That little palm was my initial delight and focal point. It lit up like a candle every morning. I couldn't stand to miss it. As the painting progressed I decided to include the Shrimp Guy, who showed up around 9AM every single day with a small red cooler filled with fresh and delicious 4 inch long (headless) cameroons. By that time, there were lots more people milling about, but I didn't want to include them in my painting. Just the bright little palm and the gentle, humble Cameroon Man.
This time I set my easel up on our 4th floor balcony, which gives the viewer a more elevated perspective. Once I committed to the light areas I was free to paint any time of day, since the basic structures remained static. Omitted were all the bustle of resort life: the pool, lounge chairs, waiters, vendors, shoppers, sunbathers, etc etc.
Don't get the wrong idea about me: I did NOT paint all day long! We were definitely a part of the daily bustle, enjoying guacamole and Pacifico just like the next guy!