Lake Cleone Atmosphere 1

Usually on our last day in the Fort Bragg area we visit Mackerricher State Park. The beach is beautiful and Lake Cleone is always a distraction from it. The morning atmosphere in the forest is always engaging to me. Pam was busy collecting rocks and shells. I did this little piece standing outside the car.

Sisters On A Mission

I went to my hometown to see family and also attend an annual community event which I was fortunate enough to photograph. Immediately after snapping this photo, I knew I had to paint the image. Most who follow me on Instagram have seen the sketches. This is the first of about four paintings in this series.

Lake Cleone Muse

This is Lake Cleone in Fort Bragg California. Behind you is the Pacific ocean. The atmosphere is always compelling here. We visited this month and the views did not disappoint. I did two small value studies that I later covered with pastel. I think that I'm finally beginning to see this place.

Two And A Half Royals

This painting was initiated on site and of course finished later. My tools were Fabriano toned paper, brushpens, fountain pen and posca markers. I so wanted to cover the background but a part of me likes the background as is. These royal Lilies are part of Pam's garden. This is pure conjecture but, I think these originated in her mom's garden. Its funny the first painting I ever posted on my Daily Paintworks site was "Arlene's Poppy" which was from her mom's garden. I remember taking the photo when I first met her.

Girlfriend Fishing

Whenever I'm in Richmond I have to go down to the pier to sketch the people fishing. They ignore me sitting or squatting in the corner sketching and taking photos and video. The group varies depending on the day or time you show up. It's always a diverse group and a chill mood until someone catches something. I was able to film a man catching an eel. Of course the video is shaky because I was excited. On this particular day a little girl was catching "all the fish" as one of the guys below would report to me as I was leaving. I had photographed them earlier as they approached the pier

I didn't realize who they were until I uploaded the photos that day.

Sierra Cliffside and Sierra Slice

Another two paintings for the Eastern Sierra series. I'm working in different formats and mediums and it's fun. I took hundreds of photos and almost finished a complete sketchbook while there. I'm really looking forward to going back.

Stream And Dream

This painting is from our 2019 trip to the Eastern Sierra. I've been slowly building up this body of work. I really liked the light and reflections in this scene. Water reflections are the latest challenge revisited.