The following three paintings are based on my seeing a vignette of birch trees during a drive down a rural, fir tree-lined road. I turned a corner and there they were. Their white bark against a dark background becomes more of a contrast after the rain we just had and their colorful, fall leaves showed varying shades of yellow and red. They were glorious. Because I was driving, I could only take a mental picture. As soon as I got home, I painted two of the three paintings back to back. I didn't want to lose the inspiration.
The beaches here in the Northwest are rocky, mostly, and lined with fir trees. In the winter, low clouds and fog give them their unique Northwest feel. When the wind picks up, bending the trees and making the water choppy, I like to snuggle up by the fire with something warm to drink.
This painting depicts one of my favorite parks to visit - Kopachuck State Park. This is a view you may see in winter if your looking towards Raft Island. Some time during the summer months, there are so many living sand dollars that you cannot make a step without stepping on 20 at once. One day they will be there in droves and the next they are gone. Same with the driftwood. Large pieces of trees will plant themselves, with the help of a storm and the tide, into the rocky beach. Those tree sculptures will stay for some time, but when a new storm comes they will probably be replaced with a new installment of tree sculptures. A magical beach.
Just about anywhere you are on the Puget Sound, and facing West, you will see sunsets like these. Colorful and vibrant. You could be on a ferry or on one of the many hidden beaches.
