Alemany Farmers' Market

The market was crazy as usual.  The air was full of the fragrance of vegetables and fruits.


I bought oranges, grapefruits, and avocados.  Then I went around looking for subjects to paint.  There were many potential subjects.  Finally I settled on this old pick-up truck, which was carrying cases of Spring strawberries.  In the back of the vehicle, tall wooden rails were installed on three sides to hold the strawberries in place.  From a distance, I could see 2-3 workers unloading strawberries to the sales booth under the pavilion structure.  I was attracted to the scene of hard working laborers in the morning with the farm truck.


The market's bathroom was on my left front side.  People kept going in and out, or stopping by the drinking fountain next to it.  I used the facility in the painting as a stepping stone to lead to the truck scene .


I was glad to be out there to enjoy the sunny atmosphere of the market, even though I was often interrupted by friendly people.







laborers unloading strawberries



Half Moon Bay A.M.



I enjoy going to Half Moon Bay (HMB) for outdoor painting.


This time I drove on Main for a few blocks, then turn left to Johnson.  There I spotted the Community United Methodist Church.  It looked like it would be a good subject.  I walked around the area for a couple of blocks to get a sense of the overall environment.  Johnson was wide and empty during this time.  Residential houses sat neatly along both sides.  It will be a bright sunny day.  The distant sky is clear with faint blue and yellow patches, and green hills right below.  I set up on the southwest side facing north towards the church.


As soon as I started to sketch, UPS/FedEx trucks appeared at the curb, blocking my view.  What an unlucky coincidence.  Why didn't they stop on the other side of the street?  Fortunately, they left shortly.  Good.  I really wanted to concentrate on my work.
 

Later on, a few doors down, there was an open house.  A couple walked in and out.  The wide open, empty street prompted a question.  "Should I fill something in or simply narrow the width?"  At that moment, a garbage truck popped up seemingly out of nowhere.  I quickly sketched it into my picture along with two workers.  A lady came to fetch her empty garbage can.  She got sketched in also.  It was only then that I realized there was a line of garbage cans sitting along the curb on this side of street the whole time!


The sketch was about 90% done.  I packed up to meet with the other HMB Plein Air Painters.  The real estate agent of the open house happened to be outside.  I waved.  She came over to look at the watercolor.  "You're selling the house", I said.  "Oh, I hope I'll sell the house!"  "You will.  The economy's getting better."  Finally, she mentioned that she does oil painting.






Community United Methodist Church on Johnson Street