San Francisco #3

Still in SF, I attended a life drawing on thursday, it was great with a costumed model.




Saturday, I walked and found myself neat Civic Center, the day was nice but super windy.
I want to add the golden details on the dome, with gouache, but don't have any at the moment.

Then I sat at Grand Cafe, on Geary, I sketched while drinking Hendrick's Gin and eating oysters.

 

What happened in SF wont stay in SF

I was sitting in San Francisco, one of my favorite city (#2 after Tokyo, but don't tell SF), at Sushi Boat, a sushi restaurant on Geary, Eating my favorite food, Sashimi, (from Edo AKA Tokyo, don't tell SF), drinking Sake...and I got in the mood. I wanted to paint. Groovy music was softly blasting, Lalo Shiffrinesque, It was like living in Bullit or Dirty Harry. My head was wobbling, It was time for a new cornerstone. I asked the waiter to change place, ordered another Sake, then unfold my arsenal. I started sketching, with one thing in mind "no corrections".(undo is the worst thing ever... after Hitler) What if we could undo Hitler.... then undo would be #1 on my list. Anyway, I kept sketching and started painting. For the first time in my life, I was in total communion with watercolors. We didn't argue, at least not very much. I gave her room, she rewarded me, I kept going. In the end I was left with one of the best experience on-site painting I've ever had.

PS:Jin, if you are reading this... I wish you were here.

San Francisco #2

I recently spent few days in San Francisco. I love being there, and that city love me. The diamond sparkling sidewalk and the beauty of the constant changing light from sunshine to fog in half a minute. With countless waves of panhandlers with each a unique way of approaching you. I've joined Dr Sketchy to wash down some tequila and shuffle my brushes. The highlight of that trip was the quest for the perfect burritos, and I think I found it at La Corneta on Diamond street. Steak & Shrimp, serious $%@%$! I also discover a great breakfeast place, Pinecrest Diner. They have a mean Reuben. Already looking forward to get there again.

San Francisco

Two quick studies I've done while I was in SF, the 1st one is the EA campus at Redwood, and the second one, is a dog on Haight street. I went to Napa, but by the time I started painting, the sun disappeared on the vineyard and I couldnt finish it. :) Too bad because it was a beautiful sight, at Whiterock winery, the wine tasting was quite nice too. One thing that strike me everytime I reach California, is the quality of the light. The sun is much brighter than everywhere else I've been. Very similar to south of france type of sun.