International House at Balboa Park

China House

Watercolor on #140 Arches 10.75" X 8"

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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.

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 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 

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.