East Harbor Impressions

Sometimes, I start a painting en plein air that I'm unable to finish in the field.  This lakeside painting is just such a case.  Only half finished, we had to get back for dinner commitments, and so I stored it in my panel pack.  On the rare occasion that I must do this, there are a few things I do to make sure I have all the information I need.  Most importantly, I try to get all my colors marked loosely, even reflections, dots of highlight and sloppy masses.  I always take a photo before leaving, which gave me very little information here.  The sky was very bright, the beach very dark, and if I'd not already painted the color in, I would never have given that photo a second look.  Maybe I've left thay foreground TOO loose....... I'll take another look tomorrow with fresh eyes.  But for now, I'm letting this favorite spot at East Harbor rest!  Painting number 2055 in 2055 days.

oil on panel, 14x10
purchase here

East Harbor ink and watercolor

Another relaxing evening at the beach, and ink and watercolor are my media du jour.  Both dry quickly, so the blowing sand does not stick to the substrate.  This is always a problem with oils, but I consider it a little organic matter!  I've been mixing in a little ink towards the finish, getting richer darks for a little pop.  I think I like the effect.  I didn't pull my journal out for this one,  wanting to keep my setup small and tight.  With my supplies taking no more room than a pocket, I can take them anywhere and paint whenever the mood strikes me.  Painting number 1998 in 1998 days.

East Harbor View

I really love the sound of crashing waves, they are mesmerizing as I sit on the large rocks at water's edge.  I pulled out my favorite journal and ink pens, filling in with watercolor. This paper is very rough, and the paint skips over that surface.  It was challenging to try to capture the movement of the water with lines, leaving those whites.  Watercolors are so much harder for waves than oils!  Sitting on the rocks, I juggled supplies, barely saving one brushpen from dropping into the water below!  I like the long format for this scene, it helps capture the time and place as I experience them!  Painting number 1997 in 1997 days.

East Harbor Water Lilies Inked

After spending the whole day at the beach, we were headed out when we came upon this scene.  The water was so still on this inlet, the reflections enhanced the shape of the lily pads floating on the surface.  We had to climb out onto a bench hovering over the water for the best view.  Taking care to not drop my pen or brush in the water, I slipped them in my pocket between steps.  I drew out the scene first with my fountain pen, and then washed in the values with my waterbrush pen.  The sun was fading fast, but oh how I would have loved to paint this place, too.  Painting number 1652 in 1652 days.

Path to the Lake

Beach sketching has it's own set of challenges.  I don't like to lay my journal in the sand, as sand already blows into everything.  I need to keep my ink pen capped for the same reason.  If I'm nut careful, the water will splash onto the pages, all paintings of which would dissolve, if wet. On a day like today, the spotty sprinkles from the sky could leave their mark on my page. But, how's a girl to resist the beauty of such a place?   Painting number 1646 in 1647 days. 

Lake Erie Beach

Lake Erie Beach
Oil on canvas panel, 10x8

Beginning the day with biking, then moving to Lake Erie for some beach fun, I finally got in a painting before heading back to Mom and Dad's.  While Danny, Jacob and Michael kayaked back to the vehicle, I set up my easel and painted this whole seascape before they returned!  I love the sound of waves crashing against the coast - and the color changed from steely blue to gray to green! I don't think there are many artists painting around here - the locals looked at me kind of funny - or maybe it was that I was painting in my swimsuit!  Painting number 947 in 947 days.