Scenes

Because of the high humidity, the mountain range is very blue. I painted it as such, but thought it was too strong, and did a quick repaint, lightening up the blue. I think it is better. Unfortunately it was just painting paper and I tore the paper...but the learning was worth the exercise.

Starfruit Still Life

This still life is painted for the online workshop that I am doing. The starfruit came from a tree close by and the red flowers are from the jungle - no idea what they are called. The feel like plastic and hang in a cluster.

Pineapple Field

It is beautiful driving through the countryside. Besides banana, papaya and orange plantations, there are the grey/teal coloured pineapple fields. The mountain range is very blue in the distance, because of the humidity.

By the Stump

Today we all painted on the veranda, whatever was in front of us. The one side is filled with lush vegetation and interesting blooms that peek through.

In the Rain

Yesterday it rained and rained - hard - of course - it is the rainforest afterall. The banana tree in our yard stood out because it was closeby - everything else was blurred by the rain and humidity.

Jungle Path

Late Wednesday afternoon, I carried my equipment down to the stream, set up my easel on a patch of gravel and looked back up the way I had come. Daylight was minimal, mosquitoes started to bite, and howler monkeys COULD be nearby, so I painted as fast as possible. It was an exhilirating experience to be one with the jungle like this.

Vista

This one lone tree standing over the rest called for my attention. The air is humid so the background is lost in mist. It is very peaceful here.

Arenal Volcano

We have a perfect view of the volcano, but it is mostly shrouded in clouds. Now and then, the clouds move and we get to see the peaks, which are steaming and puffing. Everyone here has a personal feeling towards the mountain, and now we do too.

Queen of the Night

Gave these gorgeous delicate and oh so fragrant flowers another attempt - they are tricky and acrylic makes it even trickier. But I am learning. It was a joy to be with this flower as it danced and swayed in the breeze.

Across the Road

The building is wonky, both in my painting and in real life. I am undecided if this works ok in a painting or not - whether it would be better to adjust the structure....

Naranjas

This painting actually has more green in it, but the photograph is a bit off. I am starting to get a feel for acrylics and am happy to have them here because of the humidity. The girls were getting oranges for morning juice from the tree beside our casa - of course they had one of the local men up in the tree while they stood at the bottom with a basket. It was a painting in itself.

Costa Rica

I am in the rain forest in Costa Rica, next to the volcano Arenal. It is of course humid and warm, so I brought acrylics, thinking that this is the best medium for here. Must be true because that is what is in the galleries.
This is my first attempt at acrylics - ever, and is very different from oil and watercolour. So here goes...