Corner Liquor Store

Many of you city folks can relate to the corner liquor store where you can buy just about anything. Not only are these places convenient but they seem to stay open all hours. This painting was done mostly from my mind while using some old photo references. The name T&E Liquor stands for Terry and my wife Elaine. Maybe it's a fantasy of ours to own a liquor store some place.

I used ink and watercolor but also some colored Sharpies. My painting fits into a 16" x 20" frame. This one took a while to complete. Enjoy!

Looking Up

This small painting shows a view looking up into the mass of green of a fir tree on a rocky slope. I love this angle and the sweeping leaves of these huge trees. These trees are big and standing directly beneath them seems to magnify their largeness. This view is different from most tree paintings. It catches the eye and makes the viewer think. Ink and watercolor.

Crayon Beach Abstract

Would you believe this is a beach scene? Well, it is only when you look closely at some of the objects.

I used a "resist" approach on this painting. The lines of a crayon kept the watercolors away.This abstract scene developed as we explored where watercolors will not go during a class study session. Some times it's just nice to play and try something different. Ink, watercolor, crayola crayon.

Simple Color Sample

I wanted to do something very simple so I redid a drawing and came up with this colorful little image. At times, I can get a nice effect by not doing the entire image as I did here on the vase. Colorful and simple, this painting shows how you can do a painting with very few strokes.

Think and plan before you put your pen or brush to the paper. It might seem difficult but it's not as hard as you might think. Do some tests on some small scraps of watercolor paper. Try it some time--I think you will like the exercise. Ink and watercolor.

Before The Children Arrived

This early morning scene was done at a public park in Loomis, California. It was early in the day thus the title for this post. I was there about an hour before the mothers brought their children to play.

The day was heating up and the peace and quiet was gone replaced by giggling, excited children. I captured this scene of empty play equipment and the lush trees. I proceeded with caution after a little girl looked at me and said "Good morning, old man". I hit the road! Ink and watercolor.

American Robin

My friendly little American Robin is not exactly friendly. When it is guarding its territory, it is only one notch below the Scrub Jay when it comes to being ornery. But it is fiercely industrious and is intent on keeping its young ones happy readying them to leave the nest. Ink and watercolor.

Collection Of Logs

Litter on beaches is ugly to most people but litter of logs adds to the beauty for others. This scene is off the coast of the state of Washington. It's a paradise for watching the waves come in where the logs give viewers ready-made seats to view the action. Ink and watercolor.

Pine Before The Mountain

A scraggly pine tree looms before a barren hill in the mountain areas of California. In fact there were many scraggly pines wrapped around these hills. It's like they do not get any rain or snow but actually they do. They just remain treeless for some reason.

I tried for simple in this sketch and I think I did it. Can't get much simpler than this. Ink and watercolor.

Tones Of Eucalyptus

A clearing between clumps of eucalyptus trees allows the huge clouds above the horizon to display themselves. This simple painting was done using browns and blacks only. Ink and watercolor.

A Star Fish At Rest

A colorful and aging fishing craft named Star Fish is resting in port before it heads out once again. At its original launch, I am sure it sparkled. Now it shows the effects of time. This lazy port scene is done in watercolor and ink. I kept my reflections minimal and the background of dark trees, done wet on wet gives a looseness to this scene. SOLD 

Playing With Koi

I decided to play with watercolors and Koi. These guys are swimming around with not a care in the world. The fish know that everybody is in love with them so they cavort around with cool arrogance. They are beautiful. Ink, Sharpie and watercolor.

Junipero Serra Museum

This ink and watercolor painting shows the beautiful Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park in San Diego. From this hilltop location, one can look out to the Pacific Ocean, the local beach areas, downtown San Diego and the major interchange of Interstate 80 and 5 highways.

The park area has lots of hills covered with green grasses and mature trees and is such a relaxing public area to have a nice picnic. Next time you are in San Diego, seek out this location and see for yourself how nice this place really is.