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.

Pank Trim

This is just a random building that I took a fancy to and photographed. I made up the colors and street sign. To me this is a combination of Richmond, California and Charleston, South Carolina. I know that this building is on Cutting Ave in Richmond. However, the overall scheme reminds me of Charleston. Oh well it's just our artistic licenses on display. I'm not very good with perspective but that doesn't deter me. I am slowly getting more comfortable with structures and my own way of rendering them.

False Bravado Or Self Care?

We encountered these young men while enjoying an afternoon stroll/sketch session at the marina. I immediately got a sense of false bravado as they walked past us. Of course being a Black woman I gave the customary chin "what's up" as we passed....strictly out of habit. Of course I turned around and took photos as they walked away.

This was the initial sketch. I was attracted to the lines and postures.

Hot Deals

I remember taking the photo that led to this painting. We were in the car and Pam told me to look back and to my left. This was the scene. The light and figure drew me in. This woman appeared to be simply waiting at the bus stop and taking in her surroundings. She almost seemed defensive in her posture.

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.

The Tunnel

We usually go through this tunnel to get to Point Richmond. I always enjoy the light at the end of the tunnel. I used Arches rough textured paper and worked from a photo. The initial drawing was in ink which was covered with the watercolor.

Bay Side Rocks

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

That Last Light

I was chasing the light with this one. Standing on the back porch painting quickly to get that light that made my heart skip...

Wired Cross

Painted from Pam's back yard.

Richmond Nocturne 1

After a long day of painting outside in Pam's garden, I painted this nighttime picture from her kitchen. I would cut the lights out, memorize and then paint. I had a few copper panels in my paint box so that was my surface. I hadn't worked in oils for a while. I should do more plein air oil painting. I work quicker outside using watercolor and pastel. Plus the cleanup is much simpler in my opinion.

Window of Opportunity

I liked the light on the curtains.