New Year's in the Keys

I had the incredible opportunity to spend the week of New Years Eve in Key West.  While staying at our friends time share, I took advantage of the wonderful weather to do some sketching.  With these three sketches, I am now past the halfway point of my goal of actually finishing a sketch book.

                                      Watercolor on paper 9x7

There was an enchanting swing by the pool that overlooked the ocean.  I never did take advantage of the swing, but many people did.

                                  Watercolor on paper 9x7

The first painting that I did down in the Keys.  This is the view from the balcony of the windward side of the island that I woke to every morning.  We ate breakfast every day sitting out here, watching the joggers, cyclists, boaters and wavecraft drivers.  I completed this in about 10 minutes, just a quick sketch in ink and a rough watercolor. It was the perfect way to start the trip.

                                  Watercolor on paper 9x7

The pool at the complex was always filled with clusters of sun worshipers avoiding the northern cold.  In previous trips, I had contemplated many times sketching down here, but never sketching this scene.  I always felt it was a bit more complex than I was capable of doing.  But when the mood struck me, I just went with it and became lost in the process.  There is nothing more "zen" for me than painting in this matter.

 I think this trip was a major success in many ways.  Sun, watercolor & rum runners is Big Medicine.  And to top it all off, I met Guy Fieri at the airport.  A great way to end a great vacation.