Coastal Waves

Coastal Waves 16" x 20", mixed media

We have taken many visitors to Laguna Beach in California to walk the beach and climb the rocks and see the tidepools.  I see this coastal painting as a lovely memory during those times. 

Old Sailboat Painting

Sailboat Painting, 16" x 20", mixed media

My husband suggested I put some paintings in his office.   So, I was inspired by the old vintage sailboat paintings I see in many of the beach homes.  I thought something more masculine for a law office than a floral. So, I looked online for a nice photo of a sailboat.   After I had painted it for the first time.  It was all fresh and crisp.  This would not do.

I wanted the painting  to feel vintage.  So, I glazed the whole painting to bring it down and reduce the brightness.  I used my usual painting and sanding method along with a palette knife to drag the paint around. 

The closeups show have fun it is to look at all the texture and detail. 

Ok, so this is our family room, but I gotta try it out first, right?

Shell Painting Beach Art

I had saved an inspiration picture for beach art of these fossil shell prints from the Horchow catalog some years ago   It must be very old, because I don't even see it on line anymore.  Anyhow, I decide to try my own version of the shell painting.   

I  realized very quickly  this painting was taking on its own personality.  Once again, I added Annie Sloan chalk paint at the end and this time I waxed the painting at the very last step.  It really made everything gel and it feels really nice and smooth.