Back in Mexico

It's December and I have neglected the site. I was in Mexico over the Thanksgiving holiday and got some painting done. It was grand to sit on the beach with old friends and just gab. Lots of surfers including my kids who came along. Many stories but the scariest was my rental car had the oil light come on while heading to the airport. Stopped, found oil leaking, left the car, and got a taxi to the airport for my flight home. Hertz contacted and they picked up the car. Next, my credit card had a $4700 USD charge. No explanation; the ball is now in my court to file a claim. Here is some of my recent work while in Mexico.

The top one was done on a rural road and I soon had about 20 kids, first watching and then pulling out my brushes and turning the bolts on my easel. I then felt something warm on the back of my leg and this little naked kid was peeing on me. Quite a day.

This watercolor is done on aquabord. I have been trying this out because it allows framing without glass. There is a big difference between this system and paper, espcially if you are working wet into wet or just wet. The paint quickly sets up and glazing causes it to lighten or wipe off, somewhat like using Yupo. I have tried several boards now and have yet to feel comfortable with the aquabord system.
The fog in this painting was created by running water through a previously applied wash that was still wet. It is difficult to create soft edges. It is my feeling that this system only works with dry brush painting. If you cannot glaze then you might has well be painting with acrylics or oil. The magic of transparent watercolor painting is lost.

Sausalito watercolor

There is color in the hills but the weather is still ideal. Mt. Tam is in the back and there is some thinning fog. All the elements are there for painting in Sausalito.

My bags are packed and I am ready for Mexico. Bringing my paints and there is a gang going from the 'hood.
Celebrating a couple of Bdays and working on a song. Can't wait to be there. The sharks are gone and we plan on surfing.

Crashing wave

I have been painting the ocean for years and the crashing wave with the foam and mist that is created, is my favorite. I was back in Sausalito yesterday painting and it was wonderful. The fog was clearing from the headlands and the sunshine was getting stronger with time. I brought my grandkids back home with me which made this a wonderful trip. They make grampa feel important. We will paint when we get to my house.

I've been away experimenting with some new presentations. My goal; paint with transparent watercolor and display without glass. I have only read about this on the internet. I tried the special canvas for watercolor but was not happy with the outcome. The watercolor medium is too thin when painting wet, and the fabric shows through. I next tried some clayboards made for watercolor. I find them difficult to paint on because I like to paint with my paper nearly vertical. These clayboards do not hold a wash and leave hard edges. I painted this picture of pomogranates on clayboard and just barely tilted it and then did some dry painting. I think that it works. I then put on the gel and sprayed the varnish a few times. Without the glass there is much more punch to the color and no reflection. My next experiment is to use adhesive to put paper on masonite and see how that works.

Main Street Harwichport, MA

This was a quick sketch while sitting indoors during the rain. I have painted the Kite Shop many times on location, so I know it quite well. The distortion is whimsy to an otherwise well known set of buildings here. Only the figures are standing upright.

I am in the countdown for days remaining on Cape Cod. The weather is getting cold. I am almost through my list of things to do before leaving. Not a bucketlist, but house closing.

Sailboat for saleboat

Here are two guys looking at a sailboat that is listed for $500. It looks like a deal. Everything is there including the sails and the boat is in great shape with no dings. Maybe it is the crumbling financial world that put such a bargain on a vacant lot. I love painting boats and especially when they are out of the water. There is a certain awe in seeing the depth and shape of the hull exposed. Sounds almost erotic! I painted this yesterday and I was totally lost for a couple of hours. It was an antidote to the realization that my pension is rapidly going down the tubes.