Padilla Bay No.3
10×20 inches Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas
Padilla Bay No. 3 is a plein air landscape painting created at Padilla Bay in Skagit Valley, Washington. This area is known for its coastal wetlands, shoreline trails, and unique meeting of forest and beach environments. The painting focuses on the dense textures, movement, and changing light that define the Padilla Bay landscape.
Nature always teaches and in this case it was a lesson in patience. This spot was at the end of a 45 min walk, a last chance attempted walk down at the beach after walking the above trail. This area is pretty unique, the beach and trees smashing together along the cliff edge, allowing a great view at trees and textures looming above and outwards. I’ve been focusing on interwoven textures and plants and this instantly checked that box when I saw it. Compounded with the wind, its expression within the tree and its movement, I was affected by the strong winds, not allowing a relaxed painting session. Maybe it hasn’t been mentioned, but meeting people the energy I get from those interactions is very impactful. Even details as small as where I’m standing and how I’m standing is meaningful. Being on the beach, in loose rock, on a slope meant I was constantly repositioning and moving, but having to take care of that movement as I could trip pretty easy; the tide even came pretty far in towards the end, luckily this one’s all finished regardless.
