Barbados Home

One last watercolor sketch that was done in Barbados.  I was struck by the extremes of neighbors.  This house is on a choice lot across from the beach.  Next door could be a McMansion and the explanation is that homes belonging to the original slave families were moved to various locations away from the sugar cane fields where they were originally.  These chattel houses are of wood with a door and windows on the front.  Many have undergone major alterations while many are in terrible disrepair.  It is difficult to establish title for them so they remain propped on cinder blocks. 
The house I painted above is not a chattel house because of the concrete sides but it is very old.  It has held up during hurricanes and the weather from the sea it faces.  I wished that I could have painted more but was busy seeing the island.  The weather was hot and the people very friendly.

Tiny Island of Bequia

This small island has the reputation for great views and facilities for provisioning yachts.   It is popular with the boaters.  I did these two watercolor sketches around noon.  Kids get out of school early in the day and each school has a uniform.  These three boys were waiting to try out some wet suits.  As you can see above the hills are steep and the buildings are mainly on the waterfront.  Everyone is trying to earn money so the taxis crawl around hoping to pick up fares and the vegetable stands really go after you if you look interested.  In the covered market, if you buy from one vendor the others will complain until you buy something from them.  They even try to put things into your shopping bag.  It all shuts down at dark.

Bequia Beach

Just arrived home from a wonderful holiday in Bequia and Barbados.  Bequia is a small island in the Grenadines.  You access it by boat or small plane from Barbados.  I met up with friends and we rented a house high on a hill overlooking the bay.  There are winds, sudden torrential rains and warm sunny days.  The boats that come in to anchor are magnificent.  We were on a beach drinking rum punch and beer and painting.  Lots of talking with occasional dips into the ocean but I did finish this as you see it. 
I don't believe Bequia has changed a lot over the years.  It is expensive and you need a jeep to get up the hills.  It is very hot and humid and one side has winds.  Great place to hang out during the winter.

The Hills of Green Valley Road

Sunday was a magnificent day for painting.  Our group gathered off Green Valley Road in Cordelia, CA.  Everyone did a wonderful painting, whether it was the hills or the vineyards.  The rain that arrived last week made everything very green. These smooth hills always look like they are covered with velour and I have this fantasy of riding a motorcycle over them. 
I painted the hills and gave them some roundness by using graded washes.  All was quiet out there.  I didn't see any birds so left them out.  I wish there were a couple of cows to add.  When I use this sketch for a studio painting, I will put some cows on this beautiful green pasture.

Along the Herring River

While watching my 49ers in the playoffs on Sunday, I painted a scene that I remembered from Cape Cod. I live close to the Herring River and have painted sections of the river many times in the past. This one is from the brain bank. I had fun painting it on a half sheet and then went and painted it again on a full sheet. (Had to deal with the frustrations of a last minute loss to NY Giants.)
What I like about the painting is the eye path created by the river with the focal point almost at the end of the trip.

Main Street, Locke, CA

Last Sunday, I painted with my group in the historic Chinese town of Locke. The narrow main street with all the tall buildings is very appealing to the artist. The porches are supported with rather thin rickety posts and they are not square but leaning. There is so much detail. I tried to to simplify and also stay with a red yellow palette to give it an oriental or Asian feel. This is a painting that will be used in the studio on a rainy day.

Snow and Birches

We have not had rain in Northern California since November. Today, it looks like it is going to happen. The skiers will rejoice hoping for the mother of all storms in the Sierras.
I am posting a recent painting that I did of Birch trees. They are like soccer balls for the artist because of the white black contrast. Add a little snow and threatening sky and it makes a nice composition. We are waiting for a storm.