During the 1980s I spent a considerable amount of time learning about and experimenting with the properties and handling characteristics of watercolor paint, including a watercolor workshop in Sedona, AZ. I also made many trips to national and European art museums during this time to study and absorb art history and the materials and techniques of the old master painters. After I was satisfied I had learned enough to confidently begin painting in this new (for me) medium, I started sketching and painting the regulars that had their morning coffee at the local café around the corner from my Boston studio. I also sought out cafés in Europe while visiting art galleries there and photographed tourists and locals enjoying coffee, sunny days, sharing stories and relaxing. About a dozen or so large format Café watercolors were created over a period of roughly eight years before I returned to oil painting.