Summer Goals

Summer is finally here and after a very busy Spring it is time to set some summer goals.Although I am a graphic designer, I had to take many fine art classes to get to this point in my life. When I was younger I considered those classes as a "means to an end"—becoming a graphic designer. Now, I am beginning to realize how much I enjoyed those drawing and painting classes. I can't just create a paying job whenever I want, but I can create a drawing, painting or mixed media project whenever I want. My goal is to keep my brain exercised. So this Summer I am challenging myself to paint two finished works of art each week. Some may be simple, some complex. Just get it done.I am starting with a watercolor painting my favorite hotel, The Moana Surfrider in Waikiki Hawaii. This historical hotel is the birthplace of international surfing and has a charming plantation feel. plus it's  right on the beach. Duke Kahahamoku, the father of  surfing and olympic swimming medalist grew up on this beach. The hotel is filled with memorabilia of the early days of Waikiki. The center court faces the ocean and is shaded by the biggest Banyan tree I have ever encountered.  Facing the street, the front porch has giant rocking chairs to lounge in and allows for  fantastic people watching and plenty of street artist performances. Within a few steps you can find shopping, fine dining, sculpture, an aquarium and a zoo. Oh yeah, and of course the beach. Did I mention the beach?Below: the Westin Moana SurfriderHere is a link to the google maps street view I am using to paint from. did you know you can drag that little person onto the map and look around as if you are there? If you haven't ever tried it your should—virtual travel is the next best to being there. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=hawaii+usa&sll=42.052611,-124.283982&sspn=0.22561,0.503311&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hawaii&layer=c&cbll=21.276899,-157.826464&panoid=R6ohlag071WckQiCjL4FTA&cbp=12,212.27,,0,-10.1&ll=21.27683,-157.826387&spn=0.002212,0.003932&z=19My sketch of the hotel is light because it will show through the paint if it is too dark. The blue border is painter's tape, it holds down the edges of the watercolor paper.Below: laying in washes of colorMORE TO COME[slideshow]This is my final painting. It is much brighter than the actual hotel, I guess I just don't know how else to paint. Sometimes I get caught up in the details and don't like how I am painting. I want to encourage others to keep going. In the end, the little details do not seem to matter so much. I have to force myself to complete paintings sometimes. It is hard to allow mistakes, but do it anyway. It is so worth it! You will learn in the process.Follow along with me, or if you are really interested you can paint with me. If you are not an artist, you can challenge your creative brain with cooking, gardening, or something else. What will your summer goal be?