End of the Beach

This is the end of the beach and is the quiet end in Sayulita, Mexico. There are no commercial places and it is not good for surfing. It is early morning and the shadows cross the beach. The two land masses in the background were overcast when I started the painting but as the sun got higher, they show some color. I use a Soltek easel which I worry about in the sand. Usually I carry small plastic bags to cover the legs at the end but I did not have them with me. It seems as though everything is still in working order as I have used it since.

Morning on the Beach

I painted this picture of the beach in Sayulita, Mexico on my first day. It is a feeling of warmth and familiarity when getting to this place. Lots of beach and crashing waves. Lots of familiar faces and eateries. This is early in the morning before many are down to the beach. The surfers are out there waiting for the perfect wave and a few fishermen are casting. I have never seen them catch a fish. It's okay since they enjoy it.

Beach Access

If you do not have a place on the beach, this is one way to get there. Lots of golf carts down here in Sayulita Mexico and they can drive down and park. I painted this in early afternoon. It was hot but I started in the shade. It did not last long and got very warm in the sun. This body was not built for sun and sand but it loves to be warm. I love the colors in Mexico. They are bright and warm hues. It is not unusual to see atomic pinks with yellow greens or deep violet on the outside of the house. The commercial places often have names of beers, etc. painted directly on the outside wall. It is so nice to be different.

This is our beehive or rabbit warren. It is beachfront and has many units or suites. This is the path down to ours which is waterfront with its own pool. What luxury. The place is well maintained and even has a guard that goes around the place all night. When painting this at the top of the path, I had plenty of suggestions from those heading to the beach. It was a challenge since the shadows kept changing with the morning sun.

Beach Parking

This is another variation on an alley to the beach in Sayulita, Mexico. I painted and sketched many of the routes to the beach and have used them for paintings. We stayed out of town and the beach extends quite a long way from town so there are plenty of paths to the beach. I think that the horse was for hire in this situation.

Workers Live Here

This painting is a composite of several attempts at painting alleys in Mexico. This imaginary one goes down to the beach and shows two methods of transportation;horse and truck. Most of the alleys in my neighborhood in Sayulita are not paved and the back or side of the house comes out to it. It is a place to park. Most are not cluttered with bottles or paper. The sides that are on the alley usually need some fresh paint or at least a good wash. It makes good subject matter for a painter.

The High Rent Neighborhood

This is the far end of our beach in Sayulita. I'm not sure whether one of the buildings is a hotel, but there are plenty of people. A single lane road leads into the area and there are dining tables with guests along the side. I guess the few parking spots limit the dangers. I painted the scene from the beach which has many fishing boats. There are fishermen casting into the sea and catching fish. Another time I will return and paint the boats. For me, painting is a little different here. During the heat of the day the paint dries quickly. Since I like to work with wet paper and plenty of water, it takes getting used to. This painting was done quickly since it was lunchtime and I didn't want to keep friends waiting.

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.

Street Vendor

My subject was setting up to sell his drinks when I started painting.  His space eventually became closed in as cars filled the open spaces before and after his cart.  He ended up really pinched in between two cars which greatly reduced his visability.  After he had his cups and drinks just right, he retired to a step in the shade up against a building, a good 10 feet away.  I'm not a business man, but this method of selling doesn't seem effective.  Of course, there is an inertia that overtakes one in the tropics.  It was a warm, humid morning in Sayulita; just the kind that attracts you to cold drinks.

Beach at Sayulita

Viewed from our house on the hill, the waves were rolling onto the main beach of Sayulita, Mexico.  In the late afternoon it attracts a bunch of surfers.  They were out there, but seen as just black spots on the water, so I did not try to paint them into the scene.  The far away hills look lonely when seen during the day, but when the lights come on at night, there are plenty of homes tucked into the greenery.

The Square

The center of town in Sayulita buzzes with activity.  It is colorful in the Mexican tradition.  There is a small park in the center and I set up on the banking along the sidewalk.  It did not stop people from climbing up to see what I was doing.  I love Mexico.