is a place of ultimate relaxation for most...where schedules, compulsions and vanities melt away. Such a vacation was ours to be had this year. And, in the small square of condos where we stayed, I viewed at least three people taking up brushes, paints and sketchpads in search of the creativity that such freedom provides. And, while making art is my profession, I don't aim my sites all that high at the beach. Sand is everywhere, making its way into paint wells and brushes and eyes. The light is all-too-pervasive, offering little in the way of contrast. Values are skewed....when extreme light becomes the norm. And the subject matter becomes a bit too sweet.
But what the beach does provide is the sense of playful painting, of painting without consequences. I usually bring only a watercolor block and some pan colors, all in a small format.
These are my more successful results from this year's bunch. There were others...not so successful.
But who cares? I am on vacation.
