The ‘Cave’ was painted recently. Have Backpacked many times to experience the energy and quiet soul of the place. The Esselen were here, leaving their artistry.
After the Storm- Pacific Grove
Heading out to dinner after the storm (one of many this year). Stopping on the edge in Pacific Grove. Such clarity and light, cloud, wave, color craziness. I like this painting.
The Beginnings of Life
on the Edge
Big Sir Cliffs
Even though the traffic was horrendous, I found quietude on the edge of a cliff looking into the movement of the sea. Yes, totally prepared - Big Sur Bakery treats and all my painting gear. I stayed almost four hours alternating between a half-sheet painting and a smaller version. This so that one would dry while I worked on the other. I painted a smaller version in my studio which is now being framed.
Big Sur Cliffs
Quietude on the edge of a cliff…
Garrapata in the Studio
I painted this Garrapata scene in the studio after my plein air version. I like it. Softer, luminescent water. Darker values in the rock. It is shown here along with another piece where I am looking south, down the coast, from a ridge on the Condor Hike. The color here is intense and provocative.
Garrapata
Last week I painted a watercolor on the cliffs south of Soberanes, (Garrapata State Park). My painting went well, and for 2 1/2 hours I was lost in myself, the painting and the water on rock. I don't like the stairs, walkways, stone viewpoints etc. the State has added. Leave it natural!!!!!! Anyway, I took my plein air painting home- it had potential, until I added too may darks, (trying to get more contrast) and soon I had mud color. I will use my inspiration on the cliffs and paint a studio version. I am very low on paintings due to the success of the last several months, but I can't rush things and there are many rejects. Here is the scene.
"Big Little Lies"
I expected last Monday to be quiet at the Venture Gallery. Wrong!!!!! A young woman came in and after some conversation revealed that she was from the HBO series, "Big Little Lies", in town while filming took place on the Monterey Peninsula. She was searching for and purchased several of my paintings for the set of "Big Little Lies". It turns out is was set decorator Amy Wells. The paintings are off to LA. I hope that they are used and when I watch the series , I see my work. Pretty Cool.
"Morning on the Edge" was chosen for the set.
Big Sur-Boronda Trail Hike
So .... on Tuesday I hiked the Condor Hike. Our name for the hike because on numerous occasions we have seen condors winging over the ridges, sometimes coming close to check us out. No Condors this time, and I was solo. A VERY steep hike- straight up from Hwy 1, some 2500 ft up.
View down the coast was startlingly beautiful. Took me three hours to make the trek to Timber Top, a small camp on the ridge. It has changed through the years, with various fires etc., but amazing. I am transformed each time I'm there. I explored for views to the North as well.
I had considered bringing my sketchbook, but knowing the severity of the hike figured I wouldn't have the extra time.
The two Indian camps were completely overgrown so that the shell middens were not visible. The uppermost camp used to be enveloped by a massive oak, hundreds of years old. It sheltered the Esselen no doubt. We began to notice its demise years ago after a massive Big Sur Fire. Now it stands only in fragments, cracked and broken in the grass, wanting a reunion with the earth.
May 4th RECEPTION--"The Wild Edge" - Watercolors of Big Sur
Friday Night was a great success!!!! Three paintings walked out the door. I displayed some of my plein air work, and people were very interested . I knew many friends would be there, but was surprised by the turnout of people off the street. Lots of good conversation about the artwork-very cool. I prepared my baguettes-- sliced thin, toasted in olive oil, then a layer of honey/goat cheese, tomato and pesto. Everyone had a great time, enjoying the art, wine, etc. Totally fun.
May 4th Reception, 5-7pm, Venture Gallery, Monterey
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.
