Lunch At Point Richmond

This painting was made in January of this year. We were hanging out at Point Richmond and this group of birds were foraging for food. I tried to capture a variety of poses as they flew in and out of the area. I worked with a variety of pastels on Canson paper.

Through The Trees

I was experimenting with new paper and with using a lot of water. I like this yellow building near Point Richmond. The light in that little park area is beautiful. Even when its a bit flat you can still find some rich shadows.

Sea Rocks

I was sitting on the beach at Point Richmond and decided to paint this scene after the fishermen that I posted a while back. I liked the light reflecting on the rocks and the various reflections in the water. Looking back on this I am reminded of how the water sounded coming in and going back out.

Midday Tree Shadow

We got to the park at about 3 in the afternoon and the light was grey and a little flat. Pam asked if I could get anything out of the light. My response was that I could work in any light...as long as I have some shadows I enjoyed the light in the background because it challenged me to see the various greys in the atmosphere.

Tree Reflection At Sunset

The sun was going down and I noticed the reflection on the water. This is the resulting painting. I am on day two of an art challenge from a Facebook friend. My intent is to nominate people who don't think they are artists and have them share their work.

Afternoon Tree Shadows

I did the drawing and under painting onsite in black, white and grey paint. I allowed the oil stain to dry and then added the pastels. I tried to stay within the original value scheme that I established with the oil paint. The surface was the arches paper that accepts oils. I worked primarily with Terri Ludwig pastels.

Where Are The Birds

Another painting from my time spent at Point Richmond. I first did a value sketch in my book and proceeded to draw the image onto the paper in graphite. I wet down the paper and went to work after it had time to dry a bit. My first thought in seeing this painting on the screen was "where are the birds". When I use this study for a larger painting I will include birds. My trend lately is to let the paint make its magic and not fight it as much.

Golden Gate From Richmond

I painted this watercolor at Point Richmond in northern California. I first did a sketch in my book in conte and charcoal on site. I then drew my composition onto Canson's Moulin du Roy watercolor paper, wet it down and charged in the color. I used this technique for my watercolors during this holiday season. I used a variety of papers. This surface was the most interesting for me. I loved the way the paint worked on the paper. I have to say that this product is the best watercolor paper that I have ever worked with. I found it in Fort Bragg, California a year ago. When I was there for my birthday this year I bought their entire stock on the shelf.

Bay Side Rocks

I was sitting facing the water trying to find a subject. I looked to the rocks.

Three In The Weeds

This painting was a bit rushed because my painting time was short. I like to watch and painting birds. I was very comfortable sitting on the ground with my supplies spread about in the shade. I worked on a black 8 by 8 panel in casein. I was peaceful that entire vacation. I cant wait to retire.

Pond Birds Point Richmond

I painted this piece while sitting under a shade tree at Point Richond. I started out with a value sketch in my sketchbook and then painted this image using the sketch and what was in front of me. I liked the birds that were playing in the pond and the trees in the background. I painted it on a piece of 8 by 10 gator board that had been coated with about three layers of gesso.

A page from my travelogue sketchbook that I took with me during my recent trip to Northern California. I painted this from the hotel balcony.

The Process Begins

I painted this little study over at the harbor area of Richmond. The sun was still up but it was beginning its descent. I first did a gouache study in my sketchpad and next did this small watercolor. Lots of vessels, people, doges and birds walking around.

The gouache study.

Sports Building

I used an acrylic plein air sketch as inspiration for this painting. I was sitting on one of the benches That had just amazing views of Richmond harbor and a the surrounding area which was lush with spring greens.

Bridge Over Waters

The first painting from the first day of painting at Point Richmond. I was using a monocular that Pam had given me for Christmas. Of course I got too detailed. I didn't use it for the rest of the day. It was good to see the bridge structure but I got too tight with this one for it being plein air.

Working Vessel 2

This was the last onsite painting completed the first day painting at this location. The colors were very gray and green due to fog and the suns position. I had some small 3 by 5 pieces of watercolor so I quickly got this image down before we left.

Working Harbor

I was cold but this was fun to paint. I like to paint during the hours that most consider to be less than favorable light. My take on light is that any time of day presents a light that can be translated into art. All light in my opinion is beautiful.

Richmond Inner Harbor

This is a painting of the inner harbor of Point Richmond. Another day of freezing while painting.

Richmond Wranglers Building

I did the sketch on site with my Aquarelle Graphite pencil. I applied water at home to establish the values and finally added the pastel once dry. I worked on Uart paper that I had cut down to 3.5 by 5 inches. When its cold outside its best for me to work small. However for this trip I made a point of painting on 9 by 12 watercolor paper. I usually work smaller.

Working Vessel

Another painting from the many visits to Point Richmond during my holiday in Northern California. I did a 3 by 5 watercolor as my last plein air piece of the day. I worked up the pastel that evening.