Artist Journey to Yosemite Part 2
This is the second painting I did of Moran Point in Yosemite (see my previous blog post). The light coming from the west cast very different shadows on the rocks and changed the distant mountain colors. Having painted this view earlier, Morning Sun on Moran Point, I was already familiar with the layout so I could jump right in with heavy paint.
For the first painting, I had added blue to the colors for a cooler morning light, but the afternoon was hot and I introduced a lot more red into my colors. As the sun disappeared behind the cliffs casting everything in shadow, the killer mosquitoes invaded and I packed up quickly to head back to the lodge.
For the first painting, I had added blue to the colors for a cooler morning light, but the afternoon was hot and I introduced a lot more red into my colors. As the sun disappeared behind the cliffs casting everything in shadow, the killer mosquitoes invaded and I packed up quickly to head back to the lodge.
Sharon starting up Mist Trail next to Vernal FallIn addition to painting, I also completed a very difficult hike to the top of Nevada Fall. Starting out from the Valley floor, we first hiked our way up to Vernal Fall. The Mist Trail runs up to the top of the falls with wonderful views and the Emerald Pool as the payoff. If you have not done this hike it is beautiful, exciting, and not too difficult. But our goal was the top of Nevada Fall, much further up.
At the Top of Nevada FallContinuing our climb, I had a bad drop in energy and almost didn't make it to the top. After a break for water, an apple and an energy bar, I finished the ascent and made it. VICTORY!!!
Jeff and Sharon coming down from Nevada Fall For the hike down we took the John Muir trail that is longer but much more level. The entire hike took about 7 1/2 hours. WOW! I was proud of my accomplishment.
Half DomeThe last day we opted for a much less strenuous activity and paddled down the Merced River in a raft. It was a great way to end the trip. Relaxed, sun browned and filled with the wonders of Yosemite we headed back to LA.
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Artist Journey to Yosemite
It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but beyond that, Yosemite has a spirit that is magical. Anyone who has spent any time in these mountains, talks about the special connection with nature they experience. I painted Morning Sun on Moran Point several days into the trip from the Valley floor. I did a sister painting of this scene with the sun coming from the west called Afternoon Sun on Moran Point. Both paintings are for sale on my website at SharonWeaver.com
Sharon and Jeff at the Lookout in YosemiteEarlier in July, we didn't make our trip to Japan, so I suggested going to Yosemite. The timing gods were with us and there must have been a cancellation because we got reservations for three nights the next weekend. The Merced River is fed by snow melt, so by July the falls and rivers are usually just a trickle. Not so this year. Spring was late and the water was cascading down the cliffs. The view of Yosemite Falls from our room at the lodge was wonderful.
Yosemite Falls We had an easy preliminary hike to Bridalveil Falls and enjoyed the perfect weather and stellar vistas.
Sharon Hiking to Bridalveil FallsI hope you will sign up for my newsletter at Sharon's News and come back again to see the next blog with more on my trip to Yosemite. Comment on or Share this Article →
Painting Steps to the Stars
Thursday a group of painters met at the Griffith Observatory to capture this landmark building. I wanted to have a different perspective, so I decided to paint an unusual angle of the otherwise recognizable front entrance. My view, off to the side, caught my attention as the morning sun reflected off the front steps and dome. The fact that it was the only view with shade, also helped influence my selection.
This would be a study in subtle color changes to show the shadows on the angles of the facade. Too dark and the building won't look the correct color, too light and you loose the drama.
As I painted, the shapes of light and dark started to form the building. The dome and steps emerged and I knew I had captured the essence of the Griffith Observatory. I packed up my paints at noon to get home and leave for Yosemite later that same afternoon.
You can enjoy this painting in your home by clicking on Steps to the Stars or take a look at my website at www.SharonWeaver.com for more paintings of Architecture, Buildings and Doors.
Comment on or Share this Article →
This would be a study in subtle color changes to show the shadows on the angles of the facade. Too dark and the building won't look the correct color, too light and you loose the drama.
As I painted, the shapes of light and dark started to form the building. The dome and steps emerged and I knew I had captured the essence of the Griffith Observatory. I packed up my paints at noon to get home and leave for Yosemite later that same afternoon.
You can enjoy this painting in your home by clicking on Steps to the Stars or take a look at my website at www.SharonWeaver.com for more paintings of Architecture, Buildings and Doors.
Artist Painting a Train
As a child, I remember many hours helping my dad with his model trains. He built a large display in the basement and loved to add buildings, trees and other details to the scene. Many wonderful hours where spent playing with those trains. With that motivating me, I was looking forward to painting at Travel Town, a graveyard of old trains and engines in Griffith Park. I met up with a group of painters from a club called Artists of the Canyon for the paint out.
I had a great time walking around, trying to decide what to paint and eventually settled on this smaller engine off to the side. I wanted to recreate the energy of this engine from its heyday so, I decided to paint it from the front, just as it is going to pass by. I could almost feel the gust of air it would kick up.
Perhaps your dad is a train enthusiast too. If you think he would enjoy having this plein air painting contact me through my website at www.sharonweaver.com or click on "Iron Horse."
I had a great time walking around, trying to decide what to paint and eventually settled on this smaller engine off to the side. I wanted to recreate the energy of this engine from its heyday so, I decided to paint it from the front, just as it is going to pass by. I could almost feel the gust of air it would kick up.
Perhaps your dad is a train enthusiast too. If you think he would enjoy having this plein air painting contact me through my website at www.sharonweaver.com or click on "Iron Horse."
Artist Painting San Clemente Part 3
The last day to paint was Friday. I was happy with two of the paintings I had completed during the week so decided to take it easy and paint a smaller canvas. I returned to Dana Point Harbor and painted the rocks off the jetty. The waves made interesting patterns in the water and the wet rocks were a wonderful rust color. I had fun talking to the many people who use this vantage point to watch the waves and enjoy the sun.
Sharon's Display at the Weekend Art Show Saturday morning, I dropped off my two entries for the competition and set up my display for the weekend art show. Although I don't have an elaborate setup, my display proved quite efficient and held 28 paintings that were for sale. The turn out was good and I was kept busy talking to many of the local and visiting art collectors. Even better, I had two less paintings to pack up and take home.
Linda Williams, my gracious hostess for the week, with me at the Reception The Saturday night reception was a mix of art, music, food and awards. With so much to do, I barely had time to reconnect with the artists I knew. It was exciting to see the final results on the walls of the gallery and reception hall.
At the Reception for the San Clemente Plein Air Competition 2009 The week long effort by all the talented artists was inspiring to view. WOW! What a great collection of plein air paintings. The show will continue through July 31 at the San Clemente Art Gallery at 100 North Calle Seville. Don't miss this show if you are in the area.
Enjoying the Food, Art and Conversation Thank you to the San Clemente Art Association who worked very hard to put on a great event.
You can see all my art at my website at SharonWeaver.com and while you are there sign up for Sharon's News, my monthly newsletter. Comment on or Share this Article →
Artists Painting San Clemente Part 2
Like the surfer looking for the perfect wave, I am always looking for the perfect view. I headed toward the San Clemente State Beach and found a great beach with lots of people, but it wasn't what I was looking to paint. Searching further, I could see another artist in the dunes painting. I usually never approach other artists but something told me to walk over. To my surprise it was a friend, Laura Wambsgans, painting away.
We discussed the weeks painting but I soon headed back to the beach to find my own spot. It wasn't till I talked to one of the lifeguards that I was directed to a lookout where the view was amazing. SCORE! WOW!!!
We discussed the weeks painting but I soon headed back to the beach to find my own spot. It wasn't till I talked to one of the lifeguards that I was directed to a lookout where the view was amazing. SCORE! WOW!!!
View from the CliffsThis view of Cottons Point inspired my painting,"Cottons." I couldn't have had a better day or a more lovely spot. This one comes close to the perfect wave.
Later that day, I went back to another ocean spot where I had previously started a painting. The late sun reflected off the water, forming a spectacle of color. The first visit to this beach found the waves crashing against the rocks with the high tide. On this day, the tide was not nearly as far up the beach, so much of the ocean was painted from the memory of that first day.
One of the unusual quirks about San Clemente is the location of the commuter train tracks. They run right along the coast, through prime oceanfront real estate. Many of the artists painted these fast moving, horn blowing, view blocking trains. They hold an interest all their own. Maybe next time I will paint one but this time, I had fun painting the historic architecture and beautiful ocean.
Next time, the last day of painting and the reception.
Morning Train Along the BeachYou can see all my painting at my website SharonWeaver.com and while you are there sign up for my newsletter at Sharon's News. All my paintings are for sale or I can paint something especially for you from a photo. Comment on or Share this Article →
