Study of the Ocean Alla Prima

A few days ago we returned from a splendid family trip to South Padre Island on the Gulf of Mexico.  Before going I had envisioned doing all these small paintings on the beach under my umbrella with my cigar easel box on my lap. I did get to paint several times in such a way but mostly ended up playing in the water and walking along the beach.  It was so lovely.

Below I have posted my attempts to paint the amazing ever changing ocean which I found both extremely difficult and exciting.  I had many, many day dream thoughts of living for long periods of time on the beach so I could paint everyday and figure out how to convey what I was seeing. 

Day One: 

Studies in watercolor with thoughts of how I would paint in oil.  So much to see--- horizon gradations, folding of the waves,  reflections from the sky on the water, reflections of the cresting waves on the surface, the wet sand....

watercolor on paper

watercolor on paper

Day Two:
My first try in oil of the waves and sand.   So many colors in the water, it was hard to keep it simple.

4 1/2" x 6 3/4" oil on linen panel

Day Three:
Trying again to understand the waves and the sand as the light continually changes and the waves come and go.

4" x 7 1/2" oil on linen panel

Day Four:
Study from the balcony.

watercolor on paper

Day Five:
More studies from the balcony.

watercolor on paper

Day Six:
After an afternoon of swimming, my last painting done from the balcony. I could of stayed there for a year....

6"x8" oil on linen panel

Monday Morning

7 x 4 1/2 inches, oil on hardboard

This is a view from the same general area as my two previous plein air paintings. While I was working, I periodically heard the mooing of unseen cows which only added to the already idyllic scene.  I think two wandered into that far left meadow just as I was leaving.  I'd like to go back and paint this spot again.

Thistles

7 x 4 1/2 inches, oil on hardboard

This morning's plein air adventure took us to the same spot as last Wednesday.  My initial intention was to do a painting of a single thistle but instead, I found myself lured by this scene.  
I attached a tiny bungee cord to my panel and it held up perfectly in the wind---no flying off to land in the dirt today!

Sky

3 1/5 x 5 inches, oil on canvas panel, 2011

About this time last year, I painted this small study of the sky seen through the canopy of trees.  I did a series of them and this one was my favorite.
(sold)

Out in the Field

4 1/2 x 7 inches, oil on hardboard

My youngest son and I went on a hike this morning.  I set up a place to paint and he laid out a blanket from which to catch butterflies, play on his Gameboy and draw. Pretty idyllic even when the wind picked up and blew my panel face down in the dirt!  I had to wipe a bunch off but I think I was able to salvage it.
I could have stayed out there all day.