Santa Barbara, watercolour, 15" x 11"

The 'Ice House'.

Santa Barbara, watercolour 15" x 11"

Views to the Sierras from the corner of the Courthouse.

Santa Barbara. watercolour 15" x 11"

Plein Air painting at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and its Sunken Gardens - Our Patreon group, day 1!

Santa Barbara, watercolour 15" x 11"

The Ice House and Wharf

El Presidio, Santa Barbara, watercolor, 15" x 11"

El Presidio in Santa Barbara is a historic Spanish fort built in 1782, right in the centre of the city. It was made with thick white adobe walls and red tile roofs, and some of the original buildings are still standing today. The site is now a 'park' with old buildings, shady trees, and open spaces, and you can walk around and explore the history.

Santa Barbara, watercolour 11" x 15"

Santa Barbara, watercolor 15" x 11"

On this particular day, the light was soft and slightly hazy, giving the distant hills a beautiful blue-grey wash. I wanted to capture that sense of calm and space, so I kept my brushwork loose and let the watercolour do what it does best—suggesting rather than spelling out every detail. The reflections in the water and the little group of ducks added just enough interest in the foreground, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene.

I find that painting plein air like this really sharpens my observation skills. You have to work quickly, making decisions about composition and colour on the spot. It’s a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding.

Monte dei Bianchi, watercolour 15" x 11"

Posara, watercolour 15" x 11"

West Littleton, UK, Watercolour 15" x 11"

Plein air across the meadows

Church Street Tetbury

Laycock Abbey

Market Hall Tetbury

Chipping Steps - Tetbury