The South Patio

One of the paint-out groups returned to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles a few weeks ago.  Opened in 1939, the stunning Art Deco building is a well known landmark in the city.  On my previous visit I tried a gouache piece from one of the courtyards, Union Station Gouache.  The north patio has always been a favorite since it's shady and has a lovely tiled fountain, Union Station Fountain.  This time some workers were power washing the north patio so no painting there.  There is still another patio, just through an archway in front of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District.  It was a calm, relaxing place the morning we were there.  Two tiled fountains add to the ambiance.  And there is a view of the Union Station tower.  I painted one of the fountains which had fish in the pond and pigeons in the lush plants.

5" x 7" Gouache

Union Station Fountain

I've got quite a few paintings to post and am jumping out of order to add this gouache piece from Saturday.  We had fun painting in downtown Los Angeles at Union Station and I like the way this turned out.  The last time I painted there was over a year ago and posted that watercolor in Union Station Courtyard.  

Union Station opened in 1939 and has such an exciting vintage feel, like stepping back in time.  The north courtyard where I painted last time drew me in again.  It's cool, shady, and features a fabulous California tile fountain.  I decided to take on the fountain because a couple women sat there to have lunch and feed the small birds.  Of course they left by the time I wanted to add them to my painting.  I'm so happy for digital cameras!  Two tour groups came through while I was painting and I was listening for the name of the California pottery that did the tiles, but no info on that.  They did say the north courtyard was meant to be a place for travelers to relax.  Looking forward to next time as always!

5 x 7" Gouache

Tour Group!

The warmer south courtyard.

  

Union Station Courtyard

It's fun to take the local light rail for a plein air paint-out at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.  It's a beautiful landmark building, opened in 1939.  There is a stunning main waiting room with tall windows reflecting light on the tile and marble floors.  I'm adding an interior photo below.  The 1930's style chairs are a main attraction.  

I painted the building last July and posted about that experience in Union Station.  That time I painted from Plaza Park across the street.  On this Saturday we painted views around the building.  There are enclosed garden courtyards or patios on both sides of the main waiting room.  I chose a view to paint in the north side patio which was shady, uncrowded, and has a lovely tiled fountain.  Such an exciting location and fun morning.

8x10" watercolor

Union Station

The Thursday paint-out group met at Olvera Street to paint this week.  We all took light rail trains to arrive at Union Station in the downtown Los Angeles Historic District.  Olvera Street is in the oldest part of the city and is a very colorful place.  It's also a tourist destination and being summer I thought it would be getting so filled with people that I wouldn't be able to see the small shops to paint.  Next to Olvera Street is tree-shaded Plaza Park with views of beautiful Union Station, City Hall, and Fire House No. 1.  There were about 15 of us who all spread out to find our views to try.  I decided on a Union Station view from across several streets.  I love all the palms around it.  It was a hot day and the area is filled with activity.  A first for me to paint in such a busy location.  Here is my piece and I'll add my photo, plus an extra tidbit.  This is 9"x 12" including a narrow border.

Snapshot of my view from the shady park.

Since it's Los Angeles, there might be some filming going on.  That was the case on Thursday in this old part of the city.  There was a credit card commercial being shot at Pico House a few feet from where I was painting.  City Hall in the background.