SKETCHES FROM THE OREGON COAST

The main reason I went to the Oregon Coast was to visit the ocean and the rain forests there—so different in so many ways from high, dry eastern Idaho.  Along with other watercolor artists I spent some pleasant hours sketching and dealing with the challenge of a dramatic change in humidity.  Below are a sample of what I brought back.

Surf and Beach:

Garibaldi Marina:

Sitting in one location for an extended time is so different from rushing about trying to check off a list of tourist attractions. For example the scent of low tide, dead fish and the cedar sawdust from the nearby sawmill were heavy in the air at the Garibaldi Marina.  While there I watched the trollers (not the same, I learned, as trawlers), bringing in their catch.  I watched the guys in the fish house skillfully clean and fillet out huge salmon, tuna and halibut.

Trail through Old Growth Forest:

View from Cape Falcon:

I only took my sketch book and watercolor pencils here.  The hike was a little less than two miles but it was a switchback trail UP to a point so high we could look down on the flying sea birds.  While I sat there I discovered I was in the path of a little orange caterpillar.  I shooed him away but he kept marching back through the weeds.  I also had some interesting conversations with fellow artists and the hikers who came and went.

Manzanita Beach:

This one I may frame for myself.  It reminds me of a relaxed afternoon watching dog walkers, sand castle builders and joggers enjoy the beach.  The challenge was keeping sand out of my paint.