In his book, Watercolor Painting on Location El enthusiastically promotes the idea of painting plein air. "There is no question that painting a watercolor on location can provide the artist with more inspiration than can be found any other way. All of our knowledge suddenly comes into focus when we observe nature's textures, patterns, and shapes."

El's book is an excellent guide to plein air painting, discussing many of the eliments and issues encountered by both serious and recreational painters.

Below is an original painting by El showing Shell Beach on Tomales Bay. Click here to see the both the front and back cover blurbs from his book.