On the Beach
Watercolors from California’s Humboldt Coast
“In June and July, 2017, I spent many days sketching and photographing the surf along California’s far-northern coast. The mornings were often cloudy or foggy, but the sun usually came out in the afternoons, my favorite time to be there. Trying to sketch waves that keep moving was a challenge, but I enjoyed the rare opportunity to sit out there day after day. The time I spent just watching the waves, and the photos I took, are now helping me with some large ocean-surf drawings, my primary interest these days.”
“These beaches are mostly near Arcata, California. The Mad River meets the ocean there, and has influenced the shape of that coastline. Further north are the Humboldt Lagoons, whose beaches are built up by often-rough surf. To the south lies the Lost Coast, a region of steep cliffs and sandy coves that is only accessible on foot. One painting, ‘Winter Surf,’ was my favorite from a previous visit.”
Lee Mothes