All Good Things

Over the past several years I have enjoyed posting on this blog but today I am going to bring it to an end. There are several reasons but the main one is time.  

Thank you for joining me on my adventures to the beach and elsewhere in southern California. Join me, if you'd like to at my other blog, Jacqueline Price Art which is more art-related in nature.

On the Horizon

A couple of years ago I was given a Canson Montval art board when I attended a workshop. It won't accept oil paints so I decided to do a painting with my acrylics.

Probably because it was free, I decided to try something a little different and more abstract than usual. I also worked to be less slavish to my source photograph using it more for inspiration.

I am very happy with the result.

'Darkening Horizon' 8"x10" acrylic on board.

Flowering Work

I've been painting again and here are the results.

'Solitude Awaits Below' 8"x10" Oil on Board.

'Gerbera Trio' 5"x5" Acrylic on Canvas.

Sea For Yourself

As I think I have said before, no matter how often I go to the beach (which is not as often as I would right now), there is always something interesting to see.

I love to look at the whole scene and see the various colours in the sky and ocean according to the weather and time of day.

This is one of my favourite spots to go to as there is always a wealth of bird life (during the non-tourist times of year)

There were the usual egrets and herons as well as curlews and sandpipers (not pictured) which I can look at time and time again.

I don't forget to look down as I walk (particularly since there are many rocks, pebbles, and seaweed at the shoreline which could trip me up). However, on this particular day I spotted some seaweed I've never seen before. It looked like it had escaped from a kingdom of snow and ice (such as that found near the start of 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe')

Once I noticed it, I realised that there were several different types.

Then I decided to focus on all the various colours and textures along the stretch of beach I was walking on.

I don't have a large expensive camera so I was really happy with the degree of sand texture I was able to capture.

From a distance the seaweed doesn't look particularly attractive but get up close and there is a world of beauty to see.

Drawing On

It is still difficult for me to spend time drawing but I miss it. So I decided to do a little at a time by splitting the tasks into five minute tasks. Eventually those five minutes will add up to a coloured pencil drawing. At least that is the plan.

First I chose a photograph. This is a 4"x6" photograph and that is the size I decided to do. I'm not a great lover of seagulls but I liked the reflections and texture of the water. Usually I chose a drawing for its challenge rather than liking the picture for itself.

Because the drawing will be the same size as the photograph, I could just trace the main features of the drawing. 

It is perfectly okay to trace an image. I know I can draw and I don't have to prove it to myself or anyone else and tracing saves time. However, if you are learning to draw then drawing items from life is recommended. Photographs flatten objects so practicing drawing from life helps you remember that objects are three-dimensional. When I was learning to draw (of course I am still learning) I would draw anything I could around the house. I even drew a roll of toilet paper once to practice a white item on white paper. Plus it is good to learn how to draw items that are very soft up to very hard.

Here is my tracing. I do have graphite paper that you can put under your tracing paper to transfer the picture onto your drawing paper. However, I find it transfers extra graphite where I am leaning on the paper but I just may be too messy

So I usually turn it over and go over all the lines before turning it back over and tracing over all the lines again with the drawing paper underneath. 

This leaves a faint image of the tracing on your paper. It is now ready to add colour to.

I should add that the drawing paper is from a larger sheet of Royal Brites. I bought this so long ago that I can't remember what the weight is (it doesn't say this on the label) but it isn't a very heavy paper. Probably as thick as card stock sold in craft shops.

Castaway in Hawaii

'Kona Clouds' 8" x 10" Oil on Canvas.

This is from a photograph I took while in Hawaii (the Big Island) two years ago. I used to live there so it is wonderful to revisit my old haunts and spend time with friends.

It was more overcast than normal the last time we were there which meant I could get some pictures of those beautiful tropical colours in deeper tones.

Set to Work

I am finally able to do a little painting and here is a little painting.

Sunset Reflections 5" x 7" Oil on Canvas.

Beach Power

I'm still catching up with posting photographs from some recent trips to the beach when we had a particularly warm week here.

One day we went to San Onofre State beach which is a more primitive beach (basic toilets and a rough road) than many in the area but it is loved by surfers.

It was low tide again so there were lots of interesting textures to see and a chance to walk in areas that are usually under the water.

Air holes made by critters living under the sand.

Seagulls and a Blue Heron checking out the surf.

As hubby was going to be out in the ocean for a while surfing, I decided to take a walk along an portion of beach I haven't been before. This took me past the nuclear plant at the end of the surf area.

I love how clear the reflections are in the picture below.

Wet sand can be golden or purple depending on the amount of water.

Fabulous textures.

Evidence of the patter of tiny feet.

The combination of some rocks, water, and sunlight turn an ordinary scene into something special.