Yellow Boat

I went out to paint recently with my friend Kathleen. We choose Balboa Island to go to as there are boats moored out in the water in addition to being tied up at the docks. The morning had a lot of clouds this day so the light filtering through was muted. I decided to paint the little yellow row boat because I was drawn to the contrast of the dark reflection and shadows.

It's always interesting to paint outside because you never know what is going to happen or what may come to your attention. Where I set up to paint is a walkway with houses on one side, a small sandy area, then the bay. Locals and tourists constantly are passing by. You get a different crowd depending on the season and the economy. Our dollar must be a good buy right now because I could hear a larger variety of accents as people were walking by. It's fun to try and guess where they have come from by their accents and dress.

Classic Scene

Laguna Beach. Who would not love to come here. People pay money to vacation here and I can go here any time. Whoo hoo. This is Heisler Park. There are many scenes to paint here (although it's currently under construction until May, so the views are limited.) I really liked the contrast of the light valued bluff and beach compared to the bright blue of the water. And the composition was just so pleasing with the curve of the beach. Early in my career it was difficult to paint in a location that had soooo many people. Everyone wants to stop and look at what you are doing. You have to turn from chicken into brave soul to bare yourself like that when you are in the beginning stages.

Imagine

Imagine having the ability to stop where you are and take in the world where you stand. To feel the slight breeze on your skin, be aware of the smells in the air, feel the denseness or business or quietude of the ambiance that is surrounding you. To have a sense of the balance of all forms close by, and of the flow of energy that permeates the scene before you. These are the types of things that good artists can do. We take this essence and feeling and translate it for you, so you too can join us and be mesmerized also.

My intent of this blog will be to share with you my insights and heart as an artist.

I will be including the following in my future posts:

• How it feels to be filled with passion and enthusiasm
• How or why certain subject matter may be chosen to be painted
• To explain about some of the technical aspects of painting in a simple way so you have more understanding
• Descriptions of the emotional side of being involved with a scene
• Tales of what happens in an artists day when you are open to discovering what life may bring you. 
• Resources for artists and others, including suppliers, vendors, business books or places of assistance, travel notes, etc.
• Philosophical thoughts as they relate to a certain painting (I can't help it, I'm emotional and I frequently ponder about the meaning of life, human existence, and the nature of reality)