Getting together with friends to paint from life outdoors (en plein air) is intoxicating! The inspiration is never far away especially when you live in the Pacific Northwest. It is also one of the best ways to grow as a representational artist. 

Recently I made a proposal to Quimper Arts - a well established local organization that focuses on life drawing - to add a plein air component (a natural fit with their mission of working from life). They readily and happily agreed, divided up assignments and now a formal group with a standard paint out schedule is off and running. Not only do I learn so much about technique and materials and style when working with other artists but, since we take turns choosing locations, I'm learning more about my new community. 

I picked the location for our first outing and its no surprise that I chose the Port Townsend boat haven - a favorite subject of mine where boats of every description come to be made ready for their next adventure on the seas. The morning paint out coincided with low tide as a dozen of us set up along the water's edge. Looking across the bay towards Indian Island, I painted remnants of pilings from an old railroad pier. Even on this overcast day, contrast of light and dark was strong.

As I painted, the outgoing tide slowly settled the seaweed onto the newly exposed mudflats making for some delicious "Tide Soup".