Gate Keepers

I remember seeing these gentlemen at this very location almost every day as I went about being a child in Commerce, Texas. They would sit on the side of the house and check out everything. We lived "across the tracks" and this house is close to them. I took the photo that inspired the painting many years ago...perhaps in my twenties. When I was growing up, I was taught to call our community "the Norris Community". The younger generation refers to it as "the Hole".

Tracey Hay Bales

I must admit that I buy a lot of products as a result of reading and watching blog and vlog posts. I bought some french made pastels by Roche because of a recent post. This was the first test of those pastels. I love the density of color and size. The painting was inspired by sketches and photos taken during my ride through the Central Valley of California.

A sketch of my baby sister.

Wet Sand

When I last visited Fort Bragg, California I sat on the beach and painted a few trading card paintings. This is one of the studies that deserve enlarging.

Fleeting Moment

A painting from my many plein air excursions downtown in Austin.

Roadside Bush

I painted this while waiting for an appointment in my car. I had my Lukas watercolor set with me along with some Soho trading cards. So I made use of my time waiting.

Airplane Sunset

Flying into Oakland as the sun sets.

He Didn't Snore

This guy sat next to me on the plane ride from Oakland, California. When he fell asleep I got in a quick painting of him. He slept most of the trip as did the window seat passenger that I posted previously.

Late Lunch 2

The second painting done while waiting for my lunch at Princeton Seafood Company. I like their food and the way the place is set up. They always have watercolors displayed on the walls.

Sleepy Model 1

She sat next to the window on my most recent flight home from California. And she fell asleep...

Genesis Floating

After lunch we walked along the harbor. I had two packs of SOHO aceo trading cards with me so I got in a little painting after lunch. When its cold out a small painting is best.

A Late Lunch

I like painting small because it allows me to paint a lot of pictures in public places without being noticed. I painted this while waiting for lunch at Princeton Seafood Company in El Granado, California. This couple actually had a child with them. I used the SOHO Aceo trading cards and my Koi watercolors. The lunch was great. A nice salad and a big bowl of clam chowder yum.

Austin Bus Stop 3

One of my bus stop paintings. Working with trading card size paper outdoors is a good way to capture just a snapshot of the scene.

Austin Bus Stop 2

Two weeks ago I sat down on a bench at 6th and Congress and painted the corner across the street. I was working with watercolor and trading cards. I'm working on painting from memory and also just trying to capture as much data as I can for larger paintings.

Austin Bus Stop 1

Last Sunday after my workout I sat on a bench in front of the Littlefield Building and painted the bus stop across the street. I used the watercolor ACEO trading cards.

Another Fireman Asleep

One to the refinery firemen on the trip back to Texas.

Hillside Vineyard

On the way up to Fort Bragg I was painting scenes as they passed by. I'm sure this is a combination of about 5 miles worth of landscape.

Can't Sit Long

I noticed this passenger early in the flight. He would stand up for about 10 minutes and sit back down for a while before standing again. He probably had a back problem. His face was interesting so I did a quick sketch.

Oakland Bound Passenger

This was a fellow passenger en route to Oakland, California. He fell asleep and of course I painted him. ACEO trading cards and a watercolor travel set are great ways to sharpen ones skills and kill some time during a flight.

On The Way

I like to exercise my brain by painting the landscape as it flashes by in a car. I take a mental picture and paint it on an ACEO trading card ground. I then explore that mental snapshot in larger watercolors, pastels, oil and graphite drawings.

Tree in Fog

Painted during Pam's nap on the cliffs of Jug Handle State Park. I had a beautiful weekend. I went to Commerce and hung out with the family. We broke bread, listened to great music, danced and enjoyed one another's company. The rain was nice too.