A surfer's dream

What a ride! 24X36 oil

12x16 oil

12x16 oil

In January 2019, the waves at Ocean Beach near San Francisco reached 40 to 50 feet. My daughter's boyfriend, who is a life long surfer, headed down with some buddies to take advantage of the amazing surf. I asked her to send me some photos so I could do a series of surfer paintings. I was not disappointed. These are my first 3. For color and water patterns I referenced the photos loosely punching up the color and simplifying the spindrift somewhat. I did need the photos for the position of the surfers in the various phases of their rides. The spray and size contrast make for a dramatic image. I look forward to doing more in this series and am grateful to my west coast photo accomplice. The 2 smaller ones went in my suitcase to CA so they could each have one.

A Little Beach Babe

8x10 oil

I recently attended a 1/2 day workshop where we began with an acrylic underpainting.

I had not tried acrylic as an underpainting before, but was pleased with the fast drying quality and the ability to quickly lay down the drawing and values without the colors then mixing with the oils. This underpainting was done with transparent red oxide. The scene was kept simple so it could be accomplished in one brief session. I was pleased with the results and plan to explore this further.

The Marginal Way

Take time to sit by the Sea 18x24 oil

One of my college friends has a summer place on the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. We are very fortunate to be invited up to stay with them and enjoy the beautiful coast and it's unique Marginal Way. The walkway runs from Big beach in town all along the coast to Perkins Cove. Plein air painting is a given when I visit. There are so many places to set up and the views are fantastic in any direction. My husband was sitting on the bench contemplating the sea and it was a scene repeated all up and down the miles of walkway as people soaked in the beauty of the ocean views. I liked that his back was to me and that the experience was a universal one. It is my wish that more people would value the wonders of nature and respect it. I hope these experiences are here for future generations. 

A Perfect Ending to the Day

"Day's End",Aptos, CA 12x16 oil

Visiting my daughter since she moved to California has opened up a new plethora of painting possibilities. Her location is perfect for me, a beach lover. While she is at work during the day I can load up my painting gear on her bike and head to different locations along the beach or high on the cliffs overlooking the beaches. Whether it is early morning or late in the day, the sky and water are always dramatic. During the day the beach visitors provide varied additional subject matter. No two days are ever the same and the beauty is always present. This view from Seacliff Beach looking towards Capitola provided an uncluttered composition to focus on the intensity of the experience as the sun went down. I tried to capture the water's movement and undulating colors while implying to the viewer the sounds and smells that accompanied my experience.