Tropical Isle, Bourbon Street

This painting not only looks a little spooky but it came to life in a spooky way too. My intention was to do a line and wash sketch of this New Orleans bar in daylight, as it was in the photograph. I truly don't know how it happened, but as the afternoon progressed, it turned into a full-blown nocturne, a style of painting I have no experience with at all! This one may become a part of my Halloween decorations.

Pulling in the Line

The sea has pulled out, leaving the boats in the harbor high and dry. The fisherman is pulling up the moorage line that has been buried in the sand as the water receded. Dry sand mixed with wet sand and standing water made this scene especially interesting to paint.

Statue on the Square

I am so inspired by the Island of Jersey! I loved the feel of this plaza scene, with some people sitting and chatting in the sunshine while other shoppers bustled by, and the modernistic statue adding its flair. It has an energy that feels very French, or as I imagine French energy would feel. :)

Above the Jersey Shore

No, not that Jersey Shore--a Channel Island off the coast of France, where the Virtual Paintout has trekked to this month. What a gorgeous island it is! If I can only scrounge the time, I hope to paint several scenes there before the month is over.

Window Shopping in Antibes

Spying on window shoppers has become a favorite activity of mine. I found these two older ladies on a side street in Antibes on the French Riviera and couldn't resist painting them. I love the way the light casts shadows from the unseen buildings across the narrow street, making the viewer feel their closeness.

Outdoor Cafe

In my "paradise" days, I remember thinking, a little too smugly, that watercolor was easy but I'm not finding that true now. It's a struggle, but it's so much fun to splash around and watch the color flow. This busy plaza scene was in Nice, France.

On the Promenade

While cruising down the Promenade du Soleil on the French Riviera, virtually via Google Street View, I spotted these ladies enjoying a drink under the shade of a straw umbrella. What I wouldn't give....