Another view from the back alley

I try hard to feel and sense the coming of the season from the sunlight soaked limes of the old willow trees standing by the long and tall fences along the back alley on Balmoral Bay.

Morning on the beach - from our trip to Mexico

From our balcony we can get a glimpse of the ocean through the forest of palm trees and hear the ocean wave crashing against the rocky shores. Just a few steps away I found myself on the beach moment before the sun started to break through the clouds the next morning. What a dramatic moment it was! My heart was literally pounding with excitement. The wind remained so strong that I had to sit on the beach hunching my back over my tiny frangible easel with my left hand holding down the easel with force against the blowing wind for fear that my easel will be blown away. I finished my second painting in just a matter of half an hour and yet, I felt so exhausted physically already. However, the spectacular view of the beautiful Mexican ocean would never stop me from marvelling at its beauty.

Before sunset

Sitting at the diner table before eating, I was struck by the view out of the window , and instead of picking up my chopsticks, I picked up my brushes and did a quick oil sketch in 10 minutes.

Looking across the street

There is something quite serene about the late afternoon sky. Somehow I could almost sense the germinating of warm weather ahead. Sketched this view in oils through our window after supper.

Buried deep under the snow

Warm enough to paint outdoor today after work. What struck me visually was the junipers buried deep under the snow as if trying bravely to shake off the yoke of the snow bondage to embrace the late afternoon sunlight.

Snow-covered flower bed

There was not much of light left when I started this oil sketch sitting in the backyard before supper. It was cold and partially cloudy , yet I could almost sense the vital force in the soil buried deep under the heavy blanket of snow.

A quick oil sketch from our patio again

Another cold day found myself painting away from our patio in the afternoon. What attracted me today was the partially lit up junipers and the snow covered hedges with the casting shadow over the snow covered backyard.