I was scouting around, looking for something to paint before the light faded and I found my way up Larkspur Creek towards Dawn Falls. Just north of the little trickling fall there is a small opening in the trees where the creek bends. It had a nice glow and a band of light was cutting through which helped break up all the muted greens. I set up shop and started painting.
Once again, I embarked on my annual pilgrimage to the Healdsburg Twilight Parade. On my way to the plaza, I encountered numerous old friends. I slipped into Dukes for a quick drink before settling down in front of Black Oak Coffee to capture the festive atmosphere. The southern light was simply breathtaking and it persisted throughout the parade. Although I had a great time, it proved to be quite a frantic endeavor with numerous moving targets. Painting, perhaps, wasn’t the best way to experience the parade, as everything seemed to blur together. I apologize to all the friends and family whom I failed to wave at—I was entirely absorbed in my work.
It was impossible to paint the parade as it was. I had to creatively combine a few floats. It was important for me to include my sister carrying the Kiwanis banner, as the organization was celebrating its 100th anniversary and had the honor of the parades vanguard. Additionally, I couldn’t resist painting Ballet Folklórico Corazón de Healdsburg; they were absolutely magnificent. I only wish I had more time to paint their beautiful vibrant dresses.
Well done Healdsburg another fantastic parade, you never fail us.
It was a hot, clear day out in Sonoma. After a long morning run in the vineyards, I set up in the shade of an oak tree to paint. My mom was very excited about a small Rhododendron that was blooming. It had been years, and this particular bush had never produced any flowers. Perhaps it has something to do with all the rain we received after years of drought.
Twilight by the College of Marin Gravel Parking lot, looking west towards Kentfield.
Drinks at Internos and then a nice walk around the neighborhood looking for something to paint. The trees just across Corte Madera creek we’re looking pretty good in the fading light, so I went with that.
May the fourth be with you!
I drove into Lucasfilm today and on the way, I stopped to paint by the old military battery. This strip of land was under construction for years, so it was a nice change to finally be able to set up and paint without a chain-link fence and bulldozers obstructing the view. I think the restoration team did an amazing job, as the area now looks stunning in person.
It was too hot in the apartment to think, so I stepped out for a little post-work painting by the Corte Madera Creek. It was much more pleasant to stand in the cool, green grass of the creek bank. There was a rising tide of orangish-rose colored algae drifting in the water, which helped break up the greenery.
While waiting for my brother and nieces to finish their farm chores, I painted a cherry tree in their little orchard. It was fun to watch the girls help drive a tractor and watch the border collies help drive some goats. All in a day’s work on the farm.
Say that ten times fast.
It was a windy afternoon at Piper Park in Larkspur, and I had to hold on to my canvas to keep it from flying away. Despite the wind, the light was great – bright but not blinding, though.
The kids are currently on vacation with their mom, so instead of going Easter egg hunting, I enjoyed a lovely painting session with Benjamin Noah Benetton. We were blessed with perfect, warm and bright Easter weather, although it was almost too bright. I spent the entire painting session huddled under my umbrella, which was complicated by the fact that I had forgotten my painting palette and had to use one of my other painting panels instead. Needless to say, I had my hands full!
I was surprised to find that the last storm had washed away a tree that had been blocking the best view of the creek. This wouldn’t have been possible two weeks ago.
