"Between the Rocks" ©katycauker.com

Last day painting from July 2012 Sandgren Paint Out.

I painted with Quin Sweetman on Sunday, we stayed until dusk painting at Seal Rock State Park perched on the sloping path that looks down into the crevasse where water surges in and out with the tides. Along with the ebb and flow of the waves the cormorants fly in and out off the rock cliffs where their nests are tucked away, creating a crisscross pattern in movement and sounds. The dynamics of the space make it a challenge for me to draw. I always want to get the mass of the rock cliffs, it seems the fundamental statement to make. Another aspect is the contrast between craggy, sharp shapes of the crystalline rock formations with the soft edge flow of the water. I think for me there is symbolism in the difficult situation between the rocks and the water that is alleviated by escape to the peaceful sea and horizon. There is always away to succeed, there is always a path you can follow that will lead you out of your difficult circumstances.