The Golf Oil Spill Has Me Thoughtful
Ansel Adams photo of Half Dome
The desecration of nature by man has been escalating at an alarming rate. This last week disturbing pictures of an underwater main spewing raw oil into the pristine waters of the gulf have left me soul sore. I watch in horror as the unthinkable happens and am helpless to impact the situation in any way. I fear the gulf will never be the same and that we will suffer unknown consequences for years to come. The oceans are like the air around us. Currents, instead of winds, circulate throughout. Who knows where the oil will flow. Now, scientist believe it will encroach upon the already beleaguered Florida wetlands. Click here for the entire article on Oil Spill Has Me Thoughtful.
Painting with William Wendt
Malibu MountainsWhile painting at Malibu Creek State Park, I recognized the view in front of me as one I have seen in a museum. William Wendt, along with other California Impressionists, have explored the mountains surrounding Los Angeles and their paintings of the area are well known today. The park was a frequent destination for Wendt, but this was the first time that I experienced a deja vu moment when.....click on Painting in the Shadow of William Wendt to see the entire article. Comment on or Share this Article →
Revisiting San Clemente Plein Air Competition
The San Clement Plein Air Competition is coming up in June, so I decided to took a look at my paintings from last year. A fresh eye can often help in the process of evaluating a painting and this was definitely true when I pulled out High Tide. I immediately saw areas that could be adjusted to enhance the drama and better capture the feeling of the scene.
Painting a sunset on location, as it happens is extremely challenging...To read the entire article click on Reworking a Painting. Comment on or Share this Article →
Painting for the Carmel Art Festival 2010
With so many wonderful places to paint in Carmel, deciding where to paint can be difficult. I had never visited Monastery Beach and immediately fell under the spell of its beauty. Big waves crash into the beach but on either side there are calm spots where it is safe to enter the water. Click here for the entire article Painting for the Carmel Art Festival 2010. Comment on or Share this Article →
Plein Air Competitions: What is the Up Side?
The diffused light adds mystery to the distant hills and eucalyptus. The beauty of the scene is enhanced by the morning fog. As I paint among the pine trees, I feel inspiration take over and I am transformed. Hours later, I realize that the empty canvas on my easel is now a lovely painting. I have captured a moment in time that will never again happen. I am an artist.....
For the complete article click on Reflections of an Artist. Comment on or Share this Article →
Would You Survive a Plein Air Competition?
It's 40 degrees, a strong wind is blowing and the shoreline is hidden by fog. You've been standing in the same spot for three hours, painting. Most artists would stay in their studio but what if you only had two days to paint three or four paintings and they had to be done outside, on location. Unpredictable weather conditions are only part of the challenges artists face when participating in a plein air event. Click here for the complete article, Would You Survive a Plein Air competition? Comment on or Share this Article →
Sky Above, Malibu Below
Malibu Below
I have driven by this lookout many times on my way to the beach and always thought it would be a fun spot to paint. The rocky mountain peaks...............to view the entire article click on Reflections of an Artist. Comment on or Share this Article →
Painting the Ocean
I was looking to paint at the beach, practice for Carmel Art Festival which is coming up next week, but the California coast is funny. Often, a fog bank will sit right on the coastline..... To see the rest of this article click Reflections of an Artist. Comment on or Share this Article →
Millard Sheets Shorted by Chase
Abandoned by Millard Sheets