Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Boathouse Umbrellas


I was happy to return to Echo Park recently during lotus season.  Our wonderful Saturday paint-out group was there last month to see the lotuses blooming.  I think it's been three years now since the lake was drained and renovated with new lotus plants.  It was surprising to see how well the plants are doing.  Each year, the leaves and flowers are maturing and getting larger.  And on this visit I didn't see any of the dreaded apple snail eggs or snails as I did last year.  

Last year several paint-out groups visited the park.  It really is spectacular with its lake and downtown views.  On one of my visits I painted the 1932 boathouse in gouache, The Boathouse.  There is a small cafe in the boathouse and this year they added more outside tables with bright yellow umbrellas.  They caught my eye and I finally decided to try a gouache piece instead of transparent watercolor.  Hard choice this time!   

5" x 7" Gouache


The lotus flowers, boathouse across the lake.

Loud geese on the footbridge 


6 comments:

  1. Are they still in bloom? I'm not sure if I've ever been here. Is this next to where the old Otis art school was?

    Anyhow, this is a gorgeous painting. You have a real knack for getting those little details

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    1. Thanks Liz! Probably some flowers still blooming but more of those great lotus pods showing now too. It's MacArthur (Westlake) Park that Otis was near.

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  2. What a stunning view and you did such a great rendition of it Sherry!! Nice to see that the lotuses are doing so well!!

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  3. what a great scene, and you totally captured it.

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