Jan 19 - Finished with the Plein Air Week on a High Note

At the beginning of this last week, we began painting at the Riverside Art Museum and on Mission Avenue.
I did this little 5 x 7 oil of the museum sign as an exercise in back lighting. It was windy, so I didn't spend too much time on it--only about 30 minutes.

The great news was that today, the "Quick Draw" competition in front of the Library ended with me taking first place with my "Morning Light on Mission Avenue" painting. It's a 14 x 11 acrylic on board. I set the timer while I painted it in ten minute increments, so I could take in-process photos. I'll share those with you in the days to come. Here's an image of me with the ribbon... total painting time, one hour and 45 minutes from start to finish. I'm glad I stopped to take the "in process" pictures, so I can share what went on during its creation. I had "hat hair" by then... ah well. The PAAR people sure put on a great show!

Now to think about the upcoming workshops and to enjoy the finished patio adjoining the studio. On February 6, the Plein Air Artists of Riverside will be coming here to paint the green hills and have a pot luck dinner. I'm looking forward to that, too!

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Jan 13 - Plein Air in Riverside, CA

Had to take a break from the dog painting to join the other members of PAAR (Plein Air Painters of Riverside) in their week-long paint out of the beautiful city.

Here's my first work, a 12 x 16 oil of "Las Campanas", the restaurant at the Mission Inn (John, you didn't think I'd forget, did you?) The Mission Inn is a landmark block-large hotel in the downtown area. People were coming and going, valet parking right where I set up. I learned after the fact that they frowned on painters "cluttering up" their drive way. Ha! Better to ask forgiveness than permission.... no one requested for me to move, so I just painted to my heart's content.

If you look at the composition of this painting, you'll note the asymmetrical balance, the arched entry on the left balanced by the seating area on the right. Teh verticals of the palm trunks and bamboo are also counter-balanced by the horizontals of the hedge, the arch and the gentler curves of the walkway and curb. This was done with 80% cool colors, with only the lit areas of the bench and podium going to the warm side. No signature, as it may make it into the jurying portion. If I sell it first (for $300), then I'll sign it.

PAAR has a great group of friendly artists, and this week we'll all be painting together in the parks and urban areas. Tomorrow it is off to the Martha McLean/Anza Narrows Park overlooking the Santa Ana River. The weather has been wonderfully warm, yet windy today. Mid 70s, and bright sun.

The March workshop only has one space left, then I start taking wait list folks. If you were thinking about it, now is the time to contact me for that last slot. The February workshop is full, and so is one of the weeks in May. Color Boot Camp!

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