Birches in the Snow

Birch trees are fun to paint and I had fun doing this one. My mountains are a bit heavy handed but my water is definitely cold looking. I am happy to only think about this scene as I really, really hate to be in cold weather. It may come from my days growing up and attending school in New England. I never want to be that cold again.
I tried to put a low lying fog behind the fir trees. I may try this one again but first I need to warm up!

The 'Mall' of Troncones Mexico

You will find it at Gabys; it might be a single bandaid, a couple of Pampers, etc. but she will usually have it. Get your wine before you come to town. I love painting poles with all of the wires and boxes. They are all over Mexico and where I live in the States, the wires are underground. I remember them from my youth. There were chickens being raised for fighting behind me as I stood there painting. It was hot and dusty with the trucks hurrying by with propane, water, and surf boards. It is a wonderful place.

Sun, sand and salt water

I brave the sun and get down on the beach and paint. It is done quickly, since no amount of sun bloc will spare me from a burn. My body was not made for sun and sand, but I love it. At this end of Manzanillo Bay in Troncones, there are lots of rocks and tide pools. My grandchildren are fascinated with the creatures in them. We often eat breakfast on that long deck at the end of the house. This was painted just after lunch, which did include a margarita.

Resuscitation in Mexico

Been away for two and a half weeks in Mexico. What a wonderful break from the dreary weather at home. Did some painting and this is a typical rural spot in Troncones, Mexico. It is known as the Burro and is a hot spot on Sunday night with local entertainment. Susan and I painted it and had fun with our modifications. I am ready to go after the fresh fish, salt water and partying...will probably last a week until I need a return.

A winter beach

Winter beaches and wind blown cypresses make an interesting subject for watercolor. This is a made up subject that we all worked on when we could not go out and paint after getting down to Sausalito. It was raining and overcast.
Next week I will be in Mexico and putting on the sunscreen. I love it down there. I have already heard from my friends that are headed down and we will all gather in neighboring houses on the beach at Troncones. I doubt that there will be much surfing with everyone hurting thinking about last year.

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.

Painting on clayboard

Happy New Year. The weather got gloomy, damp and cold so I went to still life painting. Have not done this for so long, that I could get excited about it. This was done on aquaboard or the new clayboard for watercolor. It is different and I am not used to it. I like to paint with my paper almost vertical and that won't work with the board. Water practically runs off when painting wet. Laying it flat overcomes that issue. What I like about it is the brilliance of color. Now if I can keep that when I varnish, I will keep working at this.