During a run on fine days I ventured down to Big Island on two separate occasions. The first morning was gorgeous, still and warm. The ocean was like a mirror. While I was sitting on the beach, I began to observe the grasses before me. What I found interesting was the way they arched as if still swept by strong breezes. Their marks could also be seen etched in the sand where they swept back and forth during breezy days. I loved the shadow affect on the light colored sand. I painted this small 5x7in. study on my lap as my reference point was better at that level. I think I might do a studio painting of this one for my Bookshelf Collection.
The next day I arrived back earlier than the day before. It was a bit windy and not quite as warm at first. My husband Ian was with me that day. He did some reading while I painted. We made lots of starts and stops searching for my subject that morning. If you go too far up the island the mosquitoes are atrocious!. They literally attack any bare skin available! This scene was on the calmer side of the island. The road separates the two sides-one is the wide open ocean and the other side is an inlet which is often calmer. I liked this scene for both the opening and distance as you looked through this open space. The reflections seemed to sink deeply into the shallow waters. I liked how the center shadows below the opening were not as greyed.
I always feel a sense of freedom at the shore. The wide open spaces just seem to let ones spirit soar. It was quieter in the beginning of the morning; but, as the morning wore on more tourists were site seeing. Some took pictures of the scene I was painting! I guess they thought it must be a good spot to do so, since I was taking the time to paint there. Personally, I like it when the island is quieter. The fall is a great time to come down as less people are around. By the time we left the island it was quite warm.
