Lighthouses, with their picturesque ocean and cliffside settings, have long fascinated artists and historians. Though modern technology has replaced many traditional functions of lighthouses, they remain iconic symbols of maritime history. Painting these structures allows for creative freedom, adding elements from different eras to evoke nostalgia and timeless beauty.
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Exploring California’s Coast and Mountains: Weather Considerations and Scenic Goals
Planning a trip from south to north to optimize weather and see specific sights like alpine wildflowers in Oregon and coastal views in California, the author uses weather apps, maps, and Google Streetview. The goal is to capture scenes for watercolor painting, focusing on composition, color accuracy, and natural elements without human interference.
Read MoreCapturing El Capitan State Beach at Magic Hour
A campground and beach north of Santa Barbara feature ocean views and wildlife like dolphins. Noting the dramatic changes in light during “magic hour,” the writer captured the scene’s geological features with pencil, then painted with watercolors after. They enjoy exaggerating colors, particularly those enhancing interesting compositions.
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