Tornado Cleanup 2019

. A tornado came in from the ocean and hit Harwich on Cape Cod. We had the warning but couldn't believe it until we heard the screaming wind and retreated to the basement. It was over quickly but the cleanup lasted. The chain saws and grinders greeted us every morning. Every tree and arborist in New England seemed to land on Cape Cod and worked throughout the summer. I didn't have to go far to sketch the damage. I did some paintings plein air. Recently, I saw a painting done on a full sheet in watercolor that reminded me of my sketches. I couldn't wait to paint another from my sketches.

Mexican Seaside

. This morning I was visiting a large marina to paint some boats. In setting up I tried to find shade from he hot sun. Under a large palm I found myself facing this little enclave jutting out into the bay. I did this painting in an hour and then went off then to paint sailboats. I did attract visitors who were also walking under the palm trees. We had a lot in common, since everyone was on vacation and looking for something to do.

Marival in Puta Mita, Mexico

Away for a week and returned 7Lbs heavier. That by itself, tells you how good it was. Marival is a new resort with wonderful staff and 5 class restaurants. I can cook and consider myself a food critic. This was the real thing. I avoided all inclusive resort until 3 yrs ago. This was really amazing with someone always making sure I had something to drink or eat, during all my waking hours. I lose all self-discipline at ‘all inclusives’. They maybe on the New Years list of resolutions next year? This plein air painting was done from my balcony. These wonderful palapa buildings are high above the beach. They are huge. The ocean is pretty calm in this bay but with plenty of whale activity. I tried painting the resort from several areas but quit early when food and drink arrived.

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.

Rough Patch

Was at a familiar spot for some painting but it was really different. Pretty neglected and the sheep were scratching to find grass. Must be new owners, hard times, on extended vacation?

Winter Morning at the Bypass

It was cold and damp by my standards. It had rained for several days and a break, was predicted. I went to the the Bypass where lots of birds gather during their migration. The water levels were high. The unpaved road had mud and lots of water filled holes. The sky was bleak with some fog. I painted for nearly two hours before the rain started. I quickly packed up my gear and drove out. There is little satisfaction from blaming the weather forecaster.

Suisun Marsh

. Our group painted on a beautiful Wed morning just below Suisun, CA. After getting very lost, I found the group and had an hour to paint before lunch. There is nothing like having few choices to get a painting done. First, a value study and then the painting. With the warm sun the paper easily dried. When I painted the reflections on the water, I carefully sprayed some additional water and let the paint run. At that point everyone was finished and ready for lunch.