9:00 am plein air at the edge of the ocean

My sketchbook is littered with drawings of this view of sand, sea, sky and the mysterious Santa Cruz Island. As the sun arcs across this scene, all of the elements shift importance.

I am in Southern California near Ventura, camped right on the beach. The surf marks a beat to my thoughts, actions, steps, and even my heart responds to the rhythm.

Finally, after hours of observation, I am ready to paint.

It's 9:00 am and this is how the pieces fit together.


20" x 16", pastel on Rives BFK.

Bill Evans, "California, Here I Come."