Creature Comforts

I sat on my sisters porch on Thanksgiving day and did a number of small sketches. I added the watercolor later. Commerce has lots of nooks and crannies that need to be painted. I try and take advantage of the scenery and the live models that are my family members.

Pasture Ritual

This little painting was inspired by a Facebook post. I love to paint cows.

Headlands Light

I was on the bridge above the headlands when I did this drawing. Pam was waiting in the car. I was able to get two drawings in before we needed to leave. I added Daniel Smith watercolors later. I think working with sketches done onsite is increasing my memory muscle. I have to recreate the scene and emotion behind the scene when I later add color.

Sausage Wraps

The underlying sketch was completed while I was waiting for my order at Green Mesquite here in Austin. The sausage wraps on the counter were mine. I added watercolor and gel pen to complete the painting. I like this place so I try to document it with each visit in sketches. I like the immediacy of the sketch and the later watercolor contemplation at home.

Blight Of Condos

We are going through a lot of growth here in Austin, Texas. Condos are going up and being filled to capacity. Our city has lost a lot of its old feel. It takes longer to navigate the city these days and we sit in traffic a lot longer. I still love living here. I took a break from work on Tuesday and did this sketch standing at 11th and Guadalupe using a fountain pen on watercolor Garza Papel (paper). Daniel Smith watercolors were applied later.

In Need Of Redemption

I don't want to identify this person because he did a horrific thing and I don't want to give him the attention he seeks. On the day that he committed his crimes, I saw many images of him online. I drew him in one of my sketchbooks. Later I made this painting using that sketch. I used watercolor as the under painting and added the pastels over that.

Above The Beach

This is another piece from my vacation in early September. I don't know what type of plant this is but I have always wanted to attempt a sketch. I drew this from the beach in ink. I took liberties with the color which was added later.

Beach Roots

I really liked the tree roots on the cliff over looking the ocean. I did the initial drawing on site and added watercolor later.

Corner Joint

The gym garage is right above P Terry's burgers. The photo that inspired this painting was taken from the roof. The initial line drawing was in ink. I used Daniel Smith watercolors for the wash. I liked the shadows and cars below me.

Stream Through The Garden

This area of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite. The stream flows through and in the background waves smash against the land. The sun and sky and flowers were reflections in the stream water. I did the initial drawing on a 12 by 14 piece of watercolor paper in ink. I added watercolor later. The drawing took about 25 minutes.

Ballet Flowers

I painted this during my first plein air painting excursion in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I have shot many photos there, but this was the first plein air experience,. I didn't get too far from the gate.

Wind Power And Cows

Pam usually drives when we travel in California. I sketch and manage the tunes. We were heading out of the Central Valley area when I sketched this scene. This is the first painting inspired by that sketchbook entry. I used a variety of pastels on cream Sabretooth paper. Like Texas, California is going through drought conditions. Hopefully that will end soon.