This was a perfect morning looking towards the west off Ocean Drive in Newport, RI.  The view with the stillness and clouds was surreal – luckily, I was able to capture the moment to immortalize the magic later. 

One advantage to painting around Newport is the variety of environments that mark the interface between the shore and the sea.  From the wildness of the Ocean Drive to the urban bustle of Thames Street, there is never a lack of interesting and ever changing features that can inspire the artist.  I almost never leave home without my trusty camera that I can use to catch the momentary beauty that appears when I least expect it.   While I enjoy my early morning plein air painting sessions, I cannot count on being able to sketch quickly enough to capture the drama and unique beauty that surprises me.