Big Sur trip

on the edge of the world (photo courtesy of Ssurge)

Went camping over the weekend in Big Sur, CA. That place is gorgeous! Was there from Friday through Monday. At first we had some trouble finding a camp site due to someone's lack of planning (me) but ended up finding the perfect spot in Big Sur State Park.


We took a drive to the top of a hill i like to sit at when i visit the area, and painted the view:

Big Sur 01
Oil on Panel, 9 x 12 Plein Air

I love the way this one worked out. Brush strokes, color, composition. It felt good being up there, though there was a lot of wind, and it was surprisingly cold for it being summer.

on top of the hill, on a cold summer day (photo courtesy of Ssurge)

I had taken my Easyl pochade box and was planning on using it heavily, but on arriving, I accidently broke one of the tripod legs for the easel and could not use it. Luckily, I had also packed my homemade Cigar Box easel which proved its worth tremendously!

Painting by the Ocean (photo courtesy of Ssurge)

On Sunday we drove down the coast to an area that has cliffs one can walk out to and hang out. I love this area, a very peaceful place amongst the cows. We walked all the way to the edge of the ocean, and painted from there.

Big Sur 02
Oil on Panel, 9 x 12 Plein Air Painting

I hate to admit this, but the piece above is not one of my best. So much could have been done different, from approach to design, but, though not bad, I can still use it as reference for a new painting, so even though it did not turn out the masterpiece that it could have been, it still has its purpose.

enjoying a cool drink after a day of hard work (photo courtesy of Ssurge)

All in all, it was a great trip and a much needed vacation from the city life. I always hate coming back, and hope to one day return permanently to the area. But for now, i will keep close the memories of this recent trip.