The Del Coronado 

Went on a trip recently to one of my favorite places on earth... Coronado (off coast of San Diego in California). I just love it there so much. The beach is so beautiful and it just gives me a sense of peace... when I arrive to the Hotel Del, I am in my happy place. I try and go a couple times a year. This time I took my nephew and we hung out and had a great time enjoying beach fires and chatting. Anyhow, I was able to take an afternoon and set up on the balcony and just paint... Yes this work needs to be resolved a little more, but I wasn't trying to create a masterpiece, I was just happy to be there and wanted to try and catch a little feel of the place. Maybe drink a few of their special Lavender Vodka's on the patio...

Del Coronado Patio View, 9x12, Oil on Board

Nude Study

Wanted to try something new. Was looking at this art book and came across some of Edwin H. Holgate's nude painting. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to play too! It's not easy to find a nude model to sit there for you... so I guess my option was to stage it myself. I got out the camera, set up the self timer (yes a bit like a selfie! ha ha but I figured for the sake of art I am allowed...) I waited for the lighting to be right with a bit of sun shining in the window, and got a few picts as my source material. I  know it's not the same as having a live model but sometimes you just gotta wing it...

Anyhow here is what I ended up with. It was fun and challenging to be working with the human form again. I used to do it more in art school, but somehow outside of that venue, it's harder to allow yourself to use it as a subject matter. I used lots of paint here! Trying to be a little braver with that...

Nude Study, 9x12 Oil on Birch Panel