View of Chevron(?) from Crest Avenue, Point Richmond

Standing under the shade of a large tree, I decided to concentrate on the vast industrial complex to the east of our spot (I presume that it's Chevron and other chemical plants). The pattern of train lines and freeways was fascinating and speeding cars were so tiny and fast I decided to leave them out. The industrial colors were also quite beautiful when viewed from this distance and I really enjoying applying the paint on this day, without worrying about it looking fake. I may add more to this because I didn't complete the hills on the horizon and far distance but I suspect that I might overdo it again and am tempted to leave this as it is.

Saturday, July 10

We will meet at a high spot in Point Richmond. Bring your own water and a cell phone.

Directions: From Berkeley, take 580 towards Marin and get off at Gerrard. Get off on Castro St exit and make a left on Castro Street. Go under the freeway and you will end up on Tewksbury Ave. Make a left on Tewksbury and continue along the freeway until you hit Washington Ave. Make a right on Washington and go to the small plaza with a statue. The road forks. Stay on your right continue up the hill on Washington. Pass Scenic St. and make a left on Crest Ave. Park at a small lot near the end of Crest Ave, by the trailhead.

From elsewhere, just take Richmond Parkway west all the way past the dump, and get off toward the end, on Castro St. North. Follow the same instructions as above to gt to the en of Crest Ave.

Albany Bulb

I have been using a spatula a lot lately. On overcast days like this my palette is very limited. I only had one blue, one red, and two yellows. I got lost looking for the sculptures and instead of wasting more time ended up at this familiar spot where I got to meet several of its residents. Some said they enjoyed art, and a couple were knowledgeable about the medium. But there was one man who was having a dialogue with himself and going up and down the hill who didn't stop to look. Metal from the landfill is departing in carts pulled by cyclists who are selling it as scrap metal, and it was that rattle the only thing that disturbed the peace.

End of Crest Ave, Point Richmond

We drove up Washington and took a left on Crest Ave. I had spied a trailhead that I thought would let us look at the town from above without trampling on anyone's front lawn. We parked at the end of Crest Ave, but it was such a hot day that Karen and Fran decided to stay in the shade of the trees at the beginning of a steep uphill trail that leads to an incredible 360 degree view of Point Richmond, Richmond, Pinole, and Miller Knox Park. I had picked a great spot but it turned out to be full of poison oak, so I moved higher and ended up with this view of the Chevron Pier and the San Rafael bridge.

GIVE Graffiti

At the Albany Bulb park. Marilyn and I tried to find a wind sheltered spot. I saw this graffiti that seemed more positive than some others we saw. It was very foggy then later the sun came out and everything changed. There wasn't that much contrast in light so I hoped that the color would do the job. I added some contrast after the sun appeared.
Larry Hatfield
10x14" watercolor

Point Richmond and Mare Island

 

Both these paintings incorporate parking lots. Mare Island was a very quiet place. We wanted a more urban view but actually it felt so abandoned that it had no real city life. Point Richmond has a lot going on but it is hard to find a spot to paint that is closer to activity of the town so I ended up with an overview.  They are both acrylic.

Monday, June 5

We will be going to the Albany Bulb. There is no water and no bathrooms. Bring some protection from the sun, your cell phone and drinking water.
Directions: On highway 80, take the Buchanan exit if coming from Berkeley, Emeryville or Oakland. Go toward the water and under the freeway. continue west.  Take the Albany exit if you're coming from El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Martinez or Richmond. Proceed along the frontage road, go under the freeway and make a left on any of the streets leading to Albany, then a right at the first opportunity. Turn right on Buchanan and go under the freeway. You will see the racetrack parking lot to your left and some marsh to your right. park at the end of the road, by the trailhead if possible so we can see each other.