St. Vincent's Court

St. Vincent's Court in downtown Los Angeles was our exciting location for the Saturday paint-out.  It's located between Broadway and Hill on 7th Street.  It began as Saint Vincent's College in the 1800's and is now a California Registered Historical Landmark.  From my younger years, I remember it being an alley for deliveries for the Bullock's department store there.  It is much more charming now with its many ethnic cafes.  A great place for plein air painting with many interesting views.  

One of the problems I've had with my plein air painting experience since starting a few months ago has been trying to leave out a lot of what I see.  I've ruined several paintings with too many brushstrokes, putting in too many tree branches, etc.  I've tried to learn from my unsuccessful attempts.  So, there I was choosing a view to paint which included potted palms, tables, chairs, patterned umbrellas, shadows, fire escapes, windows, striped awnings, all on a patterned brick street.  Maybe a recipe for disaster but I was inspired.  I had fun chatting with the shoe shine man I was sitting next to.  Here is my painting and a photo of my view.  I'm also posting a photo from my painting spot looking in the opposite direction with even more going on.  I thought about it.  Maybe I'll try that view next time.  These photos were taken in the morning when the cafes were setting up to open.