A Story Behind a Painting

Many years ago when we resided in the Puget Sound area of Washington state, I took some young students for a plein air painting outing in an area they had requested.  They lived close by and were intrigued by and desired to paint a signal light at Brown's Point at the edge of the shoreline.  They called it a lighthouse.  However, it was not an actual lighthouse as I expected, but signal light mounted on a stand for sea-going vessels.  We sketched and painted a few hours until late afternoon.

When we turned to leave, I was astonished to see the most amazing scene behind us!  It was a stunning view of a collection of eclectic homes perched on a steep hill on the edge of the shore.  The warm late afternoon sun cast wonderful light and shadows.  The tide was out, exposing the shoreline.

I have sketched and painted this scene repeatedly both when the tide was in as well as out - using multiple mediums from soft pastels, pen & ink, watercolor and most recently oil.

"Brown's Point ~ Tide Is Out"

Patricia Lee Christensen

Oil on Wood Panel 12" x 9"

"Brown's Point"

Ink on Paper

Patricia Lee Christensen

Pastel in progress using pen & ink sketch as reference.

"Brown's Point Sunset"

Patricia Lee Christensen

Pastel on Ampersand Pastel Board

10" x 8"

"Brown's Point - Tide Is In"

Watercolor, Pen & Ink plus Gesso

Patricia Lee Christensen

I think the moral to this tale is to take a 360 degrees look around your surroundings!  You never know what you are missing!

I hope you see the amazing views around you today!
Patricia