Drawing on a post-it note with yellow background (3"x 5"). Brush Markers, grey pastel pencil and permanent Pitt artist pens for details. This approach can be useful in working out ideas for projects. I have made hundreds of small sketches like this for various films over time. Warming up for concepts is something I recommend trying before diving into complex pieces. I like to do this when thinking of new paintings to be later carried out in oils or gouache.

Workshop Coming Up!

My Mendocino Gouache & Watercolor workshop is just around the corner. Please sign up soon: it's the weekend of September 17-18, 2011. Besides demonstrating my painting approach and how to tackle the local coastline and other landscape features, I will also be able to look at portfolios and give feedback on all aspects of your work.

Workshop Info

I also wanted to share that there are special discounts at local inns- just ask the Mendocino Art Center: 1-800-653-3328 ext. 10

*The sepia image is a recent digital painting exploring an invented Italian harbor, in the spirit of the Dutch Italianates.

Painted yesterday in Penngrove, California, in the Sonoma wine country. There was an incredible change in the weather as the sun was setting.
The valley got more diffused and finally the fog shrouded the distant hills in a veil of blue mist by sunset. Gouache and watercolor on hot press Fabriano 'Artistico' paper. 5"x7". There are a few touches of warm gray watercolor pencil in the background mid way through the painting process. Big thanks to Kim's family for sharing their vineyard views!