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A Day of Painting

El Morro as viewed from Isla de Cabra

The outting to Isla de Cabras was less than successful.  As soon as we got into the car to head out to the island, the skies got cloudy and the wind blew as if a hurricane were landing.  Not to be stopped, I got out all my supplies and set up for my first painting.  The wind was blowing so strongly, that before I could apply watercolor paint to my paper it would dry on my brush.  I am sure I looked like a performer from Cirque del Solel - pinning down my paper with one elbow, trying to keep my palette from blowing away with my foot, paint brushes in my mouth, water container in the other hand - yikes, not the best circumstances for painting. 

Old San Juan

The island itself is beautiful.  Just a quick history on Isla de Cabras - it is a small island, and in 1883 a small hospital was completed to house the local lepers, all 35 of them.  In 1926 a leper hospital was built more inland, and the in 1942 the US inaugerated Fort Amezquita which served as a military reserve in WW II. 
Since then, Isla de Cabras has been made a recreational park.  The hospital and fort still stand, but are in disrepair.  There is a small restuarant, picnic areas and bathrooms available.  Entrance into the park is 4.00 per car for parking, although this varies depending on who is working.  

Pelicans are abundant on Isla de Cabra

The area is very lovely, with fantastic views of El Morro, Old San Juan and large cargo ships going in and out of harbour.  What I found most fasinating were the pelicans, who spent the entire day flying, and diving for food. 





On Sunday, I went once again to Old San Juan, and got some great pictures of the Cristo Chapel in Palomas Park.  Hoping this week to get the sketches and photos into one well composed painting. 

Cristo Chapel by Palomas Parque

Also, did the drawing assignment for draw, sketch, doodle which was to draw something round.  Right now I am engrossed with waterdrops.  Such simple shapes and designs and so hard to realistically capture.  I also thought it would be fun to do my drawing on ATC 3 1/2 X 2 1/2.....I like working with the small sizes - not sure why, just find it fulfiling. 

Drops of Rain - graphite 3 1/2 x 2 1/2

That's it . . . this week, will be busy for me.  Water Color Society paint out on the beach on Wednesday, and then getting ready for a visit from my Stepdaughter for 10 days.  Hoping to get her involved with the Art adventure too, but will have to see. . .

Tis Spring - Flower Drawing Assignment . . .

Okay - so we don't really have seasonal change here . . . however, for those of us who live in Puerto Rico, we can tell the difference between Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall as slight as those differences might be. 

Since I really don't have a choice of tulips, crocus, snowdrops and daffodils, I drew the flower that is most readily accessible to me - the Orchid.  This was an enjoyable assignment - nice and easy and fun. 

I am looking forward to drawing and painting at Isla de Cabras - it is always a good day when you can get outside, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and hopefully I will get some great pictures drawn and sketched. 

Orchid - Graphite Pencil

New Drawings

I have been working on a couple of large pieces which aren't ready yet.  One is a close up shot of a pink rose. . . just haven't had the time to get much done.  I have also been creating lots of ATC's. . .

Yesterday did an exercise on value.  First I setup my model - which was an apple with only one light source.  I ended up loving this picture, and I think I am going to end up painting it in full color.  After taking several pictures and spending at least an hour editing my picture, I did a quick pencil sketch only trying to depict the value range of the apple.  I was looking for four values - light, medium light, medium dark, dark.  I started by laying in the medium light first, which pretty much dictated where the white would be.  Next I darkened up some of my shadows on the back of the apple and around the background, leaving the darkest value for the shadow behind the apple (the cast shadow). 

The next step was to do a monochromatic painting of the apple only trying to capture the value variances. 

My husband liked the pencil drawing better than the watercolor - but he is missing the point. . . the idea was to capture the darks and lights, and I think I accomplished that.  The last step of course will be to do a full drawing of the apple, relying on the picture, the sketch and of course the value painting.  .  .  more to come!  Firday it is off to Isla de Cabras (Goat Island) for painting. 

Back Again . . .

CASA BAVARIA

It has been a while since I have posted, but life has been hectic and crazy.  My hubby has had a severe case of shingles on his face and around his eye.  My life was consumed with being a caretaker, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the dog.  Fortunately, he is much, much better and is returning to work tomorrow!!!!  He does still look a bit like Cuasimodo, but he is My Cuasimodo and I love him. 

View from the Restaurant

The weekend before Valentine's Day, my love wanted to take me out for a surprise.  So, we got into the car on a beautiful Saturday morning and headed into the mountains of Puerto Rico.  After about an hour drive we were in a small town called Morovis.  The bamboo covered road winds through the mountains, the views are spectacular.  All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a restuarant pops up, and we pull over. . . we have arrived at our destination.  CASA BAVARIA!!!  Thats right, a little taste of Europe right in the mountains of Puerto Rico. 

German/Puerto Rican Waitresses

The entire restaurant is setup into many levels of open patios, with a big tree growing in the middle of the all the levels.  All of the waitresses are dressed in dirndl dresses.  As far as food goes, there was a nice selection of German food and beer.  Carlos and I ended up eating Schnitzl and Roulade.  We bought big beer steins for 10.00 each and then filled them with import German beer for 2.00.  The portions were large and the food was excellent.  For those people not into German fare, the typical selections of Puerto Rican food is available.  Although Germany has many wonderful tarts and pasteries, Casa Bavaria was definitely lacking in the area of desseert, with the only option being Flan or Tres Leches (definitely neither are German.)  My suggestion, skip the dessert and spend the money on the beer mugs and beer!! 

Schnitzl and Roulade

After a long lunch, we drove on into the mountains of Orcovis, which just a wonderful, quaint artisian town.  It was a beautiful day, and I highly recommend visiting Casa Bavaria in Puerto Rico!!! 

Cheers