Bay Side Rocks And Shrubs

Of course I paid a visit to the Richmond marina while I was in California. I spent time painting the various vessels in addition to the landscape. The different shades on the rocks are what attracted me to the scene. Garza Papel paper and Daniel Smith watercolors were the products I utilized.

Single Engine

As I was finishing up this piece a seagull flew by and I added it as a finishing touch. The original plan was to make the painting about the clouds. The birds are part of a marina so they should be stars too. I used Daniel Smith watercolors and Canson Montval Watercolor paper (124.4 lbs Rough).

Sunlit Creek

This is the second of a series of paintings depicting the Samuel P Taylor state park in northern California. I was inspired by the reflections in the water and of course the light.

Lush and Sultry

This is a watercolor on a stone "paper" The surface is similar to Yupo. In my opinion the paint pools and moves a little different on this surface. The photo that inspired this study is posted below. Charleston, South Carolina is a lot like Austin. Lots of young hip business types combined with the seasoned business professionals, college students and barristers and regular folks like myself. Each day that I went out to shoot photos I had to wipe the lens down to remove the moisture. Hot and muggy but beautiful to photograph.

I only worked with 4 by 4 inches of this photo to get the painting posted above which is 8 by 8 inches.

Spring Shadows

I painted this in early May. I was visiting (annoying) my youngest sister and helping cook our family feast. I sat on her back porch and painted this view of a shirt hanging on her clothes line. In my opinion, the light in small towns is somewhat spiritual. I love the city but my home is special. I can smell the earth in Commerce; not so much in the city.

New Paths

I started this painting during the West Tour and haven't felt the need to touch it again. Its from the New England foliage season which seems to peak in October. My friend Jim took the photos for me years ago and I still use them for inspiration. I should have done more plein air painting while I lived there.

Sunlit Tree With Bales

I actually finished this painting last year. Those of you that follow this blog recognize this scene. This is the largest version at 30 by 22 inches. Its a scene from the Northeast Texas area along the Sulfur Springs, Texas highway. I hope that all of you had a happy new year and that it is filled with joy and success.

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.

Full Glass 2

I painted both paintings during the same painting session. I played changed the sky a little and I think the colors are bolder in this version. I used my Lukas watercolor travel palette and arches 300 pound watercolor paper.

Choppy Waters

I was sitting on a nice cliff painting on Pam's birthday. I painted what was below me. Rocks and surf.

Sign of Weather

We stopped for Pam to stretch on the way back and I painted a 3 by 5 inch image of these cows at rest. My Mom always told me that cows laying down foretold rain. Point Reyes is where we were. It was my birthday too. Anyway I worked on a larger piece this weekend and came of with this painting from that 3 by 5 inch inspiration.

Line Them Up

I love the dairy farms in the Point Reyes National Seashore the cows are beautiful as is the landscape.

Summer Ends

People playing on the beach on labor day. I painted from our balcony for the last paintings of the day. I don't get out and paint enough in Texas. I don't care for the heat so I tend to work from photos for some of my Texas landscapes. I do get out a little with Plein Air Austin during the cooler months when I don't have gallery duty. I have painted down in the Rockport/Fulton area but only for a weekend. I try and include my home state in my study of the landscape. I must admit the landscape in California inspires me to paint in just about any conditions (excluding earthquakes).

Glass Beach Haze

I painted this one while hanging out at Glass Beach on Pam's birthday. When I work with watercolors onsite I usually work on two paintings at a time. I don't have to waste time waiting for an area to dry. The area had changed a lot. They cut back most of the bushes along the main path to the beach. Pam also didn't find as many pieces of glass and rocks as she wanted. She came over as I was painting this one, looked at the painting and told me to stop.

Pleasure Craft

The El Granada Pier. I like the food and atmosphere in this area.

Vine Heavy

I'm not going to call this one finished yet I still want to tinker with the slope on the left. I want to add some bushes to the background to identify the area as a hillside. I could go on. I will let it sit for a while before or if I act.

Dueling Trees

This is a pathway that is across from the old Norris School in Commerce. I took this shot in the month of November. I attended Norris just before they desegregated us. My Mom's family had a home in this area. I really should paint the old school before it eventually gets torn down. That place has a lot of our history.

The Distance

This is a scene that I have painted in pastel. Its the "Down the Mountain" series I did a few years back. This is the landscape near Fort Bragg, California. Its a hilly and windy road. I really love the colors and atmosphere.

Vineyard Bales 2

I always paint another version so this is the second watercolor. Its a bit larger than the first version and not as tight. At least in my opinion. We did take some time in this area so I think the paintings are true to the spirit of the land.

McKinney Falls Bluebonnets

A few years ago we had a pretty good crop of bluebonnets. I was painting at McKinney Falls State Park all day and failed to even notice this scene until I was packing up to leave. It was spring time and the greens were amazing. Since then we have been in a very bad drought. Lets hope it ends soon. I miss the bluebonnets.