Tired Reflection

Years ago we were tooling around San Francisco in a car and I of course was doing a little street photography from the passenger window. This guy appeared to be just getting off work. I later grabbed a shot of him at what appeared to be a bus stop. During the holidays, I found this set of pictures and decided to paint him again. The signage and reflections also presented a nice challenge.

Good Seafood

I love the way that wait staff are dressed in some restaurants. They are dressed better than the patrons. This place is one of my favorite Cajun food places. I liked the young lady's hairdo on the right.

Sketchbook share

Building Side Flowers

A scene from San Francisco. I was attracted to the flowers that covered the side of the building. This of course is a study for a larger piece. I love flowers and buildings so it will be fun to explore the image further.

Sketchbook share Richmond, California Marina

Austin Spring Light

This painting is finally ready for a new home. When you paint on copper you have to make sure that the painting is protected from the elements. When dry, it has to be treated with a combination of Galkyd and odorless mineral spirits. I made this painting at the botanical gardens here in Austin. One of many painted there. I was attracted to the spring light on the path and trees.

Sketchbook share.

Dining Together

We went to the Richmond Marina area for the 4th of July. I had sketchbooks and paints in tow. I had a nice few hours to spend drawing and sketching the birds, people and landscape. They were feeding on something in the water so I got many sketches of them upside down grabbing food, floating, etc.

A sketch from the passenger seat. We took a different route into the city this time.

Red Crane

30 by 22 inches This is a glimpse of downtown San Francisco painted from one of my photographs. I think its a little too controlled and tight. I may try a looser version. I was of course attracted to the red piece of construction equipment, trolleys and the people. I used a variety of watercolor brands on Langton Prestige 300 gsm paper. I probably spent about 30 hours on this piece.

Noah's Bagels

I drew the underlying sketch while riding shotgun on a trip to downtown San Francisco. I caught buildings and people to add in as the scenery changed. Noah's Bagels was sketched in while we were at a stop. I added the watercolor later.

Painted Ladies

The photo that inspired this painting was taken on my recent visit to San Francisco, California. Pam drove me around while I took photos and sketched (yep I sketched from the car). I have always loved the way this bush wraps around this house. Pam said it reminded her of the "painted ladies" hence the title. I worked on 6 by 18 Shizen professional grade watercolor paper.

Train Strangers

I did this painting a few years ago. A collector saw it on my site but wanted it a bit larger. So I revisited this image and enjoyed it. I worked exclusively from the painting as I couldn't find the reference photo.

Morning Commute Review

The man seated on the fire hydrant was watching people pass by on their various ways. I watched him for a while. At times he would get up and hold his cup out to ask for money. I liked the fact that he was wearing a tie and suit under his hoodie.

Platform Redux

I went back in and defined the forms more to make the image less sketchy. The vantage point is the top stairs leading down to the trains.

Train Station Plaza

As you walk down to Bart somewhere downtown San Francisco.

Cab Waiting

Simmering on the easel for now. A little toning down is in order with the purples and I need the shadows to be consistent.

The Unacknowledged 1 (fini)

I finally finished the background. Downtown San Francisco. I painted it because this man intrigued me. I was curious about his story and what led him to where he is. The figure in the background represents the observer.

Watercolor Little Joes (fini)

This one is done. I liked that corner. The body language was rich. Plus I love using reds and oranges.

Check This Out (In progress)

I posted the study for this painting last week. Just a few more strokes and I'm calling this one done. I was walking around downtown San Francisco and saw these two guys almost mesmerized by something on a smart phone. Of course I had to get the photo.

Check This Out Study

A common scene in the age of smart phones. 5 by 7 oil $100.00

Little Joes (in progress)

During my last visit to San Francisco I had lunch at Little Joe's Italian restaurant. The guy with the papers is actually a homeless person selling the street news. This one is in the simmering stage.

Unacknowleged Larger Version (fini)

I'm done with this one. I had to add that accent of color.

Steep Street

Oil pastels on black paper. I had to attend a law seminar in San Francisco and this street was near the hotel.