Cypress and Succulents

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Yesterday was idyllic, so I actually did the Pacific Star Winery painting and this one because I couldn't bring myself to stay indoors! I found myself gravitating toward my favorite stand of Cypress trees just north of the Pudding Creek Trestle, but this time I planted myself right up next to the grove. When I got that close, I was standing in the fire red  ice plant and it was mesmerizing as it also had flecks of lime green, yellow and orange. I decided to omit a beautiful tree that had fallen because I wanted to show you the bluffs and ocean that were hiding behind it, but maybe one of these days that will be my focal point. There was a feeling of celebration in the air as scores of people were out enjoying the amazing weather, so I felt blessed to be doing something productive while soaking up the golden warmth. Good thing that I burned the paintbrush at both ends because today was foggy.................

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Mighty Fine Evening

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A big oops to everyone because I had meant to post this yesterday. I got busy at my studio toward the end of the day and had to go to a dinner with friends and plumb forgot when it was over. Fooey, I guess I'm just plain human, besides that I'm on this cleanse and slightly spaced out now and then. It's going well though and I have confidence that I will emerge happier and healthier in a few weeks. Ok, so let's talk about this painting! It's back to Fort Bragg, the land of overhead wires as well as many lovely old homes with the ocean at the end of the street. This is also within walking distance of my studio, so sometimes after eating dollar tacos at the North Coast Brewing Company, we meander a bit and get lucky with golden photo ops like this.

Bygone Roses

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Once upon a time there was a tumbledown shack north of Fort Bragg that was covered with wild roses and it drew many a photographer and painter.  It could easily be seen from highway 1 and was truly considered a favorite local landmark for too many years to count. From just the right angle, you could see the ocean behind it and even through the open rafters come fog or come shine.We aren't quite sure who kicked it over, but understand that it happened on the sly so as to not incite public fury. It did create public grief however, and is still sorely missed to this day so I'm offering this as a token of my own fond remembrance. 

Noyo Afternoon

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As if living in the quaint Victorian town of Mendocino wasn't enough, I also get to feast my eyes on the picturesque harbor at Noyo. There is never a dull (visual) moment around here, rain or shine, fog or sunset and I'm one happy paintbrush wielding camper. Tommy's Marine sports the most garish of red roofs, but all the better for people like me and I bet they get a lot of attention from more important folks too.

Hare Creek Beach

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A most delicious day is being had by all that are visiting or residing on the Mendocino Coast today. It is beach weather and that's exactly where I wanted to go! I gathered up my gear and tromped down these romantic and beachy steps out onto the sandy expanse, looking for just the right vantage point. I couldn't help but focus on these trees that are leaning to the left due to many a windy day, along with the sandstone and scrufty bluffs and rocks. Long gone are the days for swimsuits and suntans, but painting at the beach is  just as fabulous and much more productive..........

The Happening Place

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Fort Bragg's Noyo Harbor is a hustling and bustling working harbor. It is delightful to drive down there and catch a whiff of fish and salt air and see the seagulls checking for tidbits. (Hopefully we don't end up with certain tidbits on our heads) Many lovely restaurants share the docks with the fishing boats and people dining can be seen waving to the passing fishermen as they come or go.  The place is just funky enough to be paintable and just snazzy enough to dine well with a great view. A painter's paradise it certainly is.