Last for 2019~

I had planned to try something different, maybe a floral with Christmas colors, for my final painting in 2019.  Turns out it might be my first for 2020.  So, my last bit of art for 2019 was a sketch last Saturday with our plein air group.  We were at Memorial Park in Sierra Madre.  I was thinking of a sketch of the community garden there but it was being redone, adding more plots.  I noticed the side street to the east had a nice mix of buildings and trees, and wires which I like to add.  It was a cold morning so I decided to do a pen sketch rather than a watercolor.  The Stabilo pens are water soluble so I did add some water to see how that would go.  It's been fun to experiment with the various pens available.  Looking forward to doing more watercolor painting in 2020!

5" x 7" Pens

Christmas Lights

I had to miss our recent paint-out at a busy plaza featuring holiday decorations.  But I wanted to try painting something holiday inspired.  In December three years ago I took a photo of the home across the street from us.  It's always decorated for every holiday and especially for Christmas.  The pretty lights at dusk caught my eye.  Have a wonderful holiday!

5" x 7" Watercolor

  

St. Luke's

We've met several times to paint at St. Luke's Hospital in Pasadena.  The hospital was built in 1933 and closed in 2002.  No longer a hospital, it's been a popular location for movie and TV filming, including Kill Bill and LaLa Land.  I hadn't tried painting the building before.  On one visit I painted the apartments on the opposite side of the busy boulevard,  The Yellow Apartments.  On another visit, since I like utility poles, I painted the curve in Washington Blvd in gouache but I didn't finish so I brought the piece back the next time to finish it.  I'm still not sure it's finished but it's included here.  So on our recent visit in October I finally tried painting a watercolor of the main hospital building.  Pretty sunshine that morning.

5" x 7" Watercolor

5" x 7" Gouache

Vintage postcard

Nearby Lake

I always enjoy our peaceful paint-outs at the nearby Peck Road Water Conservation Park.  There is the lake which started out as a rock quarry, as well as expansive mountain views.  The lake is challenge to paint as the water moves continuously with the wind and wildlife.  I also like the industrial buildings on the east side ridge above the lake.  On our recent visit, I tried to include some of them.  A favorite painting is sort of this same view but I was closer to the water and didn't have a view of the buildings, Morning At The Lake.  Looking forward to next time as always!

8" x 10" Watercolor

8" x 10" Watercolor of fishermen at the lake