...the way in is the way out.

More rocks. The only way to know the rocks is to spend time with the rocks. Fog. Sun. Haze. High tide and low tide. They are always there waiting. I sketch on site mostly. Take notes. The sky and water are as important as the rocks. They play supporting roles but no less important as a the lead. So I really have to know all of the players in this tableau vivant. And take my time.

...coastal rocks.

The wind, ocean and time beaten rocks sit patiently in the waters off of Lands End and hold their poses for me. Each time I walk by these monoliths they seem to say, "Look at us and know us. We've been here all your life. Make us into art!"

So I'm looking more and knowing more. And the art is happening. This is the continuation of an ongoing series of small paint studies. The sky and water are abstract shapes which will evolve and  support the majesty of these big rocks. Long overdue and always finding their way into my sketchbooks, sky, sea and rock now share easel time with my pillow paintings. Hard and soft coexist at my studio!

...looking.

If the only way to know something is to try and understand its essence then sketching might be the best way. I've been studying the coastal rocks at nearby Lands End for a long time. These big chunks of stone have been sculpted by wind, water and time. Now they're drawn by me. They want easel time and and will be getting it. 

...the three pillars of zen.

Just as the sketchbook is a place for random studies, streaming and reportage  so are wayward panels and scraps of canvas I find while cleaning the studio. Using my current palette I take time out from the projects in progress to play around with something completely unrelated. A little planned spontaneity goes a long way toward satisfying other facets of my creativity.