Along a Petaluma Path

This sketch is more of a record of a few hours than a sketch of a specific time. I started this sketch along a path outside of Petaluma California early this morning when the skies were gray and there was not much contrast between the sky, hillside and tree. As I sketched the sun came out and the colors brightened. Despite my plan to stick to a single moment, I got pulled into darkening and brightening it up to match the changing conditions, which I always tell myself not to do. At some point a couple with a dog came by and I added them in over what I had earlier painted. 

I had fun painting and in the end am glad I added the dog. I like the way I captured his attention on the man.

This is a pencil, pen and watercolor sketch.