Morning Beachtime

Just Returned from a couple of weeks in Mexico on the Pacific. It was warm, sunny and very restful. I did a lot of reading, eating and some painting. What a life. There is an urge to paint everyday, but good books also have a strong attraction for me. My group likes to party and eat and we had lots of good food. I helped prepare some of it and we found plenty of places with fish. Did this painting early one morning with Susan who hadn't painted for a long time. I took my time and helped her get things started. It is fun to see someone excited about painting again. She is off and running now that she got her painting done. Love Mexico.

Sharks at the Beach

I did a quick sketch of my grandkids playing cards while we were in Mexico. They were having a great time. The younger ones want to wager everything and do get away with it. I thought of this as I prepare to head back down to Mexico with friends. The kids are all back in school, mostly in the cold east and would love a return.

Dining in the Shade

Our Mexican neighborhood has many little eateries. This one is just down the street from us. I was attracted to the sunlit yellow wall. I sketched without a problem but when it came time to paint, I was blocked by cars from the local taxi company. They are all lined along the lane awaiting calls for business. The drivers want the shade as it was a very warm morning. They polish their cars and drink coffee and chat with each other. All are very professional-looking with white shirts and black pants. Eventually, all were off picking up customers. I must remember this as it is the second time it has occurred while doing plein air painting.

Alleyway to the Beach

Returned last evening from the warmth and sun of Mexico. It is raining here in California and we welcome it for our severe drought. This painting was done on location right next to a primary school. All of the children would come to the corner of their play area and tell me how well I was doing with my painting. Of course, they spoke Spanish to me so I am not sure about all of the critiques but I did hear something that made me think they liked it. (Wish I spoke some Spanish.) The painting hue is done in a high key. I see this after getting it back home, but while painting in the bright sunlight it is difficult to judge the values in a painting. I just keep comparing and see relative differences. The horses are left there and keep being moved or exchanged as someone comes to ride them. The lane is also used by the local taxi group and they park cars in the lane. Despite all of the distractions, I would do it again as it is quite enjoyable.

Painting in Mexico

I have been painting all month in Mexico but unable to upload on this blog. This is my first success so I will start putting some of my work up. It is hot and humid but I love Mexico. For painting, the urban scene is very colorful. Mexicans like strong colors and painting them forces you to take it even further. You get home and look at what you have done and are amazed. This picture was done yesterday while painting on the beach. My poor easel picked up plenty of sand in its mechanism.

A Grand Place

Mexican living is tough. This is a quick sketch and watercolor of my place. Bedrooms in back and kitchen and pool in front; on the beach. You can choose fresh or salty for a swim.
I tried reducing watercolor supplies by using a block of paper instead of the usual half sheet. Big adjustment painting on something different. My thinking is just do a quick painting and then redo at home. The jury is out as to whether this works. Not easy to change old ways.