My alma mater sent out nearly a 1000 sheets of 5x5 BFK Rives paper to artists all over the country, the returned pieces will be sold at the exhibition (in the gorgeous new Westmont Museum) in December.
I've never painted with oils on paper before and was a little nervous about how the paint was going to react with it. I used about 5 coats of clear gesso beforehand just to make sure it was enough....
I assume this couple was on a break from classes, judging by the backpack, either that or they were having a DTR (define the relationship) talk. Whichever one, the light was hitting them perfectly and that's what mattered most to me!
I wanted to do at least one painting for my show that was quintessentially Santa Barbara, I think this pretty much sums it up. Turns out I could have included the Mission too (had no idea you could see it from the pier) but it was just too small and would have looked pretty awkward.