Summer version: Bob & Joan

Bob & Joan II

Watercolor and graphite, 7" X 10"

NFS

The holiday approaches and I am finished with this in the nick of time. My Dad was seeming jealous of the painting I had done of them for Mom's birthday so I thought I'd even things up with this one as a gift for him. I still may tweak it a bit.

Handsome Couple

Bob & Joan

Graphite and watercolor, 6.5" X 7.5"

NFS

In process graphite drawing with start of watercolor washes.

As I mentioned before, my parents are having some major health issues. I painted this from an old  photograph of them standing on a frozen Minnesota lake. I think, taken as they were just dating. What I loved about the image is that it shows such happy, loving faces from a much simpler time of their lives. Since I'm the oldest of their 4 children, I guess I was the kick start for all the adventures they would later have. This is also a gift for my mother's birthday next weekend. And, shhhhh, don't tell her  .  .  .  it's a secret! 

Road to Vegas

Mohave Joshua Tree

10.75" X 8"

We traveled through this gorgeous desert country on our journey to Las Vegas in early June. As it turned out, that was the most memorable and enjoyable part of the trip. These trees were sprinkled all over the desert landscape. So awesome and foreign a landscape it was that the heat and the desolation sort of scared me. One feels quite vulnerable out here. Pretty opposite the more familiar Minnesota pine forest views. I have several more photos from this area that beg to be done in pastels.

This painting is available for sale. Please contact me at bstegora@mac.com

Beachside Palms

Beachside Palms

10.75" X 8

I don't think this is officially a beach. Maybe more like a picturesque little bay. Painted near the Model Yacht Pond on Vacation Island near Mission Bay, San Diego.  This scene reminds me of old postcards of California in 50's. All that's missing is the "Wish you were here!" swooshed across it. 

This watercolor is available for purchase. Contact me by email at btegora@mac.com 

International House at Balboa Park

China House

Watercolor on #140 Arches 10.75" X 8"

Click here to bid on Ebay

I spent a beautiful sunny morning painting this one en plein air with the San Diego Watercolor Society Wednesday Morning Painters group. Several cottages representing various countries are grouped in a mini United Nations village near the Opera House in Balboa Park. I've walked past here countless times but had no idea what was just a few steps beyond the street access. Only open to visit on sundays so I'll be back here to explore the interiors at a later date.

I'm Back!

Hangin' Out

Watercolor on Arches Cold Press #140 (8.5 X 5.5)

NFS

I wasn't posting but I have been painting. I've got two unfinished oil paintings from a Coastal Plein Air class that I'm attending every weekend. It's been a great experience for finding some new spots in the SD area for painting subjects. On Wednesday I also joined a group from the SD Watercolor Society  for a group paint on site in Balboa Park. I hope to get that one finished and post it by tomorrow. 

The Schnauzer painting is of our Maddie dog hanging over the back of the couch (a favorite perch). I've painted this one with my Dad in mind as he has had some serious health issues lately. Thought this might cheer him up as he has always had a special love for dogs and Maddie has been a welcome house guest in the past. 

Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines June

 In Moleskine Sketchbook (5X8)

This is a scene in Torrey Pines State Reserve which is only 20 minutes from our house. I walked several trails looking for the best spot again and got very overheated. Having all my painting gear in a black backpack didn't help. Note to self: Need to simplify my essential painting tools for more remote areas. 

I love these trees. They have loads of character in their twisted trunks and arm-like branches.

This watercolor is available to purchase. Contact me by email at bstegora@mac.com 

California Tower

California Tower View
Watercolor 5" X 8"

DH spotted this landscape for me to paint. He did a great job in choosing this one. Often I waste so much time faced with the usual dilemmas of: comfort while painting, protection from sun, lighting with interesting shadows, etc. In his usual style he just walked into the park and said "There you go, paint that!"

This painting is available by contacting via email. bstegora@mac.com

Waterfall and Koi pond

Japanese Friendship Garden

Watercolor, 8" X 5"

Well, I'm now seriously behind but will try my best to catch up this week. I am not very happy with this one. Guess I just took this painting beyond the fresh stage. There's always that danger when I finish it up at home. It's always so tempting to try to improve on things but then I loose some of the wonderful spontaneous things that happen on site. Always disappointed later. Note to self - STOP that!

This garden is the most peaceful spot in Balboa Park. Very few visitors possibly because there is an extra admission fee. I just love the meditative atmosphere in here. The Koi are beautiful and the waterfall and landscape are so soothing to all of your senses.

This painting is available. Email me at bstegora@mac.com

Balboa Rose Garden

Rose Garden View

Watercolor

5 X 8

Well, it seems that the Balboa Park paintings may end up as a sereis. Every time I go to the park I see a couple more places I'd really like to return to. Also spotted the awesome Cactus garden. The cactus are so abstract and sculpture like. Looks to be a great place to paint. Also have plans to start a pastel larger painting from one of these sketches this week.

This painting is available for sale. Please contact me at bstegora@mac.com

Balboa Park Tower

"View from Alkazar Garden"

Watercolor

5" X 8"

Good grief this is harder to to do than I expected, and I did know I'd be time challenged! This was done yesterday from inside Alkazar Garden. Another clear bright sunny day in a gorgeous place.

I'm rushing out with a late start for another painting session. Hope to post it tonight.

The painting is available for sale. Please email me at bstegora@mac.com 

Point Loma Lighthouse

This one is from last Friday. Today was a bust for painting on location due to nasty weather. Naturally, just when I decide to take advantage of the seemingly endless sunny days .  .  .  .  We are in for a couple of rainy and gloomy days here. "Gray May" they call it. Chilly right now too. Only 56°! 

BTW, this and the previous painting are small 5 x 7 paintings done in my Moleskine watercolor sketchbook. I'll be doing some larger ones shortly. These are intended to gather some reference in the area and also to get my painting muscles in shape. Pastel paintings in the studio are on my agenda as well.

Here goes post #1!

Well, I'm finally doing it. Hoping to post here as close to daily as possible and step up my painting momentum. Living in San Diego now and loving the warm weather and BEAUTIFUL light. How can I not be inspired with a picture right in front of me ready to be plopped down on paper at every turn? Right now, San Diego is in the midst of a purple tree "explosion". Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and their color has to be seen to be believed. Neon lilac is maybe the closest I can describe them. Passionate purple and so gorgeous!

The watercolor was done last week in Balboa Park. The statue fountain was especially attractive to paint with the halo of light framing her from behind. Had a relaxing time doing it as it was a weekday and much less crowded that the weekend  we had visited the park previously.