14 Palms at Sunset

Shoreline Park in Santa Barbara is one of those places that almost makes the cost of existing in California understandable. Stunning views of the ocean, cool breezes, and sunsets that make you say “C’mon! Seriously!”

If I lived in the area I would definitely do a number of plein air sessions at this location, but I had to settle for personal photos taken while strolling the shoreline. Interestingly, I started this piece a couple months ago, then set it aside and just didn’t get back to it for awhile. In that gap I managed to inadvertently delete my reference photo! 

Turns out my bonehead move was a bit of good fortune as it forced me to work from memory and not a photo reference. Turns out I rely too much on photo details, which often distort values and hues, and it was easier to capture the essence of this scene without the distraction. 

As to the composition itself, this was the first time I’d done something with such a strong sun. While it’s not meant to be the focal point, it’s the source of brilliant light that envelops the palms and makes them spectacular. From a design perspective, I wanted to incorporate some strong contrasts between the tops and bottoms of the palms, whereby the tops were more painterly and softened, while the bases were structured and crisp. The intent is to have the viewer drawn to the center of the palms bathed in sunlight, but then move up and down the trees to see the different light effects. 

Lastly I’ll note the intentional exclusion of people, picnic tables, cars, and other such signs of humanity. Sometimes that’s done because I’m lacking motivation (or skill) to tackle those details, but in this instance it’s a nod to Santa Barbara as the source of Earth Day, which was started here way back in 1969. 

#artbern #berntx #crashboomzip #abplanalp #austinartists #atxart #santabarbara #earthday #shorelinepark #palms #palmtrees #sunset #california