At the Marina

Love these days of summer, hanging on the dock while painting the sailboats returning to the marina for lunch!  Participating in the Summit Art plein air event at Lake Jacomo, I happened to find this painting spot just as the sailboats approached. As quickly as I could,  I sketched the boats in motion as they related to the planes of the marina, then went in with watercolor to capture the scene.  Still working as they headed back out on the water, I was able to add more color as the sails were raised.  I think today is the first time I have painted lake water in watercolor!  I always go for oils when painting water, but today I only brought one frame for my oils!  That forced me to reach outside my box - and who knew I would enjoy the process so much!  So happy this painting goes to a home with decades of memories at this place. Painting number 4292 in 4292 days. 

Fish Creek Marina

Painting by the water is SO peaceful!  The lapping of the waves against boat and dock are rhythmic, and time slips by without notice.  It is just me, my brush and my subject, and the occasional onlooker.  Sometimes, I'm so in the zone that when I turn to back up, I'm surprised to have an audience!  I laugh, we visit, and I return to the real world for a while. Painting number 2417 in 2417 days.

Fish Creek Marina - Alibi Dock

I love coming to a place like this to paint!  With so many boats docked, and the golden hour approaching, I jumped into the paint quickly!  Everyone is so friendly along the water, many stopping to visit while I worked.  One of those people happened to own one of the boats in this painting - and this painting went home with her!  Love when that happens!  Painting number 2412 in 2412 days.

Sister Bay Marina Inked

On a day of rain, this artist seeks shelter for my work.  Using a water soluble ink pen makes me vulnerable to the bleeding of the ink.  I have even had one sketch blur into obscurity when the cotton paper absorbed too much moisture from the atmosphere!  From a gazebo in the water front park, I had a great view of the marina, and started my drawing.  Several other artists grouped under this shelter, looking out into the harbor for inspiration.  Once complete, I closed the sketchbook to protect it from further moisture.  Painting number 1665 in 1665 days.

Sister Bay Boats Inked

When I come upon a scene, I like to observe the various angles and values before making a mark. Once I begin to draw, the process goes quickly, and I soon take the water to wash in the values.  Working on white paper in the full sun can be pretty blinding.  I had to close my eyes and let them adjust before I could start with the paint!  Painting number 1664 in 1664 days.

Sister Bay Reflections

Arriving early for the quick paint in Sister Bay, I had no idea what my painting location would be.  The vintage cottages called you me, as did the rhythmic lake, but the reflections of the boats reeled me in.  My intended painting surface was awol, so I decided on a smaller size. An artist friend of mine let me buy a frame to match it, as the stars aligned!  I started with an ink sketch, moving to the paint. Once again, standing in full sun, I talked and visited as I worked, the colors unfolding before me.  I really enjoyed this scene even though my boats kept pulling out!  I had to lay that color in fast when I realized they were on the move!  Just another quick paint adventure!  Painting number 1663 in 1663 days. 

oil on panel, 12x9
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