"Big Little Lies"

I expected last Monday to be quiet at the Venture Gallery.  Wrong!!!!!  A young woman came in and after some conversation revealed that she was from the HBO series,  "Big Little Lies",  in town while filming took place on the Monterey Peninsula.  She was searching for and purchased several of my paintings for the set of "Big Little Lies".  It turns out is was set decorator Amy Wells.  The paintings are off to LA.  I hope that they are used and when I watch the series , I see my work.  Pretty Cool.  

"Morning on the Edge" was chosen for the set.

Big Sur-Boronda Trail Hike

So .... on Tuesday I hiked the Condor Hike.  Our name for the hike because on numerous occasions we have seen condors winging over the ridges, sometimes coming close to check us out.  No Condors this time, and I was solo.  A VERY steep hike- straight up from Hwy 1, some 2500 ft up.

View down the coast was startlingly beautiful.  Took me three hours to make the trek to Timber Top, a small camp on the ridge.  It has changed through the years, with various fires etc., but amazing.  I am transformed each time I'm there. I  explored for views to the North as well.  

I had considered bringing my sketchbook,  but knowing the severity of the hike figured I wouldn't have the extra time.  

The two Indian camps were completely overgrown so that the shell middens were not visible.  The uppermost camp used to be enveloped by a massive oak, hundreds of years old.  It sheltered the Esselen no doubt.  We began to notice its demise years ago after a massive Big Sur Fire.  Now it stands only in fragments, cracked and broken in the grass, wanting a reunion with the earth.

May 4th RECEPTION--"The Wild Edge" - Watercolors of Big Sur

Friday Night was a great success!!!!  Three paintings walked out the door.   I displayed some of my plein air work, and people were very interested .    I knew many friends would be there, but was surprised by the turnout of people off the street.  Lots of good conversation about the artwork-very cool.  I prepared my baguettes-- sliced thin, toasted in olive oil, then a layer of honey/goat cheese, tomato and pesto.  Everyone had a great time, enjoying the art, wine,  etc.  Totally fun.  

May 4th Reception, 5-7pm, Venture Gallery, Monterey

So... yesterday was the final day painting down the coast in preparation for the Opening on May 4th.  I set up on the cliffs.  Several dozen squid boats were fishing just offshore.  My painting was 10x14, a bit light.  I worked on another one in the studio, but to no avail.  I have six being framed, larger, so may have to do without smaller ones for the show --time running out.

Monday on the Edge

so... walking along the edge of the cliffs hunting for the best place to set up.  Looking down on a sandy cove with an immense rocky outcropping ,  jutting into the water- layers laid down millions of years ago. I'm thinking the undulating lines make this an interesting subject, and yet, how detailed should I be.  So, no wind, sitting, painting timelessly.

Whales for company

So... on Monday I set up down the coast, on a promontory looking North.   A calm morning, warmish for March,  perfect for painting.  I chose to sit with the sun at my back, placed everything on the ground near me, and painted using a half sheet of 300lb paper.  As the day progressed, the clouds moved in, precursor to a front heading my way.  The wind picked up.  I placed rocks on my board  while drying between layers, so things wouldn't blow away.  I took breaks, stared at the vertical drop near me -- 50 feet down into dark water.  Also, noticed grey whales spouted fairly near shore.  I have to remember my binoculars.  Good whale watching until the white caps obscured things a bit.  A long way out, huge splashes-- humpbacks maybe?  Too far out to tell.  I was getting colder and I was losing the sun so I headed  back to the car.    

Welcome to Gordon Mayfield Art...

So….. I painted down the coast this morning.  The cove—perfect.   My chair, which usually works well for half sheets, was a challenge.  The day and scene were amazing.  Tides coming in convinced me to end my painting session early.