...on drawing.

I don't draw enough.

...coastal rocks continued.

Coastal rocks are the foundation of many of my sketches this year. Below are four. On my road trip to Los Angeles (for a college reunion) I found many places to linger and observe. The shoreline around Santa Barbara is where I found some familiar captivating scenes. These quick drawings act as reminders of what I felt at the time. Such as the feeling of peace while in the presence of such strength and majesty.  I'm editing out most everything, except what I find most compelling. The rocks, sea, clouds and bands of hillsides. Nothing man made, except, I am tempted to include the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train that sprints through parallel and close to the beach. It makes an undeniable impact. Like a rogue wave it comes fast then it's gone. So perhaps I'd better go back to Santa Barbara for another look.

...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!