Spring Run of Putah Creek

. Just back from Mexico and out with my Plein air painters. This morning is warm, about 60 degrees, and the hills are green. The trees are not yet budding but it won't be long. These are perfect conditions for painting. The sun creates some shadows as well as rim lighting on some tree limbs. The water is running fast as it is coming down from the dam just up the canyon. Ducks even appear every so often.

Herring River Redox

There were only 4 of us painting this morning. We were at the Herring River. It was a very bright hazy day at the start. The morning then became a little foggy and then dark. The rain had come earlier and the humidity was very high. My colleagues seemed unsure about finishing and packed up early. I stayed the course. The water was challenging with its cast reflections that kept changing. It ranged from very much white to big dark cast shadows. I was interested to see the cast reflections were darker than the actual color of the greens.

Heart's Desire Beach, Inverness, CA

This is a nice state park at Point Reyes, CA.  We arrived early with no one in sight and started painting.  Soon, the beach filled up with picnickers, swimmers and party goers. The trees close to the beach are laden with moss which hangs down.  A few sailboats anchored off shore and we met some boaters who live on board and home school the kids.  But, it all started off very serene with a blue sky that did not have a cloud in it. 

Plein Air Painting in Cold Weather

I know that California is not really cold but it is uncomfortable to be out painting for any length of time. Warm clothes help and standing and walking around or dancing around your work is even better. I've seen pictures of artists out in the snow but not for me. When the temp soars, I am much more at home with painting.
Yesterday the temp was in the 40s and no sun at the start. There was a scheduled paintout but I was the only show until an hour later. By two hours the sun was breaking through a completely cloudy overcast day. By then I was well into my painting but I did put in the new-found shadows. One note about plein air painting in the cold is that it forces you to make quick decisions and paint with the fewest strokes. That is something I've always sought as a watercolorist.

Other than the huge palm the rest of the deciduous trees are without foliage.  The green lawns are somewhat bleached out.  The tree in the foreground is purposely not in focus but by crossing all planes of the picture, gives more depth.  Maybe a little chill and shiver in the hand is good for painting leafless branches.

Air Conditioned Barn

I have been away restoring a brownstone in Brooklyn and it was work but very satisfying. I did this painting before but went back to do it again plein air. This time I was tasting something very strange and then realized a tractor was out there spraying. I packed up and left but had this almost finished on a much larger paper. The sheep are still staring. I kept it a yellow painting with some red in the foreground and on the roof which is rusted and metal. I am also experimenting with photographing my work. I always used the 'auto' settings and this time tried manual with a camera stand. I am not sure there is a difference.

Retired Barn

This is another of my Winters' Plein Air paintings done last week. I am not sure how retired this barn is since it had a well worn path to the front. The hills in the background create a nice value in contrast to the warm notes of the grasses. I had plenty of visitors while painting and the sun was warm. The light was almost overhead.

Early Morning Davis Commute

My muse is the Davis Train Station. I have painted it so many times plein air, that I can put a painting together in 20 minutes and it is fun. I tried a yellow, red and blue sky to indicate the rising sun and gave the people long shadows. I have painted the station in the early morning and that is the east where the sun comes up. Because I wanted a tall exaggerated front of the station I painted it on the vertical. Most of my work (99%) is done on a half sheet (15x23") and when I frame, it has a 3.5" mat around it. They are all for sale.

Davis Train Station

This is one of my favorite places to paint. The weather has been so sunny and nice, that I took my easel and set up at the train station. There are no trees in bloom but I needed the color. I am amazed at how busy the station is at the end of the day. Lots of people to talk to, in fact, I finished the painting at home because of getting involved in so many conversations.