2008 Plein Air San Gabriel Part 3
Under the ArchesThe arched entry to the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse caught my attention on my first exploratory trip to San Gabriel, so I went back to try my brush with the impressive architecture. Unfortunately, I needed to paint in the afternoon to capture the correct light and it was a very hot day. Luckily, I was in the shade but even so by the end of my painting session, the sweat was dripping down my back in the 98 degree heat.
The supple changes in color needed to show light reflected on the blue ceiling and the shadows against the direct sunlight of tan stucco were a challenge. It was a wonderful study in small degrees that tested my eye for value and my skills with perspective.
The time for painting for the 2008 Plein Air San Gabriel is coming to an end and my work must be handed in soon. The reception is on November 8th from 5 PM to 8 PM at the San Gabriel Fine Art Association Gallery, 425 W. Las Tunas, San Gabriel, CA. Thanks again to Alfred Tse and SGFAA for a fine event. Comment on or Share this Article →
2008 Plein Air San Gabriel Part 2
Mission PathI decided to paint the brick path along the courtyard. To the left is a wall with many built in shrines. I loved the perspective of the path going straight back with the shadows running across and the interesting lights and darks along the wall.
That day the courtyard was filled with other painters, including Marian Fortunati and Alfred Tse, who were taking advantage of the free pass. Thank you to the San Gabriel Fine Arts Association for being organized and so helpful.
2008 Plein Air San Gabriel
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
San Gabriel Mission Bell Tower
Entrance to the GrapevineThis last week I have been painting on site for the 2008 Plein Air in San Gabriel sponsored by the San Gabriel Fine Arts Association. Before entering this competition, I had never taken the time to visit the historic town of San Gabriel, so I was very surprised to discover the beauty of the mission and surrounding area.
In the last few weeks, I have painted there three times but could easily find a dozen more views. Marian Fortunati and I were in San Gabriel again on Friday and tried our hand at capturing the charm of the facade at the entrance to Grapevine Park.
The other two paintings I will post later this week.
The reception for 2008 Plein Air San Gabriel is at 425 W. Las Tunas, San Gabriel on November 8th from 5 PM to 8 PM. Comment on or Share this Article →
Rialto Visions: California Art Club Event
Side Street at the Rialto
The California Art Club, in conjunction with the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, organized a plein air event to benefit the Rialto Theater. Previously, I posted three blogs showing the paintings I did for this event. My efforts were rewarded last night at the Collectors Preview held in the South Pasadena Public Library. My painting "Side Street at the Rialto" was sold and juried into the upcoming show at SoPas Gallery.
I helped to welcome the guests at the Collectors Preview and as soon as the doors opened my friend Lynn Fearman's painting sold. I was so busy taking information for other sales I never had a chance to look at the show. Marian Fortunati also sold one of her paintings during the buying frenzy. The evening was a great success with everyone enjoying the art, conversation and lovely venue.
See my painting and the other juried plein air paintings at SoPas Gallery, 1121 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030. The show is running from November 2, through 30 and the reception is November 2 from 2PM to 5PM.
Brian Blood Workshop Part 3
The last day of the Brian Blood workshop we all met at another lovely spot and Brian had us start right in painting. No demo today.
We all wanted our last painting to be the best and worked hard to implement what Brian had taught.
We stopped at about 3PM to pack up and meet at his home for a critique, wine and food. Placing our paintings on display in Brian's studio, everyone had a sense of accomplishment about the work that had been done over the last three days. It was fascinating to see all the styles and different versions of the same scenes. With so many talented artist, every painting was wonderful. Three of my paintings are picture in this blog and I am very happy with them. I see that I have pushed the envelope of color to a brighter, more natural level. What do you think?
Thanks Brian for all the good advise and your contagious enthusiasm.
Brian Blood Workshop Part 2
Day two of my workshop with Brian Blood, found me anxious to get out and try my brush using Brian's information. I happened upon Point Lobos years ago when I was on vacation so I knew we were painting at another gorgeous spot.
Brian started right in on a demo using all the rich colors that he is known for. The back lit hills and blue water were the first shapes he blocked into the canvas. It was fascinating to watch as the painting took shape and depth.
Next we tried our hand at painting the cove. It was another challenging start for me with my colors. After lunch, Brian gave each artist advise about how to improve their painting and lots of encouragement. He advised me to eliminate red from my palette because I was getting everything too purple. I was pleased with the finished painting of the cove and and even had time that day to start a second painting of an arch I had seen farther down the path. Comment on or Share this Article →
Brian Blood Workshop
Brian started the weekend with a visit to his studio and a talk about how he approaches his art. The separate building that is Brian's studio was well lit, organized and spacious . . . an artist's dream. Brian gave us a glimpse into his process, how he works to get the perfect composition and the basics of plein air painting.
In the early afternoon, we met on the rocky coast and Brian did a quick demonstration. I watched as his painting developed and realized just how different his palette was from my own. The first painting I attempted was a real challenge as I tried to incorporate his suggestions. I wasn't able to finish that first effort and struggled with the colors. When the day ended, I was tired but ready for the challenge of the next day, hoping I would find it easier to adapt the valuable insights I had gained from Brian's workshop.
South Pasadena Plein Air Painting Part 3
PlayhouseOver the hill for another morning of painting South Pasadena plein air. I tried my hand at a building with a very interesting leaded glass window. The combined shapes of a circle in a square were so intriguing, I couldn't wait to paint it. I also loved the way the vines had overtaken the front of the building. It was evident that someone had pulled some of the vines off to reveal the building underneath, but many stems were still impressed in the stucco.
The day got hotter and I was in the sun, but it wasn't until I was packing up to leave, that I realized I forgot to take off my jacket. No wander I was so hot. Sometimes you are just too engaged in the process of creating to notice.
