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....

Meet and Greet

These two aunties were an island of calm in an otherwise busy Japanese marketplace, catching up on the latest news.

Light At the End of the Tunnel

This walkway led to what I assume is a Buddhist temple in Japan, as seen on Google's street view. As I painted, my thoughts were with the people there and my heartfelt prayer is that they will soon see the light at the end of their dark and difficult journey.

On the Rocks

I traveled, virtually, via Google's street view, to Cape Town, South Africa, for this month's virtual paintout. It was great to escape the last rains of the winter to paint by the sunny South African shore. You can view the scene on street view by clicking here.