Albany Hill From Potrero (Revised)

This one took two visits and considerable revision in my studio. The weather was very different on the first visit and I had easel issues. The location is fantastic. I would return there an day.

Cummings Skyway

We will meet Monday, Feb 27 at the turnout after the Cumming Skyway exit on 80.  If the weather is bad or windy I will post another location by noon on Monday. We will probably go to Lake Anza it is windy because there is protection there.

Ling Painting

Karen, Ling and Carol

Last Monday the weather looked very threatening but we went to the Skyway anyway and it was calm and the sun came out.  Sharon Hind-Smith
 took some photos of us.
Remind me never to wear this outfit again

Potrero Ave, El Cerrito

The trail going uphill westward of Potrero Ave has amazing views of Albany Hill and the bay. Turn right on San Pablo Ave and go up Potrero, or get on North Arlington and turn right on Potrero to go downhill.  Park near 7740 Potrero Ave, El Cerrito. That location is the point nearest to the trailhead leading into the northernmost portion of the Hillside Natural Area. 

Park on the street and wait for the others. We will walk to the trailhead ten minutes after the time we meet. Dress warmly, bring water and your cell phone, and either a backpack or a cart that can handle a dirt trail. We will not walk very much. Here's a map: 
View Larger Map

Cummings Skyway


We will try again to go to Cummings Skyway for this Monday, Feb 20.  The weather report said it might rain again (always on Monday) in the mid day.  So look at your email or on the blog to make sure. Otherwise we will meet at the turnout after the exit from E80.

Cummings Skyway session cancelled because of weather

We will try again on Monday,  Feb 20- we will try to go back to Cummings Skyway. But this time we are going to a site overlooking the strait.  Rain is in the forecast so check the blog to see if it has been cancelled.

We will meet at the exit from 80 at Cummings Skyway.  There is a turnout just after the exit where you can wait for the others.

Near Rydin and Central Ave

Hoffmann Marsh, Near Central Ave, Oil on canvas 18 x 24"
I warn that this is not a good photograph of the painting. I used the paint knife the whole time. The palette was cadmium red, cadmium yellow, lemon yellow, pthalo blue, titanium white and ultramarine blue.

Potrero Ave, El Cerrito

We'll continue our exploration of the El Cerrito hills. The area offers a combination of urban and green views. Turn right on San Pablo Ave and go up Potrero, or get on North Arlington and turn right on Potrero to go downhill.  Park near 7740 Potrero Ave, El Cerrito. That location is the point nearest to the trailhead leading into the northernmost portion of the Hillside Natural Area. We have not painted there yet.

Park on the street and wait for the others. We will walk to the trailhead ten minutes after the time we meet. Dress warmly, bring water and your cell phone, and either a backpack or a cart that can handle a dirt trail. We will not walk very much. Here's a map:
View Larger Map

Albany Hill From Hoffmann Marsh

Albany Hill from Hoffmann Marsh, 18 x 24" Oil on masonite
I went to the marsh twice, then revised in the studio. I opted to change the canal's shape slightly because of composition. Masonite is my favorite painting surface.

Cancelled: Cummings Skyway

Session cancelled on Monday, Feb 6 because of wind.  We will try again next week.

We will meet at the Cummings Skyway exit off 80. There is a turnout right after the exit where we gather.  We will paint at the first large turnout that gives a view of the strait.  Hopefully it will not rain but check the blog in the morning for any updates.