Chinatown

China Town

China Town in Los Angeles. I did this watercolor sketch while my daughter, Kenturah was exhibiting at the SmokShop. You can see this building in the distance in the Google map view (see 'Location' below).

Workshop

Workshop

I built a couple of new pieces for my paint kit today.

How to Get the Perfect Watercolor Wet-Look

Rose Bowl in the Rain

A light drizzle fell over the San Gabriel Valley Tuesday morning. The thought crossed my mind that this would be a great day to go out and paint.

I returned to a site I've painted many times; the Rose Bowl. I was greeted by major construction in progress there. The press boxes and private suites were covered with iron and scaffolding. It appears that the Bowl is also being extended for additional audience seating.

The rain didn't prevent me from working, nor did it stop the hard-hat workers. The joggers were out as well as the golfers. I was visited by one of the construction workers who talked about retiring so he could pursue his passion.  Several motorists also asking directions for an event in the area.

This parking lot is west of the Rose Bowl. It gets very warm to work on in the hot summer sun, but there are trees scattered about that will provide shade. One warning though, this is a popular spot where people come to teach their family and friends to drive. Today, there was a lady learning how to drive a stick shift car. I kept a close eye on her and was amused by her jerky starts and sudden stops. I also was prepared to grab my easel and run if the car got away from her.

I discovered, as I'm sure you can imagine, that painting in the rain is the perfect way to get the wet look in watercolors.

Wet Media or Digital, Who's Numero Uno?

I did this painting (above) on my iPhone using the Layers app. I look at this two and a half years later and wonder why artists torture themselves creating on such a small device. I'm joking. I've seen some beautiful artwork created on mobile devices that rival work done on large canvases. I still enjoy doing digital paintings, but it doesn't appear it will bump wet media out of numero uno in my studio.

Several days ago, I stepped outside and did the same scene in traditional watercolor on paper. I'm curious. Which do you prefer?

Pasadena City Hall North

Pasadena City Hall

Pasadena City Hall was built in 1927. The design was influenced by the Renaissance style of Italian architect Andre Palladio. The building was vacated temporarily in 2004 as it underwent major renovation and structural upgrading to withstand possible earthquake activity.

This has been the backdrop for art festivals, concerts, special presentations and other events. I have painted here many times. It was also the site of one of my workshops.

Hollywood Towers

Hollywood Tower

The Hollywood Towers is a historic hotel in Hollywood CA. It is a popular film location and has been the residence of actors and film professionals in the past.

Amphitheater

Ampitheatre in Pasadena

Pasadena, CA is a modern small city that has held on to much of its historic past. This amphitheater in Memorial Park is surrounded by modern condos. One lone man sits in the audience as though waiting for the next performance.