Archive | Free Range: Santa Barbara/Ventura 2016

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 20″ x 16″
Year: 2016

Notes:
This one’s title has nothing to do with ignoring the state park rules, but more about my decision to drop that palm in the foreground, chopping off a chunk of the composition against all of my better judgement. Its not like I ran out and just painted what was in front of me and then realized later that maybe a strong vertical like that isnt the best thing for a pleasing composition. I knew full well even before setting up my easel that I was flirting with disaster. Even now I reckon that disaster and I might just be involved in a committed relationship here. But then every time I really start regretting that choice, I end up looking right at that palm trunk and the rest of the painting comes together peripherally and I love it again.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 20″ x 16″
Year: 2016

Notes:
The previous afternoon I had tried and failed to get a view of a spot I was curious about, high tide, unscalable cliffs, and tightly secured gates had me stumped so I skulked back to my friend’s place and grabbed a board to go ride (well mostly paddle) some of the smallest waves one could possibly ride. Just washing off the disappointment really. Found a cool little cave up the beach I’d never seen before and all in all felt much better walking back to the house in the evening light. As I passed this sweeping eucalyptus wave washing over these bluffs at the speed of tree, I thought it would make for some fun painting. Lots of structure to work with. Came back the next day to quickly attempt it before heading to my one night show at M.Special Brewery in Goleta. “Quickly” turned into an hour longer than I’d intended. You might have thought I was trying to be cool showing up late to my own show, but I wasn’t, I was only bluffing.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 20″ x 16″
Year: 2016

Notes:
Have you ever had to climb over a 5 foot fence with a canvas and a 40 pound backpack? It is a tricky thing. Took a little extra affort to get to this one, but for a glimpse of this coast it was more than worth it.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 20″ x 16″
Year: 2016

Notes:
The hills burn and we breathe the smoke as they exhale.
Second hand exposure to long forgotten memories.
The mountains never forget.