Quiet Alleyway in Davis

The older section of my town, Davis, has alleyways that are very different charm than the streets of Davis. I am not sure what they have for a mailing address but the residences are typically small without a garage. There are power lines and they have trash pickup. It must be a tight squeeze for the trucks, especially if a car is parked. As you can see in my painting of this alleyway, it has deep ruts which collect big puddles of water, now that the rains are here. In the early morning the sun lights up one side and creates wonderful shadows. When I wander around town looking for something to paint, I am drawn to the alleys.

Cold Alley in Oak Park

Our group "Urban Landscapers" rose to the occasion this morning. It was below freezing but all showed at the coffee house in Oak Park and we were off painting. Of course, it was important to find a sunny spot for both the painter and subject. We only went around the corner and found a great alley with the sun casting shadows from one side. Perfect. We all settled right there and did our thing.I didn't realize that I had my sunglasses on and the painting was done in a high key as a result.

Color on Route 113

The best fall color for the past week has been the trees lining our highway. I kept wondering how to get to paint it. It was cold on Wednesday, but sunny. While running in place to keep warm, I sketched the scene from atop the bridge. I and then went home and painted it.

Fall Finally Arrives

Wednesday was a spectacular day painting in Oak Park. The trees along 34th street are ablaze with fall color. Our urban landscape group set up in the morning at an intersection and worked away. It was also warm.

Cape Cod Fish Market

This scene was originally painted during my summer on Cape Cod. I was hanging onto some rocks down by the river balancing my gear. I loved the vantage point that I had but I did hurry and overwork the painting. Doing it this time in the studio was much easier. I eliminated some details and kept the colors simple with single strokes of paint. I like it.

Weekend at Zion

Spent the weekend painting at Zion National Park. What a venue for the artist. It is truly awesome with its red walls and canyons. It is difficult to put a frame around anything since it is so overwhelming. I want to return and try it again. It does take awhile to be up to the task of composing a painting since it is so great.

Utah Creek Trail

What a difference a summer makes. Painted here in the spring with greenery and budding trees. After a continued draught everything is dry, dead and dusty. I was out there on Wednesday morning with my plain air group. Lots of sneezing and itchy eyes with the stuff blowing around, but I'd rather be painting.