Today's class

This is one of the many water towers on the vineyard next to us in Napa. I teach a watercolor class on Friday morning to about 20 budding artists. So often I hear, "If I try this, I'll probably ruin my picture". Todays' exercise was to banish this timidity. I did a demo that included a sky, mountain, water tower, and front green. I then asked them to add details to their painting. Here are my quick details.

Winter Memories

I was looking at news photos of the latest snow storm in the Northeast and remember the discomfort of getting anywhere. This painting shows a person bundled against the elements and an uncertain path covered with snow. Many a time I navigated the white-out from a blizzard to get to school in Burlington, VT and, also, it was so cold. This scene has varying layers of value as the eye moves from the foreground to the fuzzy snowy distance.

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.

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.