California in spring
Posted: April 12, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized 20 CommentsIt’s been a great week of teaching with French Escapade in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Everything is so green here — Calla lilies, orange poppies and Pride of Madeira flowering everywhere — and we’ve had lots of sunny days, which is a good thing for this winter-weary Montrealer.
My first group of sketchers left this morning and another group arrives tonight, and in the middle I thought I’d share a few of the views we had this week.
On a sunny morning we set up along the wall at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove. There were seals and otter not too far off in the water, pelicans flying above us, and perfect waves crashing over the rocks. This is the view from my easel. Excuse the bad iPhone shadow in the photo.
If you’ve been to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, you know it’s pretty touristy and can get quite crowded, but we found a good viewpoint on the water side of the wharf, and some good afternoon light. It will be sailing season soon in Montreal and I can’t wait to get out there to paint the boats, both in and out of water.
On my day off today, we went for a long walk along the coast. Earlier in the week we had sketched Frank Lloyd Wright’s Clinton Walker House from a distance, but it’s much more striking from the other side, especially if you go down to the beach and get up close to it. Completed in 1952, it’s Wright’s only house on the coast, and it has a hexagonal floor plan and a big stone point jutting out into the water like a ship’s bow. I didn’t see any signs of life in the house today, but I did a bit of research and found out that it sold in 2023 for $22 million. If you are in this area, it’s really worth taking a walk on the beach to see it.
Beautiful!
Kris
I’m glad you went back to see the other views of the FLW House. The new painting really captures the beautiful stonework and unique drama of the house. It was cold today, I’m sure you didn’t linger! The birds and movement in the sand really add a lot. Thank you for a lovely workshop. I’m looking forward to doing more.
Gretchen, it was really wonderful to have you in the group. It’s always such a pleasure to have someone who knows the area and can fill in the blanks with local info. I’m sure you know that second group had some colder weather but it was still so much fun to paint in Carmel and surroundings! Hope to see you again too.
Hi Shari
Really nice work 🙂
It seems so easy to get an idea of the height that you must have been at as you painted the rocks and waves. I felt as though I was there as I ‘viewed’ this work in particular 😉
I wonder if ‘the bow’ of the FLW house is a good way to stave off erosion – one never knows, but his work is always a feast – thx for the visit!
As always, I love your coastal buildings, docks/wharfs and corresponding water – today’s is as strong and interesting as ever.
Have a great weekend and safe travels
Cheers, Chris
Thanks so much for having a look, Chris. Carmel and surroundings were as wonderful as I had hoped they would be. So much to paint there, and as you know, put me next to the sea and I will always find something interesting to add to my sketchbook.
Glad you had some nice weather earlier this week as we are expecting rain storms and cool the next few days. I was camping about 30 miles north of there, and live in the Bay Area. I would love to take one of your classes — maybe next year! Carol
Carol, we did have some rain and some cold mornings but the glorious surroundings more than made up for the chill. I hope you can join me someday soon.
Hi Shari
I follow your site and love your watercolors , are you teaching a class in Monterey ?? I wish I had known, I’m in Pebble Beach .. will you be out tomorrow?? How does one sign up ?
best regards
Joan Aldrich
Hi Joan. I am teaching a class in the Carmel/Monterey area. It has been sold out for a long time. The best place to see my workshop listings is here on my blog under the “In Person Workshops” heading. Hopefully I will be back someday soon.
while you are here you should stop by Kathy Sharpe Studio … she is a. Incredible artist and her gallery is fantastic… her studio is in Carmel. I will look for you next time you are back. Thank you and love your painting
Beautiful captures!
Carmel is a favorite of ours!
I have painted the Carmel mission a few times.
We have a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired hexagonal home :), here in Fort Collins, Colorado.. The Hanna house on Stanford campus.
Keep painting and sharing your talent and experience!
Happy Painting,
Karen Ramsay
Thanks so much Karen. Lucky you to have a FLW inspired home!! Just a little envious, I’ll admit! Thanks for having a look at these!
Enjoyed this bog and your sketches. Thanks.
Thanks Susie!
Shari, Love the one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate.
Thanks so much Carol!
Gre
Alison, as usual your comment was chopped off, but happy you had a look at the sketches.
These are all so great! I’m glad you had a free day to get out and paint something for yourself. That painting of the house on the beach is really lovely.
Thanks Joan!