Point Lobos has always been a special place. Spanish explorers called it “Point of the Sea Wolves” hearing the cries of the sea lions echoing off the cliffs. From the late 19th century on, it became a magnet for artists seeking its raw, untamed beauty. Landscape artist Francis McComas famously called it “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world.” Photographers like Edward Weston and Ansel Adams also returned again and again, creating iconic images of the twisted cypress trees, wave-worn rocks, and crystalline tide pools. It became one of California’s first state reserves in 1933, preserving this wild sanctuary for future generations of artists and visitors.
There’s something profoundly satisfying about painting en plein air. I tell passersby I do it as much for the excuse to just sit there for several hours, feeling the breeze on your face, watching the light change minute by minute, and in this case, listen to the crashing waves, seagulls, and barking sea lions.
Wednesday was one of those perfect California coastal days, so I joined the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters at Weston Beach in the Preserve. Trying to get there early, fighting the slow rush hour traffic down the coast (yes, the Monterey area does have rush hour traffic!), I finally arrived at the preserve about a half hour after it opened. By then, the parking areas were almost full!! It was a busy day at the preserve with families, hikers, and nature lovers filling the trails and viewpoints, making the most of this glorious weather, and one fellow artist reminded me it was still spring break time for the local schools!
I only saw about three other artists painting. My guess is the park filled up so fast, many might have been turned away and had to go to other points along the beautiful California coastline. (Note to Al: perhaps schedule Pt Lobos more during off season and especially not during spring break!)
I had determined to try to get a ‘show worthy’ painting done. Spending about 2 1/2 hours, here is the piece as I finished for the day. I think this one is definitely a keeper.
