Watercolors From Puerto Rico

It was a month ago today that I celebrated my birthday in Puerto Rico. And today in the depths of January, it seems like a good moment to reflect back on the time I spent there, and the work I produced.

I took a small set of Windsor Newton watercolors with me. It contained only thirteen colors and white and I thought this vacation would be a good chance to explore a little color theory. I was of course inspired by the light of the beach and ocean in Puerto Rico. Below is a photo I made one morning sitting at the beach-side tables in front of out guesthouse.

The guesthouse is called Numero Uno and is located in the Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan.

Which made me think of Richard Diebenkorn and his series of paintings titled 'Ocean Park.

Richard Diebenkorn - Ocean Park #79 - 1975

My homages to Diebenkorn. Watercolor on Arches Paper - 12" x 9"

I would work during the middle of the day. Sitting outside my room, protected by a wall from the sun and the wind.

I would got out to the beach periodically, to swim, or to make a panoramic photo

The work became a bit more simplified as I the days went on. I felt like I had jumped in to quickly, and need to explore a few basics, both in terms of watercolor technique and color theory. Below are a few more pieces I made, roughly in chronological order. All are in my studio here in Chicago.

Just Back From Puerto Rico

I have a new camera and shot quite a bit on my recent trip to Puerto Rico. Below are a few black and white photos, with flash, emphasizing the graphic nature of the security gates that most buildings sport in San Juan. Beautiful, and yet a clear sign of the state of the Puerto Rican economy. I felt as safe there as I do in Chicago, but the urban infrastructure has taken a beating, both from the environment (tropical), and the financial situation.

Morning Sketch from Puerto Rico

I intend to post a few images of my sketchbook pages, but the severe weather and a little business have kept me from doing so. But I did find a few photos from one of my mornings sketch sessions, and have a corresponding drawing to go with it, so I will post those as a teaser.

I was rising early every morning in Puerto Rico. I would often be the only person around the guesthouse for a good hour before my traveling companions or other guests would appear. The continental breakfast was always available by 7am, but I did not even see the person that set it up, it just appeared. I would sit on the oceanside table and chairs, only 25 feet from my room, and over coffee and a sweet roll work in my sketchbook.
The results were not always without fault, but the practice was energizing.

Sketchbook Page - December 24, 2014

The oceanside chairs outside of Number Uno Guest House

Later, Michelle and Elena would join me. Early morning swims were mandatory.