The Big Rock Path

There are many paths in the complex in which we are staying.  Everything is beautifully landscaped and well tended.  Some of these paths lead to the beach, others to the pool, and others are just walking trails.

My first time to the pool I looked back and mentally marked the path I had taken (so I could get back to our villa!)  There is a big rock there with two small palm trees and some flowers.  I really liked the way the rock and the plantings were laid out and kept thinking that would be a fun sketch.

So, one day on my way back from swimming my laps, I put my towel down on the grass and got out my sketchbook.  How lovely just to sit in the sun and draw.  When I got back to the villa, I got out those dried-up paints again and did some watercolor washes. I always lose myself when I paint - even when I am challenged by aging paint.

Well, am I glad I decided to do the sketch when I did... the next morning the lawn crew showed up and snip, snip... the flowers were gone and everything was trimmed back!  Plant life is lush here and I guess these guys know what they are doing... but those flowers would have lasted a little longer at our house.  Chances are, there will be more blooming within the week, but my sketch reminds me of my first sighting.

 Oh, how I look forward to fresh paint - tomorrow!

2012 and the 'Good Life'

Can it be that we are already half way into the first month of 2012?  Yikes, how did that happen?

Actually, I do know how that happened... we spent the first two weeks madly putting everything in order so we could escape to our wonderful retreat in Puerto Rico.  We are now lazily spending our days looking at palm trees and listening to the ocean waves break outside our door.

For the past few mornings my husband has asked me, "What is your agenda?"  One would think he just doesn't get it... but I know he does.

Well, my 'agenda' has been: leisurely breakfast, catch up on email, go to the pool, swim 1/2 mile, sit and read until lunch.  As if that is not enough, I brought my sketchbook with me...

I did a few ink sketches and then opened up my 'travel' watercolor bag.  Would you believe, all I found were some dried up paints!  I had forgotten to transfer my small tubes of paint into this bag...  'oh my', (or something stronger)...

Well, I would NOT let this ruin my relaxed mood...  I sprayed the dried-up paint and used it.  The colors are certainly not as strong... and I had left my turquoise (ocean color) at home, but ...

The good news is that friends and neighbors have come to my rescue. My neighbor found my paints and has delivered them to friends who are coming here soon.  My fresh paints will be here at the end of the week!

In the meantime, here are a few sketches of what we are seeing.

The view from our balcony...

There are palm trees everywhere - a big pot at poolside.

More tomorrow - maybe, it depends on my agenda...