Spring training for the first time in years!

With the drought over and a genuine rainy season, I found myself very rusty after a season of slow methodical studio paintings. Here are the three plein air I've completed so far this month.

Eastern View Curry Point 9 x 12

My favorite place to paint on Mount Diablo, I thought was a good place to start.

Green Going 9 x 12

I was energized by finding this view of Mount Diablo near my house and wanted to paint the green before it went completely, we had a few 70 degree days and it is surprising how much the grass faded. I got this done in time for Saint Patricks Day.

Poppy Pastures 11 x 14

Nothing gets my paintbrushes dancing like the poppies on Mt Diablo. Going back as soon as it's sunny because the poppies don't open without sun.

Curry Point Spring and Curry Point Calm, what a difference a season of rain makes

Curry Point Spring 12 x 22

Curry Point Calm 12 x 22

Same location, six month's apart. Both times I wanted to see the snow on the Sierras, both times there was too much moisture in the air, but it was still very satisfying to paint the changes as this winter's rains brought an end to the drought scenes on  Mount Diablo.

Curry Point Calm 12 x 22 Plein Air Watercolor

 Curry Point Calm, Plein Air 12 x 22

The drought has brought out a very understated landscape, the subtle taupey /lavenders and buff grays are way out of my painting habits.
There is no point in going out to see if I am not going to try to be true to what is out  there
I liked this subject because it was a still day with no wind and I could see across the Central Valley to the Sierras.

Still staring at it, I think it is done, if I want more saturated color I would do another painting vs glazing this one over. It helps to remember sometimes less is more.