here it is. This cloud I painted as it appeared on the horizon and added it while on site to my painting. The initial cloud sketch is below.

I did my studies in gouache for this visit. I like having a color study as a road map. This cloud floated by as I was painting this seascape. I did a sketch of the cloud in my sketch pad and added it to the painting.

Clouds Passing Over

I love a good sky. I think the sky was my focus during this series of plein air paintings. The clouds were amazing as were the colors and light.

Pudding Creek Bridge

This bridge was closed for a while. Now its used by those getting in their morning runs or those getting to work at the hotel. It can produce some pretty nice shadows in the afternoon.

Sunset colors 5

I like sunrise and sunset. I more inclined to be awake at sunset however.

Sunset Colors 4

Painted from the hotel balcony. We had been out all day at the beaches and my painting muscles were warm. I had a bunch of paper taped to boards so I could work on multiple pieces at the same time. Painted during the sweet light hour.

Sunset Colors 3

The second painting completed at sunset on the cliff. I loved the colors that I was able to see that day. Can't wait to make a larger version in multiple mediums.

Sunset Colors 2

I had two pieces of black paper taped to my board. We were standing on one of the cliffs as the sun was setting. I was able to get two paintings in. I think that over the years my eyes have learned to see more colors than would meet the normal eye. My corneas are flat maybe that explains it.

Sunset Colors 1

We were in Fort Bragg, CA for the new year. It was great. I got in a lot of painting relaxing and ocean gazing. I of course got in many paintings of the ocean at sunset.

Everyman's Santa

My brother in laws brother asked me to draw him over the holidays. I was sitting around sketching during a family gathering and he turned around and said draw me. I executed a quick sketch in my book and took a photo. I plan on another version in pastel. He has an interesting face with many challenges.

Sunlit Tree With Bales

I actually finished this painting last year. Those of you that follow this blog recognize this scene. This is the largest version at 30 by 22 inches. Its a scene from the Northeast Texas area along the Sulfur Springs, Texas highway. I hope that all of you had a happy new year and that it is filled with joy and success.