Sitting On The Job

8x10
Oil/masonite panel
Plein air

I was on my way to the beach to paint the waves but....... I happened upon this construction site.  And I'm glad I did.  This one felt like it painted itself.  It was one of those rare occasions (for me anyway) that the process from beginning to end felt pretty damn good.  Relaxed, in the zone and my brush and paint doing what I intended.  To be in that zone to me is like meditation.  The composition in this one struck me as there really isn't much perspective.  Foreground and background and not much more.  It's pretty much a profile, but it's the shapes and colors is what did it for me.  Near the end when the birds landed on the power line I knew it was near completion.

Junipero Serra Museum

8x10
Oil/masonite panel
Plein air

This painting was done at Presidio Park, in San Diego, CA.  This building is the Junipera Serra Museum and is in the Spanish Revival architecture.  It is meant to resemble the early missions that once dominated the landscape of Southern California.  Once a month the San Diego Chapter of the California Art Club meets to paint a certain site.  I finally made it to one of these paint outs.  It was great to see some faces I haven't seen for quite a while, and I look forward to getting more involved with the club.  The club was founded in 1909 with the idea of promoting and supporting contemporary and traditional fine art.   The range of talent in this club is HUGE.  It's an honor to be in this organization.   This particular morning was pretty foggy and cloudy, which are conditions I love to paint in.  Thankfully I completed about 90 percent of the painting before the sun came out and drastically changed everything.  I always forget how beautiful this park is and maybe more trips are in store since it's so close to where I live.

Sleeping In

8x10
Oil/cotton panel
Plein air

I like the perspective of this one, especially with the city skyline in the background.  Painted one fine Sunday morning off the I-94 east in San Diego.  Someday, before I leave this earth, I shall cruise this country in my RV and paint paint paint.  Until then, I will paint them and be reminded of my goal.  I thought the camper was empty, then all of a sudden a guy opens the door and stumbles on out.  He was happy that I was painting his home and offered breakfast.  The folks you meet whilst painting.

Kickin' It At The Cliffs

8x10
Oil/masonite panel
Plein air

This one was painted as Sunset Cliffs, just west of Ocean Beach.  It was a beautiful, crisp and sunny morning.  I'm sure the locals have a name for this natural wonder but I am unaware of it.  Perhaps also it has been painted many times over the decades.  And rightly so.  This area draws all walks of life, a great place to enjoy the coastal beauty San Diego has to offer.  I want to paint the other side of this one sometime soon, but also incorporate a surfer or two walking across.  Apparently this is one of the areas where the surfers lower into the water.  I'm always amazed at the color of the water at Sunset Cliffs.  So vivid.  I love the way the foam forms after the waves pummel into the cliffs.  After crashing, they morph into ornate white lace curtains floating on the water then disappear.  Will be getting back to this place soon.