Here's a sketch of the same general scene as "Preparing the Kayaks". The angle and activity is a little different, but definitely the same time frame. I really enjoy the quick sketches - gesture studies - because I only have a few seconds, or minutes if I'm lucky, to capture something that takes me hours to paint. I'm not nearly as good at drawing as I am at painting, but every time I draw I become a better painter. And every time I take a photograph, I become better at drawing. It's all about learning to see. I have a student who, when I point out a trouble area in her painting will say, "Oh, what was I thinking?" and I often reply with, "It's not about thinking, it's about seeing."
Testing the Waters
I ended up with a few extra hours on my hands so I went to Netarts Bay to check out an area where I'd never been. It was low tide and there were several people clamming and playing in the water. There was a family with boys who were having fun testing the water... in and out... in and out. It was fun to observe their interactions and the pure and simple joy that comes from playing in the water.
Preparing the Kayaks
I was interrupted during my painting session so I didn't get to finish this in one setting, even with the background already in. But it's a good start. I'm please with the kayaks so far.
Netarts Bay at Low Tide
Another background. I'm excited to do this one. There will be quite a bit of detail and I'm going to attempt to do it one sitting. That's not usually how I work. So this will be a good challenge.
Cloud Mountain
See that snow-capped mountain in the background? That's a cloud formation! It is actually sitting out over the ocean. These crazy cloud mountains are a phenomenon here on the coast that I discovered when I moved here.
How often do we see what we are used to seeing, or what we are looking for, instead of what is really there? Creating art is really all about creating a perception. Sometimes nature does it for us.