Hal Brown Park at Creekside
Last light painting on the salt marsh. This time from the north side bike path behind Marin Catholic looking south towards King Mountain.
Lucasfilm Picnic
The kids and I made our annual pilgrimage to the swimming pool at Skywalker Ranch. I am told there are lots of other fun things to do at the company picnic, but as far as we are concerned, the pool is where it’s at. Once again, it did not disappoint us. After the morning fog burned off it was a perfect swimming day. Everyone had a great time.
President Biden Visits Larkspur
The President of the United States flew into Larkspur yesterday, and Marine Helicopter Squadron One landed right across the street from my apartment! It was my understanding that Joe Biden was on his way to Ross or Kentfield for a fundraising event. When he landed, I was in my usual painting spot next to the salt marsh with a brush in hand, trying to capture the scene. Watching the Marines fly about 200 meters overhead and land in a place I know so well was very exciting and surreal. However, as a painter, it was also sheer terror because the backwash from those MV-22 Ospreys is incredible. Thank goodness I had pre-stowed a bunch of my supplies, ballasted the tripod, and had a hand on the painting, or everything would have been gone when the last Osprey hovered directly overhead. That one hit hard and nearly blew me away; it knocked my gear back a few feet and tumbled the neighbors’ bikes to the ground. By sheer luck, I caught my palette before it crashed into a nearby car. Definitely the most exciting painting day this neighborhood has seen in a while. I was picking rocks and bits of grass out of the paint for a while after that.
The Kentfield Landing Field
The boys and I were shaken to our feet this afternoon by a thunderous roar. We bolted onto the balcony just in time to see a very distinctive, white-topped Blackhawk helicopter with the words ‘United States of America’ gleaming on its hull. We dashed across the street as another Blackhawk and two Ospreys proudly floated down over the redwoods. The noise was deafening as they passed just over my favorite painting spot. Standing there with a few neighbors, we were in awe. Everything about Marine Helicopter Squadron One projected power. It was definitely impressive.
Eventually, they flew off and the excitement died down. I headed back to work, and the kids headed to the pool. After dinner, I went across the street with my paints to commemorate the moment with a quick sunset painting. It’s not every day the Marines land in your front yard. The neighbors say Biden will be in town tomorrow.
Piper Park from Doherty Drive
I had an hour or two to paint, so I grabbed my kit and headed out. Driving towards downtown Larkspur, I remembered how much I liked the view by Redwood High School, so I promptly turned east and made my way there. The weather was fair, although a little windy. Here’s the view looking back at Piper Park from across the water on Doherty Street.
Larkspur Creek
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.
Healdsburg Twilight Parade
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.
First Bloom
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.
Dusk Weeds
Twilight by the College of Marin Gravel Parking lot, looking west towards Kentfield.
Trees at Sunset
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.
