So... yesterday was the final day painting down the coast in preparation for the Opening on May 4th. I set up on the cliffs. Several dozen squid boats were fishing just offshore. My painting was 10x14, a bit light. I worked on another one in the studio, but to no avail. I have six being framed, larger, so may have to do without smaller ones for the show --time running out.
Monday on the Edge
so... walking along the edge of the cliffs hunting for the best place to set up. Looking down on a sandy cove with an immense rocky outcropping , jutting into the water- layers laid down millions of years ago. I'm thinking the undulating lines make this an interesting subject, and yet, how detailed should I be. So, no wind, sitting, painting timelessly.
Whales for company
So... on Monday I set up down the coast, on a promontory looking North. A calm morning, warmish for March, perfect for painting. I chose to sit with the sun at my back, placed everything on the ground near me, and painted using a half sheet of 300lb paper. As the day progressed, the clouds moved in, precursor to a front heading my way. The wind picked up. I placed rocks on my board while drying between layers, so things wouldn't blow away. I took breaks, stared at the vertical drop near me -- 50 feet down into dark water. Also, noticed grey whales spouted fairly near shore. I have to remember my binoculars. Good whale watching until the white caps obscured things a bit. A long way out, huge splashes-- humpbacks maybe? Too far out to tell. I was getting colder and I was losing the sun so I headed back to the car.
Welcome to Gordon Mayfield Art...
So….. I painted down the coast this morning. The cove—perfect. My chair, which usually works well for half sheets, was a challenge. The day and scene were amazing. Tides coming in convinced me to end my painting session early.
