Plein Air - Nicasio, Ca (Progress Shot)

After a little rain from the previous night... the skies cleared right up and I headed to Nicasio, Ca. Such a pretty drive through Lucas Valley and Nicasio Valley... but due to a local Pumpkin Patch Event, I opted to take another route. 

Parking can be limited at times but don't worry... Folks are mostly stopping by to grab a bite to eat or just to snap some photos. I'd say cars are in and out within half an hour. It was quite busy during my visit... Lots of passerby's all day! Not just cars... but bicyclists and motorcycles as well.

One of the popular landmarks you immediately see is an old church (which is still in use). Although I've painted in Nicasio before... I did not paint this church. Instead I painted a wonderful view of huge ROCKS along a grassy green hillside. See previous post: [HERE]

So this time around I anticipated painting this church. I took a walk up and down the street to select a spot to set up... and just as I walk through the baseball field and back to my car... I see a great view just from across the street! It was a view that practically cropped itself... Now, the main challenge... can I successfully capture that same view and transfer it into my painting? (crossing fingers)

Here's a couple progress shots throughout the afternoon. Laid down a light pencil drawing... followed with a couple of watercolor washes.

Be sure to check back for the final painting!

Stemple Creek - Tomales, Ca.

"Stemple Creek"

Tomales, Ca.

(12" x 16" watercolors)

Story behind this painting can be found in previous post: Click Here

Plein Air - Tomales, Ca (Progress Shot)

Rain was in the forecast this past week. And this afternoon showcased lots clouds in the sky. While driving up Highway-1 towards Tomales, the overcast burned off and the rolling hills were brightly lit. But a particular hillside caught my eye so I decided to pull over and scope it out.

Such a great view with a creek along the left side and a handful of barns to the right!

Once my gear was set, I quickly penciled in my layout and immediately started painting the sky. I wanted to work fast because (through experience) once those clouds move in, they will cast numerous shadows over my view.

Luckily for me... today's weather stayed clear of rain and the wind was minimal.

Stay tuned for the finished painting in my next post!

Plein Air Painting: Spring Lake (Santa Rosa, CA) - Finished and Ready for Framing

As fun as plein air painting can be, there's always the struggle of the natural elements. In this case, I battled afternoon blown out lighting over the Lake. And the temperature was 90 degree (in the shade) causing my gouache paints to dry rather quickly and my glazes appearing much lighter than intended. So I decided to pack it up and retouch areas of my painting back home.

(7" x 10" gouache on watercolor board)

It's not the first time this has occurred. Usually I scrap the entire painting and start a new. But this particular experience was really FUN!!! Actually...it's given me ideas to finish 2 additional paintings sitting in the recycle bin. Once I give it a go, I'll be sure to share the outcome. But for now.... it's time to get this framed. Thanks again! 

Plein Air Progress shots at Sunny Spring Lake

Have you ever driven through a town and wondered, 
"What if I just drove down a little further?"

That's how if felt when I visited Spring Lake Regional Park located in Santa Rosa, Ca! Located just 15 minutes from the main freeway. Really easy to find, no curvy roads, just a straight shot to the park entrance.

Although it was a  Summer Weekend I had to wait in line (about 4 cars in front of me) to pay the park entrance fee. There are several parking lots to choose but finding an open spot can get tricky due to the popularity of the park.

I walked around the entire Lake to scope out an area to set up. Saw some great views by the Lagoon area,
but lots of foot traffic and all the shaded areas were occupied by picnickers. On the opposite side of the Lake I found a cool swamp like area with algae resting on the top surface, but I could immediately hear the swarms of mosquitos planning their attach on an innocent plein air painter, LOL!

So I ended up setting up where my hike began... just 20 feet from my parked car, haha! So I walked along the shore, where visitors can rent paddle boats. Found some good shady coverage and set up my gear. Had a great view of the Lake, trees, paddle boats and a couple of hills off in the distance.

Stay tuned for my next post featuring the final painting!

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Plein Air Painting - Fort Baker (Sausalito, Ca)

A recent plein air painting during a visit to Fort Baker (Sausalito, Ca). I packed my gear and set up on the grassy parade grounds. 

"Fort Baker"

(7" x 10" watercolors)

Sausalito, Ca.

The house in the background is a former general's residence, which has been renovated to a historic guest-room for a resort. I planned on adding some folks picnicking…but they left early. Instead, I quickly captured someone flying a blue kite! 

Mighty Winds of Tomales

Oh the challenges you face when plein air painting! 

Listen to that gust of WIND! My easel was

shaking and my paint pallet flew away! LOL

See final painting [HERE]

California Poppies

(7" x 10" Watercolors on Watercolor board)

For the past month I would see these bright orange flowers blooming along the North Bay freeway. It was really nice to find these during my recent hike in Petaluma, Ca. If you haven't seen or heard of this flower it's call the "California Poppy" but also goes by "Golden Poppy" and "Cup of Gold". It's the California State Flower :) 

Found some Golden Poppies

Went for a hike and came across these Golden Poppies growing between these cluster of rocks.

The day started off rather warm and my paints were drying quickly. Good thing I always pack a travel size spritz bottle. I kept the painting loose and loaded my brush with lots of water and color.

Just when I start getting into my painting the wind begins to pick up. Here's a shot of some finishing touches to the California Poppies. Stay tuned for the final painting in the upcoming post.

Gone Fishing

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! Here's a snapshot from a recent paintout at a fishing pond in Sonoma County.

The hike was pleasant and the pond was quite easy to find. It was so fun to see all the fall leaves in the background and the 2 families fishing on both sides of the pond. Already looking forward to returning and hiking to the opposite side of the trail and maybe paint one of the vista views.

Crane Creek (Sonoma County) Painting 2

(7" x 9" gouache on watercolor board)

After the first painting I hiked a little further in hopes to do one more painting. I found a nice shady area to set up and painted this one in 45 minutes. Trees are just so fun to paint! The layering can be tricky but each time I paint trees I discover new techniques :)

Crane Creek (Sonoma County) Painting 1

(9" x 5" gouache on watercolor board)

Crane Creek (Sonoma County) The Views!

Took a drive up to Sonoma County and into the town of Rhonert Park. It was a wonderful drive through additional small towns and several dilapidated barns! I was hesitant to pull over and snap some photos... but my destination was for Crane Creek Regional Park.

Parked my car, paid the $7 parking fee, loaded my gear and started hiking! Although there were beautiful oaks to paint, I decided to head up a hill to get a glimpse of the views.

Here's a progress shot overlooking beautiful grassy hills, views of the valley and vineyards!

Pt. Reyes Vineyards - Summer Rain!

(Watercolors on 12" x 16" waterboard)

Took a day trip up to Pt Reyes with my wife. It's normally about a 45 minute drive ... unless there's RAIN..... which makes it that much more dangerous when driving through Lucas Valley's curvy roads. Luckily it rained only the first part of the day... which allowed me to park and set up.

During this type of weather I'll have to find some coverage.... in this case my SUV trunk door! As for views, the options are limited by the fog and misty air. I walked around and scoped the area.... off to the distance I spotted a barn.... and a truck loaded with hay!

Usually around this time I have to work fast because of the summer heat.... but working wet on wet with these low temperatures requires some patience to allow the watercolors to dry. I've always had a hard time approaching misty skies and usually over-work the painting.... but I think I captured the atmosphere and how the day felt from Sunday's paintout :) 

Black Point - Old Dock (Novato, Ca)

(8" x 10" watercolors on 140lb. waterboard)

Black Point Boat Launch - Novato, Ca.

(8" x 10" Watercolors on 140lb. waterboard)

Took a drive down Hwy 37 and set up at the Black Point boat launch. Followed a hidden trail that led to an old dock. While sketching my layout... my tripod cracked and my portable stool broke!!!

Luckily I also packed a beach chair.... and ended up painting on my lap. The winds picked up and my umbrella kept flying away... luckily I always tie down my umbrella just in case this happens :) 

Other than all the mishaps... I  had a great time here!

Black Point Boat Launch - progress shot

Taking a break from the studio and catching some sun.... and by sun I mean painting outdoors!

Old Lakeville Road # 3 - Petaluma, CA.

(9" x 12" gouache on watercolor board)

The sheep were long gone by the time I finished up this painting,

but sure was nice they kept us company throughout the afternoon.

Setting up off HWY-37 (Sonoma County)

 

Olivia and I drove along Lakeville Highway and turned into Old Lakeville Road # 3. That's right.... there are three roads to choose from but # 3 is the longest road...with great landscape views of barns and farm animals. We immediately pulled over and admired the ponies! But just behind us we noticed a large group of sheep beginning to come up and over the grassy hillside. So I started setting up along the fence and comfortably between two eucalyptus trees.