"sea fever"

Caribbean scenes
(9x11 sheet)

Since I haven't painted at all in a while, I thought I'd start out using my "cheap," lightweight paper, the paper I usually use for one- or two- minute poses in life classes, where you barely get anything down and have no time to correct.

And now I know, firsthand, why art teachers always say to never use cheap paper! I intended to do these just in one pass--no layering, no alterations ... But, once I started, there were things I wanted to do--like soften the hard edge at the top of the wave in the first painting--that the paper would not allow.
You never know where you may want to go with a painting, even if you planned to only do a quick sketch, so always use good paper.

San Cristobal fort, Puerto Rico
(9x11 sheet)

............................................................
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the seagulls crying.
...........................................................

from "Sea Fever," John Masefield