Quartermaster Harbor

August 1st, I spent the day on Vashon, Maury Island to be exact. It was the annual Artists' Retreat. A day of being creative, sharing and renewing friendships. I also did an oil sketch but thought I would share one of my drawings. Are you a sketcher or painter or both? Let me know.

Road in Sultan, WA.

Sometimes when I'm out painting, I wonder why I want to go to all the trouble to travel in other countries when we have so much right here in Seattle. It's a life time of painting material with lots of hidden gems. That said, I guess there is something about seeing new landscapes, hearing another language, new food that stirs our souls. What do you think?

Guess Who Wanted To Come To Dinner?

One frosty morning not long ago, this Heron perched on our deck. You really can't tell how large this guy really is here but the wing span is enormous. He was so busy staring downward he didn't hear the sliding door open enough to get the camera out. His source of interest? Our Koi pond right below him. The point of this story? Glad you asked...it's ok to be intent but always be aware of your surroundings. Creed of the Plein Air Painter.

Coming and Going

Whattt! It's OK, I said the same thing. Can't believe I've painted chickens and I must say, they are my first. Once started, it was fun trying to get the feathers going the right direction. Thank goodness for having Bonnie for 15 years. He is a White Capped Pionus parrot that is in charge of our home. So feathers, I'm very familiar with. We are always coming or going in life with varies things and these two reminded me of that. One seemed to be coming into the picture and the other leaving. Guess this is where I should say we should all stop and smell the roses and enjoy. What's your take on the subject? Yes, of course I want to know.

Tree study/ St. Edwards Park, WA

I love painting outside, something exciting usually happens. You really need a sense of humor as well as one of adventure. The light continues to move so you must get as much information on your canvas before your shadows change. You learn to leave out a lot and get the important stuff. Our life is like that, lots of things we could probably get rid of and deal only with the important. What am I saying? Be kinder to yourself, enjoy life, friends and your good health. This thought came to me because I'm in year three, cancer free. Yep, I'm happy thanks.

Chocolate Chip

OK, I haven't a good excuse for missing so many post but if I think of one I will be the first to let you know.

Last week, I attend a three day workshop with Jennifer Diehl on painting cafe scenes. We had a great time and here is my study from that adventure. While not my style of painting, it's the reason we attend classes. Learn and add to your own bag of tricks. Every little bit helps. So now when I take those photo's and do sketches, you'll see more of me. Great reason to stop for a latte.

Tacking 12x16 Oil on Linen

It's boating season so I thought I would repost one of my favorite paintings. The painting brings back memories of my first outing on the timing boat for the sailboat races. Another thing about this image is the brush work. I think it was one of my first using a combination of palette knife and brush in an more free motion. It defines how I now paint. So, what triggers some of your memories? Yes, I want to know.