Painting really is like any other skill or strength-based activity.  If you step away from it, even for a few days, there is a bit of dust to knock off when you get back to it.  For this reason, I wanted to try to fit in some painting while I was at the beach.  Not only is it good practice in general, but it’s good practice to get better at painting when away from my studio.  I feel pretty confident in saying that I’m much more comfortable as a studio painter, but I do want to improve when it comes to painting in a new environment with different light, and pared-down tools and materials.  It’s also a nice way to fill the time when the sun is too intense for me to be on the beach.

I painted on the covered porch at our rental house when the weather was nice, or set up on one end of the dining room table if it was rainy or muggy.  I brought along a drop cloth to cover the area where I set up my travel easel.  (I use an Edge Pro Gear pochade box.)

I brought along some reference photos from previous years on the beach to paint, along with some still life and landscapes.  I do paint from life as well, but I like to have some photos with me in case I’m not inspired by anything in my immediate surroundings.  I ended up painting from photographs most of the time, so I’m glad I brought them along.

On a few days, particularly travel days and when we had visits planned with extended family, I didn’t have time to squeeze in a painting.  I was able to complete six paintings during the break, which I was pretty happy with!  They are all painted in oils on 8 x 10 panels….

Spaniel at Isle of Palms

Clementine Trio 1

John Singer Sargent study

Mid-morning at IOP

Catch – This one is my favorite.  I tend to paint more formal dog portraits, but this makes me want to capture more animals in motion.  You can see the joy in those flapping ears.

Blueberries in a Striped Bowl

All of these original paintings will be available in my next original sale.  Although I may have to keep “Catch” if I find the perfect home for it…