California Calm

This painting was inspired by a car sketch and Frank Reaugh. I often execute small ACEO trading card paintings and sketches while Pam is driving us around. We were exploring the Point Reyes National Seashore and I made a small painting of three cows. We also went to see the Frank Reaugh exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center on the University of Texas campus. I took that small painting and what I learned from the exhibit to create this piece.

This is the car sketch.

Traffic Portrait

We were headed to a place called Tracey, California to visit with Pam's family on July 4th of this year. While Pam drove, I sketched the road and landscape in my Stillman and Burn sketchbook. This is a painting from one of those sketches. Since I view painting as play for me, I took liberties with colors.

Romance

The sketch below inspired this little watercolor. I saw this couple walking on the beach and I automatically thought of romance and contemplation. The ocean puts me in perspective and being with the one I love brings the romance.

Bouncing Waves

I haven't yet declared this one complete yet. I painted a 9 by 12 on site and used it for this 18 by 24 incher. We traveled as far north as Jenner, California that day. I remember standing looking down and painting this image. I worked quick because it was freezing and windy.

Days Departure

I used one of my plein air paintings for this piece. I remember the painting session. It was the end of a day filled with plein air painting around the Mendocino and Fort Bragg Areas. I was squinting and in an almost meditative state. I like getting to that point in a painting holiday. The oceans sounds were beautiful. People were out and about. I was standing on the hotel balcony in heaven.

El Granada Pier New Years Day

Earlier in the day on New Years Eve we had lunch at the Princeton Seafood Company. I wanted to paint some boats so we walked around for a bit and I got in two little trading card images of the boats and people. When we got home I worked from the trading card image to create this painting which is 8 by 10 inches.

Warm Wave 2

I used the acrylic 5 by 7 inch plein air painting as inspiration for this larger version. If I remember correctly I was working with Golden Open Acrylics.