To Catch a Thief

IncredibleArtist.com, my gallery in Palm Springs has many of my paintings, along with other artists from the gallery, on display at the Hyatt Hotel on Palm Canyon in Palm Springs. It has transformed the previously bare lobby into a real art showplace. While I was away, a thief, accompanied by his girlfriend, took a large giclee of this "California Commute" off the wall and casually strolled out of the hotel onto the street. Luckily, the security guard who was patrolling the second story overlooking the lobby saw him as he walked out of the building. He was quite a distance from him but ran down the stairs and managed to catch him on the street and grabbed the painting shouting, "What do you think you're doing?" The thief and his girlfriend took off running and the guard was unable to catch them. Thank goodness he saved the art.

Plein air painting in Uruguay

After saying that I didn't have time to paint on vacation, I realized the only way to have the time is to make the time. So, yesterday I carted my portable watercolor pad and palette to the beach and just got to it. No great masterpieces, but it was fun. I forgot how difficult it is to paint outdoors...to capture shifting light and moving waves, etc. Challenging, but satisfying. This is a one-hour sketch of a cruise ship into Punte del Este for the day. 8" x 10" on Arches cold pressed watercolor block. Two little girls, 5 and 3 came over and watched me paint for quite some time. They were adorable. Can't wait to tackle all the photos I have taken. Flight home leaves tomorrow night at 11 PM. Hate to leave. Back to California on Saturday.

Punte del Este Uruguay

Daily ritual after 3 hours of morning walking....cappuccino and agua con gas (carbonated water) with popcorn or sweets.

One of many delightful artists studios

View at Sunset

The famous "Mano" sculpture

Sea Lions sit patiently on the docks waiting for breakfast.

Punte del Este is regarded as one of the best seaside resorts in the world. I have to agree.

It is clean, and safe and beautiful. Warm sun and cool breezes and lots to see and do. Don't tell anyone, though. Let's just keep it our little secret. Only 6 more days til must return to reality.

But, lots of wonderful subject matter collected for future paintings.

Traveling to Montevideo Uruguay

Just spent 3 days in Montevideo. Lots to see and enjoy. The beaches on the Rio de la Plata, the River Plate. Looks like an ocean, but is a salt water river which connects with the Atlantic Ocean in Punte del Este, Uruguay. Recycling is done with horses and carts. Beautiful architecture. Wonderful food. Tomorrow off to Punte del Este. More later. And of course, paintings to follow.