Today's artist day in Crockett and Benicia

Today was an inspirational day from the start. I want to create a body of work to show for open studios which are May 1st, and 2nd in the arsenal. This morning Ben and I brainstormed about taking pictures as a tool for possible paintings and I have been wanting to check out Crockett, as it's so unique. The town of Crockett is only 20 miles away, and it's like stepping into a time machine, it's so different and quaint. The C&H sugar factory is it's mainstay and still runs to date. "The Plant is really quite impressive and like no other (surviving and operating) industry in Northern California, a classic multi-story brick edifice that would be more at home in the hills of Pennslyvania." I'd love to take a tour and see what it looks like inside, it is shockingly old fashioned in comparison to my town of Danville mere miles away.
After we took pictures of the factory we cruised around town and met William who lives on essentially a house boat right on top of some railroad tracks. He was a cool, mellow dude who happened to walk right by as I was taking pictures of his house. He likes living there even though trains go within feet of his walls every hour or so and tug boats drive right in front of his front door and splash his floorboards! So original, and he perfectly exemplifies this quirky little town.
After I got to the studio I had Fran and Mary come in, all full of life, and we all brainstormed more good ideas for this hip chick and her store. Thanks you two for your enthusiasm and support it always gets this hip chick fired up! I took some still life shots to keep my artistic juices flowing and then ended the day talking to Laura Ellington about her jewelry and how she needs to promote "make your own vintage necklaces". It was a creatively enriched day full of surprises and inspirations, what more could a girl ask for???!!!!