Grey Day at the TIdepool

Grey Day at the Tidepool, oil on canvas panel, 6x8", available here,
©2013 Cindy Greene

Yesterday was another wonderful day in Laguna Beach. Our painting group decided to go to the beach below the Montage Resort, also known as Treasure Island. Because of limited parking time, we were finished by 11:00 am, and the sun never came out.

But if you know me, you know that's just fine. While I love painting sunlight and shadow, the sea has so many colors and nuances when the marine layer is over us.

I have another painting that needs a few tweaks, and will post that tomorrow.

Keyhole Rock in Laguna Beach

Keyhole Rock, 8x10", oil on canvas panel, available here

A couple of friends invited me to join them yesterday morning in Laguna Beach, at the Montage Hotel, for a plein air painting session. There is a public park and bluff area in front of the hotel and it is gorgeous. I'm surprised we were the only painters there. We quickly set up and chose our painting views. I knew I had to paint fast and loose, since I had about two hours before I had to leave. 

I had my own "studio"

I've seen several paintings of Keyhole Rock, so it was interesting to start my own. Sometimes I feel the painting has a life of its own, and I'm just there to facilitate things. (Then there are all the other times...)

I completed about 90% of the painting at the beach, and made a few corrections and finishing touches today. 

This is on a Panelli Telati panel from Italy, which is a cotton canvas on a hardboard panel. I really like the very fine canvas texture, and they are light to carry for plein air work. I still love the Ampersand Gessobords, but am enjoying this as a change.

Debbie & Jeanne painting their Keyhole Rock paintings from the upper path

Thanks, Debbie & Jeanne — it was great!