Plein Air Painting on a Farm (Tomales, Ca.)

"Over the Pond"

(7"x10" Watercolors)
Tomales, Ca.

Had a chance to visit a private farm that specializes in goat's milk and cheese. The owner was really nice and allowed for plein air painting on the property. 

After grabbing my gear, I hiked up and down the main trail and found a nice view above a pond that had a handful of goats grazing and sheep off into the distance.

Immediately after laying my first watercolor wash, a huge gust of WIND came in.... it felt like painting in front of a jet engine!

See video clip [HERE]

I'll admit I almost threw in the towel because my easel continuously was shaking and my paint palette flew away a couple times!

But glad I stuck it out and walked away with a fun painting :)

Mighty Winds of Tomales

Oh the challenges you face when plein air painting! 

Listen to that gust of WIND! My easel was

shaking and my paint pallet flew away! LOL

See final painting [HERE]

California Poppies

(7" x 10" Watercolors on Watercolor board)

For the past month I would see these bright orange flowers blooming along the North Bay freeway. It was really nice to find these during my recent hike in Petaluma, Ca. If you haven't seen or heard of this flower it's call the "California Poppy" but also goes by "Golden Poppy" and "Cup of Gold". It's the California State Flower :) 

Found some Golden Poppies

Went for a hike and came across these Golden Poppies growing between these cluster of rocks.

The day started off rather warm and my paints were drying quickly. Good thing I always pack a travel size spritz bottle. I kept the painting loose and loaded my brush with lots of water and color.

Just when I start getting into my painting the wind begins to pick up. Here's a shot of some finishing touches to the California Poppies. Stay tuned for the final painting in the upcoming post.