Another from St. Thomas

The resort we stayed at on St. Thomas faced west on Pacquereau Bay. It connects to the main harbor on the island, so we could wave to the cruise ships as they passed. This is kind of a north view toward the town of Charlotte Amalie. Some expensive real estate here.

Again, this is acrylic, not my favorite medium, but I'm satisfied with the result.

Back to some studio work now with oils.

Toward the harbor, acrylic, 12" x 9"

Acrylics in St. Thomas

Just back from a week in St. Thomas for our 20th anniversary. I planned on doing some painting, but because it wasn't a primary part of the trip, I didn't want to deal with the hassles of mineral spirits and wet paintings. I brought along a pochade box with acrylics, a few small panels, and a pad of heavy watercolor paper.

Lots of great views, great subjects and caribbean colors. This would be a good place for an extended painting trip.

I wasn't happy with the acrylics though. I've worked with them many times through the years, but was reminded again, of what to me, are their short comings. The fast drying has always frustrated me. It also seems harder to capture clean, bright colors, especially the turquoise of the water. I'll be happier doing studio versions of some of my sketches with oils.

This is a morning view from our balcony of Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Balcony view, acrylic on paper, 9" x 7"

Bright morning

Facing East on Portage Lake in northern Michigan, the Portage Point Inn has been around since 1903. With that classic old-inn feel, it's ripe for some plein air. This, however, is a studio piece. Hopefully I'll get some time this summer when I'm in that neck of the woods.

Bright morning, oil, 16" x 12"