Last Day for 30x30 Direct Watercolor 2018 Challenge

Last day of #30x30DirectWatercolor2018 So this is the way June goes out in the Pacific Northwest, 62°F and continually increasing rain showers all day. Thanks for the inspiration, Marc, and from all you other watercolor artists as well. This was fun!

Cabin on the shore

Last Monday I sketched at Kalena's house with friends. At one point we all took a walk along the shore. This old cabin was probably built in the 1950's as a vacation place where families would come on weekends to fish, swim, canoe and water ski. We were there on the day after the Super Bowl and I noticed the "12th Man" flag sadly hanging at half staff. The overcast sky added to the mood and atmosphere. It made me smile to see the yellow door.

I scanned the ink line drawing before adding watercolor.

Dream of Sailing ATC

Dream of Sailing
Original ATC by Michele Cooper
2.5 x 3.5"
Watercolor

This is a recent ATC of mine that I traded to a friend. It makes me think of the atmosphere and the experience of being in the San Juan Islands.

Koolau Mountains Other Side

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

We got up early one day and went as far as we could go on the "other side" of Oahu. We thought we might see whales, but were happy just to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.

HaleIwa shore

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

Once the rain stops pouring down, it's a great day trip to the north shore to watch the winter waves.

Makapu sky

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

Oahu has its share of dramatic skies, too.

Sitting on the hard lava creates a strong incentive to paint it quickly.

Ebb Tide at Livingston Bay

Plein Air Original Watercolor
8"x10"

Glad to have an opportunity to post this. I painted it on location, with Sylvia, Dianne and others in the area. It was one of four I did that day for the wclt.org plein air event and subsequent show.

At the time, I really didn't like it at all. It evidently ripened in the dark, because when I finally had the nerve to look at it again, I decided it deserved a chance afterall. That's the way it goes en plein air, though. Seldom, if ever, do we feel that we have captured the inspiration. It is to be hoped that the viewer adds their own unique memories and experience, so that between us we can regenerate the feeling of being there.

I will take this one to Gallery By the Bay in Stanwood, where you can see it in person and let me know what you think. The show opens on August 1. The place where it was painted is only a few miles away.

The Bluffs at Ebey's Landing -- SOLD

So here's the final result. This is the painting that was sold the next day at the Plein Air Painters' US Open.

No matter what the weather, this location always has something to offer. I feel grateful for the circumstances that give me such beautiful scenery to view, contemplate and paint.