plein air

After a quick breakfast, and checking out of Yosemite Lodge, it was time to do one last painting and then head home. With the snow, there were not many places to pull off and paint, but I found a wonderful spot along the Merced River with a view of El Capitan in the background. The light was just stunning. Right under a big evergreen tree, there was no snow, so a perfect spot to paint from!

I set up and drew in my sketch, and then decided to do this painting entirely with a #4 round fairly worn bristle brush. I usually use a #8 or #10 bright, but the round bristle would force me to broaden my paint strokes.

Here is the scene when I set up–

All through my trip I was occasionally entertained by a passing coyote–

My easel as I was painting by the Merced River–

A quick snapshot of the painting–

I’ll post better pictures of all the paintings later when I get a chance to review them and maybe touch them up a little.

All too soon it was time to head home. I would have loved to stay for several more days, or a week, as this was the most beautiful I have seen Yosemite Valley in recent years!!

After a quick breakfast, I headed out this morning to a spot I found yesterday on a foot bridge over the Merced River. I set up on the bridge, and began to paint the river and the surrounding scenery. I didn’t last long! My back was starting to bother me, so I decided I had just better paint close to the car and use my camping chair to sit in. I put in a few key color notes so I could finish it at a later date, and packed up.

The first scene of the day–

Below is my uncompleted painting on the easel–

I went back to a spot by a snowy meadow with Cathedral Rocks in the background. I did a similar painting last year, and it turned out well. The scene with the snow was entirely different and probably a little more challenging. I spent several hours and the painting turned out to be a keeper.

My easel at the second location of the day–

A poor snapshot of the painting–

After relaxing a bit back at the room, I went out to another place close to Yosemite Lodge, and did a painting of Sentinel Rock. It was getting late in the day, and the sun spotlights the rock as it slowly lowers over the west end of the valley. This turned out to be the best of the trip so far.

Sentinel Rock —

My easel by the car while I was painting Sentinel Rock–

A quick snapshot of the painting on the easel–

By the time I was finished, the sun was very low and most of the valley was in shadow. Time to head back to the room, and relax for the evening!

Today I took off for what has become an annual winter trip to Yosemite National Park.

We just had a rough (at least for California) winter storm come through, however it was breaking and the weather should be great in the park. I awoke to rain and clouds in my San Jose home. I guess the storm was clearing a little late! As I made my way down 101 to Hwy 152 and over Pacheco pass, the scenery was unusually spectacular as the clearing skies were highlighting the emerald green of California hills this time of year. I probably could have just stopped and painted here for the day…but I would have to save that for another time. Going over 152 and Pacheco Pass, clouds and fog were hanging in all the California hill valleys. As soon as I got over the pass, suddenly it was instant sunshine. The entire central valley of California was clear!

On to Yosemite. The weather had backed up against the Sierras a little, but clearing. After some traffic delays, I finally got to Yosemite Valley. It was wonderful. A foot of snow was everywhere, and the plows were still out clearing roads and trails.

I wanted to do a painting prior to checking into Yosemite Lodge. With the new snow, there were not a lot of places to pull off and find a place to work. I also was not in my winter boots yet, so looked for an easy place. I settled on Sentinel Bridge, which is one of the most famous picture points at Yosemite. Half Dome looms over the Merced River, sometimes casting an exact image in the water. Winter water seems to be darker, though, and today was no exception. I spent about 90 minutes working until it was about time to pack it in.

Here is the view from Sentinel Bridge:

A not so good snapshot of my painting–

After checking into the lodge, a shower, and a good meal at the Mountain Room (the baked trout was great) it was time to retire and relax.

I am off to Yosemite Park tomorrow for a couple days of painting. As usual, I received a special coupon where I stay one night free for every night paid. It should be great as a large storm front just passed through and there should be plenty of sun and snow. Last year I went around this time and ran into Scott Burdick. If I can post to the blog during the trip, I will, but otherwise will post when I get back. Below is a painting I did last year.

Coyote Creek flows through much of Santa Clara Valley (AKA Silicon Valley). At 60 miles long, it is the longest creek in the county & is probably more the size of a river much of the year.

The Los Gatos plein air group was painting at a location along the creek about 5 miles south of San Jose. After several weeks of rain and clouds, it was a clear, but brisk day, so I joined them.

I got a little late start, but arrived around 10 am and a number were already out painting. I set up along the bank and started the painting. It was certainly brisk and windy!! At times, I had to hold onto some of my items to keep them from blowing away.

I finished a painting in a little over an hour. It was an 8×10, and I think turned out quite well…definitely a keeper. Below are some photos from the trip.

Below is Nick White and right behind him my easel.

Below is a quick snapshot of my painting near completion. Some may notice, I replaced the lake in the background with a green field. I thought the lake would detract too much from my center of interest, which is the creek as it goes around the bend.