A Sunny Frosty Morning in Steveston B.C.

I couldn't resist this sunny morning, to get out early and photograph the beautiful mountains, ships and reflections of the scenery in the calm waters of Steveston B.C.    The fishermen were out early too, as usual standing on the docks and out in their boats hoping for a good catch of the day.
It was so peaceful, frosty and cool, but the perfect way to start my day off from other jobs.
After downloading my photos, I found it too hard to decide which one to paint first, so will work on a series of smaller paintings about 6"x12" , maybe use them for one of our local art shows in the Spring.
I've been working for an hour on my first painting, and its about 1/3 done, but its important to step back take breaks and give the paint a chance to settle and dry.   The painting process, getting the composition laid out and putting in the foundation of the first colours can be so involving and its easy to lose track of time.
It can be too easy to overwork an area too and experience has taught me to slow down and just let some of the colours be the way they are.    Still learning that in everyday life, and remembering "it is what it is", can be easier said than done if you let every little detail get to you.    That was my goal today, just taking in all the colours and natural peace of nature and trying to translate that onto paper with paint.

Joanne

A breezy November visit

Back home in Steveston again, after a beautiful and breezy November visit to Exuma.     But the sometimes cooler morning weather didn't stop me from getting up with the sun and heading off to the beach to paint, in the silence and calm of the morning.    Opening new tubes of paint, using a new detail brush helped me to create a few new paintings on my favorite beaches.   

I had a wonderful time sitting on the stone wall at Three Sisters Beach capturing the 3 sisters rocks hoping I would finish before any rain started.    Luckily it never did rain and I spent 2 hours and finished up with a painting I really liked.    The Exuma Palms Hotel, justs steps away was a nice retreat where I had a glass of wine with my new photographer friend.     So nice to meet a another talented creative soul.    There's a feeling of TLC at the Exuma Palms that shows in the hard work of the talented Manager, new to the island.
And I hear he is a fantastic chef too!     I just cant imagine how anyone could resist staying there and waking up to the sound of the waves of the beach.    Then having one of the Managers coffees and sitting out on the patio with nothing to do but breathe, really, what more could anyone looking to get away from it all ask for.

I had several visits to Chat 'N Chill on Stocking Island and tried to complete a painting of the bench by the tree at the tip of the bay.    I think I had too many distractions but did enjoy chatting with some really interesting and new friends, so it was still time well spent.

It was extra quiet on the island and not everything had reopened for the busy tourist season coming up, but that was just perfect for me.    Just exactly what I wanted.

My head is still floating in that "zone" of being away, still clinging to the sensation of sand beneath my feet, the sun warming my shoulders and hugs of a long distance friend.    But I never completely unpack my suitcase, why bother, I know I will be back.

Joanne

April 2012 Regatta

After returning from a trip to Exuma during Regatta this past April,  I couldn't wait to start painting the sailboats racing through the blue waters of my favorite island.    It was the first time I got caught up in the excitement of the races watching the large white triangles of the sails trying to pass each other.     These huge triangular shapes were so easy to draw and paint when I was little, but a little more challenging now trying to capture the movement of the wind as they pushed ahead to the finish line.     Despite the organized parties going on in town, the beaches were still quiet as usual to get lots of painting done.    The wind during April was great for racing but a little tough to paint as the sand whipped around me and my paper and paints.    After painting for the last 2 days, I am almost finished and just need a few more hours before signing and adding the finished piece to my web site gallery.

joanne