Crashing Waves

Because our room was just above these rocks, we would listen all night to the sound of waves crashing as the tide came in. So I made sure I got the opportunity to paint these during the day. My favorite part is the little section of sand at the foreground and I think I started to get the curling wave correct. Of course, the darn thing wouldn't stand still so this was more an interpretation than anything else. Looking at it more, I realize my ocean isn't lying flat in the background. So I probably should have managed that transition a bit better. Oh well, I can still hear the waves.

Playa Escondida Pool

We stayed at a wonderful place called Playa Escondida, "Hidden Beach". I was very nervous as our taxi traversed rocky, windy, dirt roads through the jungle to get there. We were pleasantly surprised by a little paradise tucked away. This is the view from the infinity pool. You cross that wooden bridge to get to the tables where all the gourmet meals are served. The chef is excellent and I believe the place was written up in Food and Wine Magazine. Through the palm trees you can see the hint of the beach and sky. As I painted this, the sun was setting and I kept putting darker darks because I couldn't see my paper any more.

Sayulita Surf Shop

I just returned from a wonderful week in Mexico. Sayulita is a little town north of Puerto Vallarta full of color shops and people. I did this watercolor sketch in my sketchbook, while two local children watched. There is a lot wrong with it, but I still think it starts to capture the identity of the place. There was a really nice mural on the wall of the surf shop of a guy riding a wave. Unfortunately, the other figures in my picture kept moving so don't look too closely.