Reflections of an Artist

California Art Club Gold Metal Exhibition

        The California Art Club has an annual Gold Medal Exhibition at the Museum of California Art in Pasadena. Today, I was able to go with my fellow artist, Janet Snodgrass. There are too many wonderful paintings to list all here so I will only highlight some of my favorites.
       Pictured above is a painting by Phillip Starke. This painting is a tribute to the California Impressionists with its gorgeous colors and rich tones of lavender and green. I'm inspired to try a painting in this tradition.
          
Early Light by Carol Cooke
       This big, little painting was among the miniatures and I fell in love with it. Though only 8x10 it had a great presence with depth and detail of a much larger painting. All that and it still retained a fresh, easy hand.

Malibu Canyon by Charles Muench
       Another miniature with depth and colors that jumped over the limits of its size.  I have been painting plein air on smaller canvases and was inspired by these two little gems.  They both exhibit an ease with detail that is my next task to incorporate into my smaller pieces without overworking them.

Roman Temple Ruins by Joseph Paquet
       The composition of this painting is remarkable. I never would have thought to paint this scene.  The shadows of the trees falling across the strong lines of the wall and steps form so many interesting shapes. That sliver of sky at the top behind the rolling hills is just enough to ground the scene. The judges agreed with me and awarded this best landscape.
       These are only a few of many more amazing paintings.  Don't wait to see this event. It is only on for a few more days.