Monday, January 30, 2012

Garden wall

Adobe Wall
Watercolor on cold press
The path ran along this adobe wall which had  a wonderful garden on the other side - dropped down about 3 feet to a large patio - yes, I did take a peek - too beautiful to pass up.  
I was impressed with the very structured wall and ironwork in contrast to the wild greens of the thick foliage rising up behind it.  This would be wonderful retreat on a hot afternoon.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

New Scenery = New Creativity

       Small building from back side      
Watercolor on Strathmore
I liked the large tree throwing shade on an absolutely bare section of ground. 
The small building meshed together - crumbling bricks on the left joined to old adobe which is also merged with newer finished adobe in the one section with the roof covered with palm fronds
gave a history of construction. 
Such construction different sensibilities in a hot climate.

Pacific Ocean       
Watercolor on Cold Press
Scene looks deceptively small without a point of reference.  
The dunes on the front right are about 2 stories high. 
Peach colored sand made the water appear silvery blue most days and in most light.

Abandoned building 
Colored pencil on Charcoal paper
From the shady side of the building, the view through 
to the sunny vegetation out beyond was striking. 
I also liked the grand entrance opposed to the crumbling adobe on the back wall. 
Reminds me of some people - lots of show up front, but not much on the interior. 

We had the opportunity to see some new country in January.  It was an enlightening experience and we are grateful for the opportunity.  I took 3 sketchbooks (almost my whole carry on) and couldn't wait to get sketching each day.  Amazing to me how travel and new sights stir up the creative juices.