I am preparing for a workshop at the end of the month with Qiang Huang.   I am very excited to see how he approaches painting.   

I watched his video:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLZQf3P2rkg  then set up a similar still life and tried to follow his steps.   I am fairly happy with the results but plan to do several more for practice!

La Paloma Woodie

Every third Thursday in the summer in Encinitas it is "Car Night" where folks stroll up and down looking at vintage cars. I was lucky to spot this green woodie parked in front of the La Paloma theatre.

  6 x 6" Oil on Panel

Watermelon

At the new Whole Foods Market on Hwy 101 in Encinitas there was this very colorful bin of watermelons. With a little help from my painting friends …. a touch of light blue as the highlight on the melons made this painting.

6 x 6″ Oil on panel

Boogie Boarders

A couple of fellows carrying bright boards caught my eye on Moonlight beach. The problem is that there was not much sun out so my photo reference had few light variations. While I tried to brighten some areas to create highlights it is difficult to paint what you don't see!

End of the Day

The weather has been overcast - finally saw the sun today.   That didn't stop beach goers at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas.   I caught this couple packing up around 5 pm heading home.   I loved the beach towel - snapped a photo and here you go!   Don't you hate it when it is the end of the day and you just wish you could stay another hour?

6 x 6" Oil on Panel

Strawberries

Interestingly enough .... I find myself drawn to this simple set up.   Small white plate with something red on it.   First it was apples, then cherries (twice) then strawberries!   Usually a blueish background.   The good news is that drawing an decent ellipse is getting easier.   Still taking several tries.   The bad news is adding a fork is what became my new challenge!    I had it to my satisfaction then starting adjusting.   Adjusting more then scaping yesterday's work.   This led to some muddy areas.   This is on my "to do again list".  
6 x 6" Oil on Panel

Weisse, Weisse and Weisse

Dark glass painting is mysterious! You have to really look for the color in the dark bottles. The labels however are bright and fun to paint!
8 x 8″ Oil on Panel