Sketchbook – Leslie Landers

Painting Roatan

Every year I take a trip with three wonderful friends that I met when I was living in Colorado. This year we were in Roatan with plans to catch up over good meals and morning scuba dives. I had been to Roatan before but pretty much stayed and had all my meals at a dive resort so I didn’t see much of the Island and I was looking forward to exploring a bit. While this was not really a painting trip, I did make time to paint between activities.

I’ve added the people to this view of West Bay Beach to convey a sense of the activity. Turns out this is a really nice snorkel beach. We enjoyed daytime snorkeling near the point and a night time snorkel just a bit beyond. I lost count of the free swimming octopus we saw in our flashlights. “West Bay Beach” (11″ x 14″ oil on linen panel)

The rock outcropping at the end of the beach is made of ancient coral which has been undercut by the waves. This made a particularly good painting spot because it was the only spot on the beach with shade. I enjoyed observing the color changes (shade vs sunlit) on the beach and foreground water while I was painting. “West Bay Rocks” (10″ x 8″ oil on linen panel)

The town of West End is actually east of West Bay Beach. I think the road was extended after the town was established. I really enjoyed this town particularly because of the low key local (rather than resort) feel. And, it’s easy to catch a water taxi between the town and larger beach. “Roatan Water Taxis” (8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel)

One of the places we stayed was a very nice house in a small resort development. I am not completely sure that I would have thought the adjacent horse stable would be plus but it was all so well kept there were no downsides and I was able to practice painting one of the residents. “Island Pony” 8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

Hibiscus flowers just sing of the tropics making it fun to paint the intense colors and happy forms. “Tangerine Hibiscus” 6″ x 6″ oil on panel

Autumn in the Eastern Sierra

This is the second year in a row that I’ve been fortunate enough to paint along Eastern Sierra streams with gorgeous fall colors. We were thinking we might be hitting Highway 395 a bit late for peak color and there had been forecasts of rain and snow.

Fortunately for us, there was tons of color to savor while we were there and a dusting of snow on the peaks as a bonus. Our first stop came along Tioga Pass itself as we approached Lee Vining. There was just time for a quick painting next to the sounds of rushing creek water. The aspen leaves blowing on my palette served as a color check. My painting of the spot has been pretty much left as is though I’m not sure I consider it to be a finished piece. In any case, I am very interested in hanging on to the sense of fresh air in this little painting. “Autumn, Lee Vining Creek”

I didn’t get a chance to paint in McGee Canyon last year but fell in love the stunning views. Not only are the aspen beautiful but the purples, greens and magenta tones of the brush make a lovely counterpoint. Too windy for a tripod, I painted this in my lap and found my wet panel covered in seeds from the surrounding brush. The painting is not finished but I have been able to remove the seeds. “Waking Canyon”

I painted this in the June Lake Loop area near where we were staying. I’ve only had enough time to sort out the composition and block things in while I was by the stream and took it from there once I was home. I am not sure it’s finished but it is close. I thought I ws going to add the drifts of aspen leaves as they came down the stream but now think there is already plenty going on for very small painting. I left out the ducks too. I may have a go at a larger studio painting of a similar view. “Rush Creek at Rest”

The Lundy Canyon views of mountains, rock formations, colorful aspen and quietly reflective beaver ponds is pretty magical. Unfortunately, we had to call a rain delay at when we arrived at our planned painting spot. Still, as we were leaving the canyon, the sun came out and we happened on a delightful spot by the river. Turned out to be wonderful to the colors of the water and rocks beneath the surface. Joyful low-key moments to wrap up our experience. “Mill Creek in Gold” and “Mill Creek Bank”

I’m still basking in the glow of the Eastern Sierras and hoping for an opportunity to visit and paint again there next year.

Painting Mariposa

I’m posting this while on a on a painting trip with Allied Artists West. We are chasing fresh air and fall colors.

Most of these pieces were painted on the property of a friend who has a home here. Veronica hosted dinners each evening of our Artists Retreat and taught us a bit about mono-printing as well. I may post on that separately.

Next … A few of us are on our way to the Eastern Sierra hoping to catch some fall colors.

Albion Plein Air Retreat

A week of painting our beautiful coast with a 25 artists. I went with 3 friends I frequently paint with. We kind of liked being referred to as the “Fab Four” while enjoying making new artist friends. Artist John Hewitt arranged it all. I am hoping to join again next year.

The images above that include titles link are linked to views of the finished pieces.

Painting Kauai

With views of the Pacific and mountains that rise vertically from the ocean covered with ferns, Kauai is a paradise for a painter.

The friends I went to Kauai have been buddies for decades. We used to work together in Denver. After two of us moved out of state, we began arranging an annual trip. For me, this time is always a highlight of the year.

Coastal Painting Trip

So enjoyed a painting getaway with a delightful painting buddy. We set up at three locations ,,, Garrapata, Point Lobos and Pacific Grove.

Painting in the Sierras

What an exhilarating experience to spend a week painting in the mountains with friends. As a bonus, we were so fortunate to hit the fall colors at their peak.

Some of these pieces are finished, some will get some attention in the studio and others will remain as field studies.

Plein Air Cavo Kortia

My May visit to Greece was pretty much perfect. For decades, I’ve taken an annual trip with three friends I first got to know when I lived in Colorado. This year we headed to Athens and points beyond.

While I painted in Athens, my favorite spot for plein air painting was along the rocky shore just below the apartment we rented at Cavo Kortia which is near the small town of Kyparissi in the Peloponnese. The piece with the boats was painted while enjoying cocktails with my friends on the terrace of our rented apartment. Then it was off to a wonderful dinner at a terrific open air restaurant on-site. Doesn’t get any better.

My Paintings Find a Home at La Playa Carmel

I have long appreciated the La Playa Hotel in Carmel for its historic feel, beautiful gardens, swimming pool and ocean views. I love it even more now with three of my small paintings hanging in the entry salons.

My paintings “Standing Watch “ and “What Remains” are in the reception foyer. “Pocket Cove” hangs alongside an Alice Weil still life in the fireplace lobby area.

The paintings were acquired as part of a $15 million hotel wide renovation lead by the Post Company. The beautiful renovation respects the historic nature of the hotel and delivers an elegant calm. The project was recently profiled in New York Times’ T Magazine.

The property began as the stone home of painter Chris Jorgensen in Carmel’s early days becoming a hotel 101 years ago.

Bonaire Sketchbook

This trip was with my mom. Our main plan was to swim, snorkel and enjoy the tropical sunshine. A bonus for me has been to paint at the adjacent harbor as well as near the beach.

Bonaire is a delightful island in the Leeward Antilles and just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela.