Here is another series of sketches done during a quick train ride up to Santa Barbara the day after Christmas. To me there are some advantages to sketching the subject in the heat of the moment, and painting it later in the studio: 1. There is no pressure to get it all done at the time. Making a quick sketch of a passing scene, or of waiting out on a cold platform for a train is good practice. Sometimes the more time I have to sit and paint, the more time I have to overwork the sketch or put too much in. 2. Having a simplified armature of a scene to paint allows me to explore color, value and composition in a relaxed, free and experimental manner. Not being tied to reality is a great benefit

I few days later I took the Pacific Surfliner down to San Diego for the day. I arrived at Union Station early and headed up to the platform in time to make a few sketches of the train. A train station is an excellent venue to practice perspective. I did a quick sketch of the scene outside the window right before departure, and another train car view. I made a few graphic notes of the ARTIC train station during a three minute stop and practiced a few 30 second speed sketches from the train as we approached San Diego. After lunch I walked along the harbor area, sketching Anthony’s Fish Grotto (as it will soon be closing), and the Midway aircraft carrier. Downtown San Diego is still growing as