The Perfect Storm - Day 14 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"The Perfect Storm" - 5" x 7" acrylic on paper in 11" x 14" mat - $65

A perfect storm is exactly what we need right now in Northern California.  With the serious drought and fires burning out of control in several areas, we are all praying for a miracle.  Yesterday morning I woke up to dark clouds in the skies and a few obscure raindrops - just enough to make my pollen & ash covered car filthy dirty.  And I heard several claps of thunder overhead last night around 7:30 - I'm not giving up hope yet. 

Off to Sea - Day 13 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Off to Sea" - 6" x 6" acrylic on paper in 14" x 11" mat - $65

Peace to Shore - Day 12 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Peace to Shore" - 6" x 6" acrylic on paper in 14" x 11" mat - $65

Why is it the simplest paintings are sometimes the hardest ones to complete?  Is it because I don't know when to say "stop?" Or is it just difficult to walk away from something so calming when the emotions I experienced while painting this piece were just the opposite? 

It took a great deal of restraint to walk away from the easel without picking up my black ink or beloved jar of sludge gesso to add some shadows/rocks to this painting.  But I held myself back and I am glad I did. 

Painted on 9/11 - a very memorable day, here's "Peace to Shore" - in honor of all of those precious beings who perished in the 911 attack and their families.  I don't know if it will happen in my lifetime, but I hope and pray this world will experience a time of peace from shore to shore. 

Silver Mist - Day 11 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Silver Mist" - 6" x 6" acrylic on paper in 14" x 11" mat - $65

Passionate Waters - Day 10 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Passionate Waters" - 5" x 7" acrylic on paper in 11" x 14" mat - $65

Wild Waves - Day 9 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Wild Waves" - 6" x 6" acrylic on paper in 14" x 11" mat - $65

Bewildered Sea - Day 8 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge"

"Bewildered Sea" - 6" x 6" acrylic on paper in 14" x 11" mat - $65

The unpredictability of the sea is one of the things that draws me to its shores.  Some days the deep blue waves are pounding the beach, leaving streaks of creamy white foam in the sand; then an hour later they have relaxed into giant rolling waves of the palest shade of clear blue green, gently lapping at the shore. 

The sea is like a chameleon, bewildered at the environment while rushing to make itself blend in despite the constant changes surrounding it.