If I have the time, I frequently make more than one painting of the same place. Sometimes it helps. The second one might emphasize what I realized was important in the first. Then again it might not!
These two scenes done one after the other, very early morning at Van Damme State Park (whilst Mark was sensibly sleeping) unintentionally document how quickly the weather can change. The mist came in within half an hour. The fishing boat was also present when I was painting the first one but I chose to leave it out. That wise decision was not followed in the second, which is a pity, as otherwise I love the way the heavy moisture in the air caused a granulation of the watercolor washes. (See detail at the top of the post.)
I am happy with each of these sunset paintings as they describe a different aspect of that rapidly shifting light. It was worth foregoing happy hour to capture the moment!
To see more paintings from the Gualala trip click here Northern California 2019