North Side of Howard Beach

 

The white sand of Howard Beach is one of my favorite things to paint in Tarpon Springs! This north side is quiet and narrow, a perfect place for reflection and solitude.  A fisherman walked far from the beach and the water was only up to his knees.  It's a great place to look for little creatures in the water, because the water is so very clear. I'll think of these beaches all year long until I return again to paint them.  Painting number 5120 in 5120 days. 

Lifeguard Shack at the Beach

 

Another day, another beach! I love what they've done with the lifeguard shack! The yellow and red really pop against the blue of ocean and sky.  I'm painting this one loosely, with quick marks and strokes.  Though I've painted the umbrellas in their natural blue, I have the strong desire to paint them red, orange or yellow at the very least.  Since that paint is thick, I'll let it dry a bit first.  Then, I'm totally boosting their impact!  Painting number 5108 in 5108 days. 

Causeway Clouds

 

I found my way to the beach after a day spent at Starkey Park and Ranch with family.  I would have loved to paint there, but it didn't work out.  My family's schedule is often not my own.  When I grabbed my easel out of the car, I realized I was missing the part that holds my panel.  I retraced my steps along the beach, but high tide has totally changed it.  I charged ahead to my painting with only a little light left before sunset. With every brushstroke, the day's stress melted away.  Perhaps I'll find that part or maybe I'll buy some clamps. I have a spare at home, but that doesn't help me here.  Painting number 5104 in 5104 days. 

Dunedin Causeway

It was totally worth the drive through snow and ice to get to this beach and paint!!  Oh sweet Florida!!  That white bird to the right, behind my easel, was my constant companion this afternoon.  This beautiful Great Egret is in his greening, which is represented by a green patch above his eyes, signifying breeding season.  He walked right up to me and was very inquisitive about my gear. When I talked to him, he came closer.  I was just ready to take a selfie with him over my shoulder when my Mom called!  He stepped away a bit and the chance was lost.  He waded along the coast and fished for his dinner while I painted another two from this spot.  There is nothing as therapeutic as the beach for my soul!  Painting number 5103 in 5103 days. 

Afternoon at Howard Beach

 

I LOVE painting on the beach as the sun dips to the horizon, golden light warming up the whole landscape.  Even the surface of the water changed in an instant, right as it was time to take a pic and clean up.  I can see why people migrate here in the winter - the weather is perfect, the beaches so welcoming, and no one is in a hurry around here.  Not even me.  Painting number  3687 in 3687 days.  

Morning at Sunset Beach

After yesterday's battle at the preserve with Florida's biting yellow flies, today I thought a day at the beach was in order.  After framing two earlier paintings, and turning in one, I headed to this new beach on my way to another favorite, wanting to check it out.  Well, I stayed for two paintings and didn't make it to Howard Park at all.  I first walked the beach, stepping through the warm gulf coast water, sand between my toes as I wound through the palm trees.  This Sunset Park is lovely, and so very paintable!   I set up in the shade of a palm, listening to the waves lap at the shore, visiting with others as they enjoyed the beach.  There are many birds here, more than the other beaches I've painted this week.  The breeze was calm and the temperature perfect for the entire process.  This painting has truly been a day at the beach!  Painting number 3189 in 3189 days. 

Fred Howard Park in Watercolor

Even an overcast day is amazing at the beach!  This ink and watercolor was the third painting of the day, and the light was almost gone.  When the colors are fading or dull in the landscape, I turn to ink for my subjects.  Drawing can be done anytime, values are king here, then once I am finished I can decide whether to wash in some color or not.  Watercolor is perfect for this.  I would not normally turn to my oils for the subtle scenes.  Perhaps this is just my intuition.  I try to always listen to it and rely heavily on it when painting.  It is almost like I am a channel through which the landscape pours on it's way to my surface.  Painting number 2621 in 2621 days.

To the Beach

The days of sun and sand are nearly over, and I've relished every moment. It has been a joy capturing the moods of this gulf coast water, ever trying to catch those moments in oil.  I truly see the need for cerulean blue, where I've never used it before.  All these dreamy sun washed colors have been so fun to explore!   Alreadt looking forward to returning and studying this coastline again!  Painting number 2618 in 2618 days.