Lone Sailboat

"Lone Sailboat" was a plein air painting created in oil done on location at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California around early afternoon.  I took to this sailboat that was drifting by as I painted the water and the waves.  Painting from life outdoors is my favorite way to paint because it allows me to paint faster and more accurately. Painting faster helps to capture the colors of the ever-changing light and shadows.  I am inspired reading about the original impressionist like Monet, Renoir, Degas, etc.  Painting outdoors allows me to enjoy nature as well as finding inner peace. 

Moonlight Beach Sunset

One of my favorite beaches, because it lacks rocks in the sand, is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California.  I have enjoyed this spot during vacations to the west coast, and I have painted the beach and ocean other times.  This was painted in oil from a photo reference I took on our last day at the beach.  The sun had set, behind the clouds in the horizon.  Light from the sun had illuminated the clouds above in colors of pink, orange, and yellow.  It was a beautiful evening!

Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach was the inspiration for this oil painting.  Located in Encinitas, California, it is one of my favorite beaches because there are no rocks in the sand.  I painted this in plein air, or on location last summer.  Wishing I was there right now!