When the weather is good along the Gulf of Mexico, the water turns a most intriguing green, blue, turquoise and the sky clouds burst up throughout the day. Painting outside, en plein air, is most challenging. At the same time, it's delightfully fun. While I painted this, the beach became increasingly crowded. It became a spontaneous party. A few times, a frisbee flew into the vicinity and I let loose with a big, "Hey!". Fortunately, apologies were offered. After around three hours, a dune buggy arrived suddenly with two policeman. Apparently I was on a no-alcohol beach. The crowd scattered, the police checked ID's and yelled - then within minutes, I was the only human left. I missed the people stopping by to see what I was doing, but at the same time, the quiet was welcome. I learned later that these waters are known as "Shark Alley." No skinny dipping was going on. This painting is 12 X 16 on archival Canson Board. It is unframed but ready to be tastefully framed.
Anna Maria Island Plein Airing
I’ve escaped to a painting sabbatical on the Gulf of Mexico. For two weeks now, daily, it’s been dog walking, biking and painting, especially along Sarasota Bay. There is nothing like color and values as a challenge to keep up the drawing skills and rapid response to a changing environment.