Tia Queta

I set up across from Tia Queta, a charming Mexican restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland, and a family-owned business. As usual, passersby stopped by my easel to chat, and more than one emphasized how nice the owner of the restaurant is. 

Sure enough, the owner, Roberto, sauntered by to see what I was up to. He was indeed a delightful guy! He offered to move his truck -- that's it in the painting -- but I liked the truck and encouraged him to leave it there. In fact, the truck was probably the most successful part of the painting! I’m out of practice with plein air, having hibernated all winter, and I’d forgotten how fast the light changes — and how challenging it is to draw complicated architecture in an hour or so. I didn't get a great photo before delivering the painting, plus I wasn’t happy with my incomplete roof, so the top and side of this image are both cropped a bit.

Roberto liked my effort, flaws and all, so I gave him the painting, and in exchange he treated me and my family to a free dinner — a very generous gesture! The food was terrific. I highly recommend the tamales. We will go back soon and pay full fare.

Geoff Watson, “Parked at Tia Queta (study),” oil on panel, 8” x 8” (detail), 2019.

View from poolside

It was a beautiful but hot day, so I decided to draw and paint at the swimming pool. I wasn't sure I'd finished coloring this piece when it was time to leave, but maybe less is more? 

Geoff Watson, "View from poolside," ink and watercolor on paper, 4" x 8," 2018.

Here's a picture of the piece after I'd finished drawing, with just one thin wash of watercolor on one part of the roof. I love drawing architecture! If the weather stays this hot, I may draw this building a lot this summer.  

Geoff Watson, "Drawing from poolside," ink and watercolor on paper, 4" x 8," 2018.

Bethesda Lane

Bethesda Lane is a lovely pedestrian mall sandwiched between two busy streets in downtown Bethesda.  Its defining feature is this graceful arch.  People come to eat at the various outdoor cafes or just to sit and relax.

Last week I did a watercolor study at this spot, and today I returned to try my luck with oils.  I had an easier time drawing the scene this time, and I was happy to get some people into the action.  Unfortunately it was rather a dreary day, and the lighting conditions weren't great.  I'd like to return one more time to try to capture more vibrant colors.  I love this spot, so I shall return! 

Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Lane," oil on panel, 16" x 20," 2018.

Looking up

Today I spent a couple hours on my back porch looking up. In particular, I was looking up at the dormer or eaves above the porch, and at the windows and roof and gutter. The result is still a work in progress, but I'm happy with what I have so far.

Obviously I need to add a sky. Right now the gray background is the unpainted surface of my gray-tinted panel. I'm inclined to add a sky with no trees, to keep the composition clean and simple. I also have to refine the shapes and colors of the architecture. Alas, it's going to rain this weekend, so I may not get back to this for a few days. It's a good start, though!

Geoff Watson, "Looking up" (work in progress), oil on panel, 8" x 10," 2017.