Morning Fog Lifting

On our last day in Fort Bragg we went to one of our favorite spots. It was raining off and on. I was filming timelapses and sketching. When we get here I tend to stay in this spot. I love the atmosphere. I used oil paint sticks and tempra paints on canvas.

Crowned Wave

This was painted from one of my favorite places.

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.

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.

Waters Troubled

Happy New Year everyone. My new year was spent alone and safe. No need for parties for me. Been there done that. I think most people my age spent the new year in a similar fashion. Normally, I'm in Northern California this time of year. We try to visit an ocean spot during our holidays. Due to covid, my last visit to California was my birthday month. I truly miss this beautiful place. Hopefully, I will return in the coming year for more inspiration.

Last Haul Noyo Harbor

About three years ago we were hanging out right at dusk near Noyo harbor. I was concentrating on photographing people fishing and the boats coming in for the night. What struck me most about this image was the lone fisherman on the top near the light and the red lobster traps in the back of the vessel.

Ocean Fishing

A lot of people were out fishing this year. I took the opportunity to sketch a while they were busy casting their lines.

No Talking Needed

Today was a hard day. I will just leave it at that. This painting title came to me because I have friends that know when to be silent. I appreciate those friends. I sketched this scene from the hotel balcony. I had a device that gave me a good view of the people on the beach. I love drawing relaxed people. It reminded me of those days when the sound of the ocean was all that was necessary to put me into perspective.

Last Haul of The Day 2

Another little painting inspired by my last visit to California. Of course it has fog and sea vessels. I like working from my sketch books and changing up the medium and color scheme. I will use photos on occasion, but I think its easier to capture the feel of a place if you sketch it. I found myself reaching more for my sketchbook than my actual camera during this most recent visit to the Bay area.

Last Haul Of The Day 1

I can recall the moment and feel of this little painting. We were sitting on our hotel balcony. The fog was rolling back in and this vessel was heading in to Noyo Harbor. I love this little town of Fort Bragg, California. It has so many spots of awe.

Vacation Gouaches

This a page of sketches is from my most recent trip to Fort Bragg, California. Pam indicated that I spent a lot of time with my sketchbooks this trip. I usually try to focus on individual studies on panel, paper or canvas. I like the energy I was able to capture in these. The line work was done on site and gouache was added later from memory.

In Deep Awe

Given our recent weather here in Austin, I would love to be here right now. I used one of my gouache plein air pieces as a jumping off point for this painting. Its fun watching people appreciating the ocean. Have a great week everyone.

He Pays Attention

This young man is my oldest nephew. He is having a conversation with one of his sons. I like how he interacts with them. I primarily worked with graphite and grey pastels on gesso covered charcoal paper.

A page from my sketchbook.

Too Close To Power

I really like the paper I used with this painting. I'm learning to use the paper in my composition. The scene is from Fort Bragg, California last September. I included people because they are part of the scene and feel of the place.

Dreaming About Floating

This is an image from a working harbor in Fort Bragg, California. I sketch there when I can but often I just take a photo to work from. I made this painting from an image taken on my Ipad and from many visits to this area. Pam says that I over painted this one she has a better eye than me.

Dusty Peace

Dusty Peace came from my thoughts about the beach. Its peaceful but the dust can be a pain when you return to the room. The people were good models because they didn't move much. I was happy.

Vessel No Name

This is a painting from the Noyo Harbor area of Fort Bragg, California. Ink drawing on site and painted later. I liked the reflections in the water and the background.

Above The Beach

This is another piece from my vacation in early September. I don't know what type of plant this is but I have always wanted to attempt a sketch. I drew this from the beach in ink. I took liberties with the color which was added later.

Beach Roots

I really liked the tree roots on the cliff over looking the ocean. I did the initial drawing on site and added watercolor later.

Stream Through The Garden

This area of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite. The stream flows through and in the background waves smash against the land. The sun and sky and flowers were reflections in the stream water. I did the initial drawing on a 12 by 14 piece of watercolor paper in ink. I added watercolor later. The drawing took about 25 minutes.