Paintbox Journal

Life Drawing and learning

2012-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

"David in his Celtic shirt", charcoal life drawing

1.26.12

'Crissy' in repose

graphite sketch, during Chris Shackel's class

2002

"Mendocino sketch", thumbnail type sketch for painting

Eric Weigardt workshop, Scottsdale Artist School, 2004

I made a vow recently to start making inroads on my last frontier - life drawing! I haven't pursued training in life drawing although I've enjoyed it off and on since high school, community college, and Landscape Architecture studio . . .and in miscellaneous moments. The second drawing down is of our famous dog, Crissy; she was an Australian shepherd who's no longer with us. The sketch is from Chris Shackel's watercolor class in 2002. The third sketch is a large 'thumbnail' in prep. for a painting during Eric Weigardt's workshop in 2004 . . . . all excellent instruction but I didn't continue my life drawing.

As a following thought after the Calif. Art Club winter symposium I wanted to take the next step in learning, and life drawing was it. Yesterday I returned to Dorallen Davis' Marin Art School in Novato; we had arranged for me to do a dropin in for a life drawing session and for me to pick up paintings from a show in Marin. I don't know if it was Dorallen's instruction, the Celtic shirt or the Sennelier vine charcoal but somehow I made a turning point! Some good magic happened; I'm happy with the drawing, and got to know and love charcoal in one session.

Dorallen's instruction and critiques are crystal clear to me. She comes from the Henry Hensche school of painting, using warm and cools. I studied Charles Sovek's book when I began oil painting so it's familiar painting ground . Happy with the sketch! Now I have to find how to preserve charcoal sketches; more to follow.

California Art Club winter symposium, San Francisco

2012-01-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

David Gallup's head studies

oil on canvas

closeup, David Gallup's head study

oil on canvas

David 's plein air demo

waiting to capture birds en plein air

note: all the photos are mine with the exception of the image from Kim Lordier's upcoming show

The California Art Club held a Winter Symposium last weekend, January 21st and 22nd at Fort Mason. It was a great turnout . . . any more and it would've been hard to meet artists and mingle. Fun to establish who you know and have in common and since I paint both in southern California and northern, I do get around!! I've followed David Gallup's work: he paints the Channel Islands off of the Central Coast of California, is the artist in residence for the NPS and leads painting expeditions on a chartered boat out to the islands . . .ummmmm I might mention how jealous I am of that whole thing but it can't be easy. He paints head studies from life constantly in order to stay tuned up and ready to paint wildlife. His bird paintings are beautiful! The third photo shows David's outdoors demo on the first day . . . we all tried tossing out bagel bits to lure in a huge raven to act as a model, but the wildlife were stubbornly shy.

I had the chance to talk with David, Joseph Paquet, and Kim Lordier whose beautiful work is shown below, although I didn't get any shots of her demo because I sat too close. Master of the medium and using exquisite design in her paintings, Kim spoke about strokes and marks in pastel paintings during a critique, i.e. don't be too choppy - her gesture when she is painting in pastel is beautiful to watch. I was able to put that into some of my work much sooner than I thought possible - see the next post!

Kim Lordier's pastel;

"Lavender at Matanzas", announcement for upcoming show

Marin Outdoors Art Club

Kim's work is dramatic and has amazing expression; I have looked at her work and accomplishments in awe.

Joe Paquet in front of the big monitor

the painting was made up out of his head (no photo references)

oil on canvas

nearly done

Joe, or Joseph Paquet was the featured speaker on Sunday. He presented a talk about his life, his early training and mentors, the highs (and lows) of being an artist. His words all made mountains of sense and the presentation was reinforced with literary refernces .. .a piece by Rainer Maria Rielke, "Letters to a Young Poet" was poignant and backed his point. The presentation added depth of meaning to the conference.

The notes, written and visual, that I took from the conference will resonate with me for a while. Continuing learning is what I heard from Joe Paquet and that reinforces what I find addicting and driving me forward - the continual acquisition of skills, refinement and learning. The California Art Club is growing! We have a new chapter in the Sacramento / Sierra region, and a new chapter for the Coachella Valley . . .couldn't be better than that. The landscape and artists of California and the history of painting in this state are intertwined within the California Art Club. And its an evolving, changing history.

http://www.californiaartclub.org/education-events/

paintouts in January; plein air in Napa and the California delta

2012-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

"Yountville Mustard" plein air 1.12.12

oil on canvas, 16" x 12"

$300., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

"Herbalist Shop, Locke, California", en plein air 1.15.12

oil on panel, 11" x 14"

We had some great painting weather last week! The landscape is so dry here with no rain, however the up side on this meant some comfortable painting days. I went painting with 'Da Group' from Benicia, to points north in Yountville, and south to Locke, California on the delta. The town of Locke is set amongst river bridges, huge packing sheds and closebuilt homes of the original Chinese residents. The structures are now homes, businesses, a thriving bar and a few art studio / galleries.

A few of us visited inside Ning Hou's gallery which had always been closed when I'd stopped in before .. .. and then we also got the insiders' tour of his painting studio ... indescribable! Saw huge canvases hung from the rafters, completed and in-progress. Large impressionist landscapes and epic, large , wonderful panoramas with figures. I loved that. Afterward we met in Martha Esch's studio for our gathering and critique at the end of the day. I'll be back to Locke but it's not a guarantee it'll be this much magic in a painting day. Sue Wilson is an amazing videographer and has put this YouTube of images of our day . . . . enjoy. She takes you inside Ning Hou's gallery and the school museum which I didn't have the chance to tour.

Slideshow of painting day in Locke, with Da Group

"Reds and Copper" still life painting for winter

2012-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

"Reds and Copper", still life closeup

I can't adequately describe how much I love to paint still life florals! This is my latest effort in painting from life, a winter bouquet with a copper vessel and tiny vase, my water pitcher and florals in pink, reds and greens. The stems in back are leucadendron, from Australia. I had a good time with reds, oranges and the shadows cast on the background. . .. . I hope that the love comes through in the painting!

The full size painting:

"Reds and Copper", oil on canvas

16" x 20", available unframed

$500.

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

I took progress shots, just for the heck of seeing for myself how this one went:

The setup . . . the copper vessel at left was pretty dark

so it started out that way

getting the shadows in and defined, painting the

objects and placing the flowers

getting the florals defined, very fun! One evening's work

nearly finished

I let this sit around for a while at this stage. I could've used some softer edges here and there but I did 'disappear' some of the edges to make them recede. The background at this point needed some variance in color. I worked on getting the silver metal pitcher at the back to have softer edges that read more in perspective. You can compare onscreen how it was refined in the final painting.

Palm Springs area plein air (part II) December 2011

2011-12-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

"The Pass", oil on canvas

14" x 11"

painted en plein air 12.9.11

"In the San Bernardinos", oil on canvas

14" x 11"

painted en plein air 12.10.11

Some places call to you from a long way back, and these are two of those spots! It may seem like the 'nostalgia tour' when I go back to the desert and paint, however, that's pretty much exactly what it is. The first painting, "The Pass" is the setting of a former favorite hiking spot in a canyon out at the San Gorgonio pass, on the south side. The mountains in the background are the San Bernardino Mountains with San Gorgonio peak in the background.

"The Pass" is so personal for me I don't think I'm putting a price on it. I won't go into lengthy stories now about Ed, my former landlord hiking up San Gorgonio peak (11,500') to ski down the mountain, or of going to summer camp up in the San Bernardino Mountains, or waterskiing and boating in the lakes up there. Or my mother-in-law having a small ranch, with large house and a little pony in the pasture located out in the pass area, but there's lots of personal history for me in this area! Endless.

The second painting is from another great picnic spot. Whitewater Canyon: great for picnicking, trout fishing and Sunday getaways . . . this canyon is where the Whitewater River courses down the canyon year round.

One really big caution for Whitewater Canyon - if you go, take bug spray due to the many, many, very persistent small flies. They bite. I wore long sleeves, pants, painting gloves and sprayed the brim of my hat with bugspray. My husband Jim wore shorts and no bug spray. The bites on his legs are still visible and swollen 2 full weeks later .. . the ranger at the Preserve here said flies are always present due to the wetlands. Yow!

painting "The Pass"

getting in the shapes, the darks and foreground of

"In the San Bernardinos"

almost finished

warm enough to hang out in the shade

one of my most favorite things - hanging out

near a desert willow & painting in the desert

While there we picked up the paintings from the 'Elements' show which had a good run from Oct. through mid-December. Somehow, though, maybe because water was the element for my paintings, each time we moved those paintings around it had to rain sometime during the moving day!!

dreaming in Palm Springs

2011-12-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

"The Moroccan Villa", 1920's

While in Palm Springs in mid-December we took advantage of the 'Walk of the Inns', a nighttime walk through the inns, lodges and resorts in the Baristo/Patencio neighborhood which is an historic architecture district between downtown and the mountains. You can see why this place drew the rich, famous and celebrated! It was fun and fascinating seeing the inns from the outside and then the insiders' view of rooms, patios, pools. We saw characteristic Spanish influence architecture: intact adobe walls, stonework, Spanish detailing and beautiful tilework all lit by candles and twinkle lighting. Or mid-century moderne sleek stucco all brightly lit. Big crowds of people were strolling around that night - it was fun and not too cold. We have stayed in some of the inns previously and it was good to revisit at night, with treats spread all over, like hot mochas or homebaked tasting sugar cookies. I didn't indulge too much as dinner followed.

Very dreamy and romantic is the Korakia Pensione. Sexy according to the NY Times review, I call it hedonistic . . .not an overt Vegas hedonistic, it's a sunny garden lounging-around by the pool hedonistic. The complex was built in the 1920's by Scottish painter Gordon Coutts to replicate Morocco and the painter's life in Morocco. There is a blurb below, from the website. We saw billowy beds in the courtyard, outdoor benches, woodburning fireplaces, exotic floral displays, fountains, gorgeous tilework all framed with the rocky backdrop of the San Jacintos . One of suites had a deep rock-lined soaking tub with shuttered windows which opened to a closeup view of the mountain - that was the suite I was intrigued with. A private patio too. . . .the epitome of integrated indoor/outdoor living! Not quite 'Midnight at the Oasis' but almost, you get the idea. Lounging, soaking and painting . . . a very dreamy picture.

one of the suites: living room and bedroom

dining room of the Artist Suite

hedonist bathroom of the Bedouin Suite

Blurb from their website:
A visionary with a dream to re-live his art-filled Moroccan days . . . . Coutts hung his paintings in the library, where he regaled his guests with tales of adventure. Dar Marroc quickly became a gathering place for musicians, visiting artists such as John Lavery, Agnes Pelton, Nicolai Fenshin (sp.) and Grant Wood and celebrities such as Rudolph Valentino and Errol Flynn. It is rumored that even Winston Churchill has painted in the villa's Artist Studio.

The Tennis Club Resort

The Tennis Club, poolside. We didn't eat too many goodies
. . . ok, not too many!

Another stop was the Tennis Club Resort. It's a resort: pool, tennis complex, condos, amazing new terrace outdoor restaurant which was all twinkle lit. The mezzanine of the main lobby has some very good B&W photos of the Rat Pack, the film stars and others of that era - the 1940's thru the 1960's.

The last time that I was at this pool was in the summer I was ten years old. I came here, swimming with friends at dusk in the summer when the resort was closed. One of the parents had a key to the gate. It was fun and very memorable ~ both times I've visited the Tennis Club!

Next post will be on plein air painting. I was so pleased to paint three times while there in the desert.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays ! !

2011-12-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Winter in the desert; Palm Springs area plein air

2011-12-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Andreas Canyon in Winter"

10" x 12", oil on canvas

painted en plein aire

We spent a week down in Palm Springs right before the Christmas holiday visiting with the family, doing fun holiday stuff and plein air painting. I was watching the weather reports and got out on the sunny days in between storms. The winter storm on Dec. 13 gave us the beautiful contrast of the purply gray-blue San Jacinto Mountains with a dusting of snow and solid white at the peaks. And cold!!!

In the next 2 photos of the scene in Andreas Canyon (near the equestrian area) you see how cool the light is, and how few visitors were out in the Canyons. I was thoroughly chilled after painting here from 1 to 4 pm because promptly at 3 pm the sun drops below the mountain ridge! Surprise on me! I'd forgotten about that effect of the mountains. The painting is warmer in color temperature than in reality, I was searching for something to juice up the greys in the foreground to go with the warm temp's on the color of the cottonwoods.

Andreas Canyon

nearly finished

When the sun went down, I pivoted around and sat down on one of the picnic benches to finish the painting . The light was gone and I thought I'd make myself comfortable. Not too often do you find a bench to sit and spread your stuff on while plein air painting, to sit down and rest while finishing the painting.

The Canyons are good for so many who like the outdoors: hikers, birders, sightseers, horseback riders, picnickers. It's wonderful to see these canyons intact as I remember them, and preserved.

More paintings to follow and I'm excited about the others!

Small paintings - framed and hung

2011-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

"Trout Stream"

"Bridalveil"

"Limantour Marsh"

"Limantour Beach"

All paintings: 6" x 6", oil on panel

framed size: 10" x 10"

$200., available framed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

The small paintings are framed and are now hung at Seasons Restaurant; you can view these in the bar area. I love the frames from Randy Higbee,
King of Frame . . .beautiful and they are very well-made. I love to see well constructed frames and how they set off the paintings. It's absolutely the finishing touch.

The small framed paintings are on display at Seasons Restaurant for the duration of the holiday season, along with my other large paintings. You're welcome to contact me for details or purchase , or view them in person here:

Seasons Restaurant, Davis, California

Holiday gifting - small paintings continued

2011-11-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

"Bridalveil", 6" x 6", oil on panel

painting: 6" x 6", oil on panel

framed size: 10" x 10" view of frame

$200., available framed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

"Bridalveil" is a small painting of the beautiful falls in Yosemite. They leave me speechless every time I see the falls from the meadow area. In my painting there seems to be clouds dancing on the rim of view; winds were catching the water and creating veils of vapor before falling over the edge.

On view next week (Tuesday) after Thanksgiving at Seasons Restaurant in Davis. If you'd like to see the beautiful framing for these, see this post

Winter Arts Exhibit - "Wishing You Were Here", oil on canvas

2011-11-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

"Wishing You Were Here", 16" x 16", oil on canvas

on reserve until 12/17/11

$375., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

We spent a weekend over on the coast this past summer, stopping off in Petaluma for dinner on the way home. Here's a recent painting from my photos of the coastal sunset over the Petaluma River - this tiny harbor area was enchantment with twinkle lights and sailboats at rest. Sailboats tied up alongside a harbor bring back great memories for me and I long to sail again. I spent lots of time on a small 24' sailboat in Southern and Central California, sailing to the Channel Islands and out and back from many ports. Boating is in my blood; sailing, kayaking, trips on a ship, a boat, a ferry, a rowboat, a panga . . . it's all fun for me. Adventuring.

"Wishing You Were Here" is reminiscent of a postcard, only for me the it might be a reverse, as in "Wishing I was There" !

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Pumphouse" oil on panel, painted en plein air

11.16.11

Transitioning from the coast to the river system of the Sacramento River; I painted with some local Davis artists at a new (to me) cool spot in between levees and river bypasses. There are huge willows and cottonwoods, rock lined canals with cast reflections and of course, equipment and pumphouses to move the water. This plein air day was good - beautiful sunny weather again. Yahoo! I love paintout days.

Winter Arts Exhibit - "A Little Farther", oil on canvas

2011-11-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

"A Little Farther", oil on canvas, 16" x 16"

on reserve until 12/17/11

$375., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

Another abstract . . . I show these on my blog and sometimes in a section on my website. I appreciate and paint a variety of styles and explore a lot of different methods in working. Not trying to confuse viewers! I try to limit what's shown, or at least group them in a collection . Warning - tomorrow back to representational painting, one plein air and one for the Winter Arts exhibit.

This one - vermillion and the cadmium red light were used . . .mixed black, ochre, greyed violets and a toned down thalo blue. Fun palette to use!

Winter Arts Exhibit - "Oye Como Va" , oil on canvas

2011-11-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

"Oye Como Va", oil on canvas, 16" x 16"

on reserve until 12/17/11

$375., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

Pure abstract. These are fun to paint and I hope fun to see . . .I didn't play Santana music ("Oye Como Va") while painting this, I played Celia Cruz. Both are standards for music in my studio.

How's it going for you?

plein air in the fall - and arting around

2011-11-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

"Putah Creek" by the walnut orchards

16" x 12",oil on panel; painted en plein air 11.7.11

photograph of Putah Creek near the walnut orchards

Plein air: I've been painting out lately in the surrounding areas of Davis and the delta . . . .the experience is always good but the paintings haven't been stellar! I know I've been talking too much while plein air painting and that's one good part, the sociability. If I chat too much my paintings really suffer . . .so nothing worthy to show lately except the painting from yesterday. Lots of catching up and chatting though.

My best formula or muse for plein air painting: go to a wild spot I've wanted to paint for a while. Go with one or two people and I don't talk much while painting - the focus and concentration helps me get a good one. If I'm doing something just for the heck of it, for purely the sake of painting, i.e. 'practice', it shows. If I'm excited or feel passion, it shows. I'm passionate about wild places . . . or the feeling of wild.

The painting above was in a different palette than usual. No ochre, no cad red light, no cerulean; it was a limited palette . I think the rendition is fine but I'm going to be cautious about the alizarin-crimson-appearing color - it's not a. crimson but it sure gives the impression of it. I thought about including the bridge railings but that'd be too much detail on the bridge once I got away from the scene.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Arting around lately: I downloaded my camera finally and was shocked to see what was in there. Days gone by, and stuff I'd forgotten I'd done! Working from more current to days past:

critique held 11.2.11

Evening Critique group, Davis Visual Art Association - good one!

Putah Creek; painting with Milton 10.31.11

Milton is contemplating his composition

painting at Larry's produce with Da Group! 10.30.11

plein air painting, Da Group in Benicia

in the city (San Francisco) for artwork dropoff 10.25.11

Studio Gallery 'tiny' holiday show - photos of work

you will want to see these - special exhibits in California museums

2011-11-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

note: this post updated 12/29/11 Lockwood DeForest at Palm Springs Art Museum , exhibit info listed below.

">Slideshow, California Artists at the Laguna Art Museum

;

The South:

update: Lockwood DeForest at the Palm Springs Art Museum - approximately 60 paintings from Lockwood DeForest at the Museum, in two subjects: American and Western landscapes, and around 20 paintings of Palm Springs area plein air paintings. Lockwood DeForest paints in a way that you're transported to a dreamier version of the landscape ... so locations like the Nile River, the desert and nocturne (nighttime) settings are beautifully portrayed.

I'm so so very much looking forward to seeing these, I've only seen around a dozen before. Open now (late December) thru April 8th, 2012.

Coincidental fusion thing between landscape architecture, horticulture and art: There is a beautiful rosemary plant variety named 'Lockwood DeForest'. The dark green rosemary with violet blooms is well named.

'Fiery Moon Coloreded by Clouds', Lockwood DeForest

Lockwood DeForest at Palm Springs Art Museum

The South, continued:
This exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Art features the Spanish Masters. I'm not a huge fan of Miro or El Greco (so tragic!!) but here's the lure: Joaquin Bastida y Sorolla. I don't know how many works on display but the writeup sounds very good.

Closes Nov. 6th!

Further north on the Coast: The California artists from the late 19th Century - early 20th Century. Includes works from the permanent collection (maybe not so special if you've seen them but this makes my mouth water and I want to see this!) Delicious: Mischa Askenazy, Franz Bischoff, Carl Oscar Borg, Maurice Braun, Benjamin C. Brown, Frank Cuprien, William Swift Daniell, Edwin Deakin, Anna Hills, Thomas Hunt, Martin Jackson, Edgar Payne, Hanson Puthuff, Julian Rix, F. Carl Schmidt, Jack Wilkinson Smith, Gardner Symons, and William Wendt.

If you have Ruth Lilly Westphals' books Plein Air Painters of California the North, or the South, you'll want to see the exhibit. The only artist I see missing is E. Charlton Fortune . . . really love her work.

At the Laguna Art Museum . . . or see the slideshow at top of this post.

On display: October 24, 2011-April 29, 2012

by Edgar Payne

Northern California (very near to me!) : Crocker Art Museum Presents National Retrospective Debut
of Landscape Artist Edgar Payne - - -"Edgar Payne: The Scenic Journey"

There is no information on the website as yet except for a press release(?) If you're a member you may have received preview emails. . . ..note to self: "join the Crocker".
http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/about/news-room/press-releases/677-crocker-art-museum-presents-national-retrospective-debut-of-landscape-artist-edgar-payne

I sincerely hope the Crocker doesn't hang the exhibit in the same small room as the Franz Bischoff exhibit was displayed. I appreciate good architecture and interior design that respects the user; the users are museum visitors . . . and the visitors in that room had a very hard time seeing the work. The wall color for a portion of the Franz Bischoff exhibit was a deep Prussian Blue, perhaps inspired by one of the paintings however - - -the wallcolor sucked the light out of the room. Compounding that problem, the lighting for all of the exhibit was really inadequate. Dim. The exhibit deserved some strong natural light, or enough illumination to see it. Not a small dimly lit room where people were peering at the paintings and wishing for big flashlights.

On view February 11 through May 6, 2012 . . . I'm hoping for a good presentation for this exhibit

'tiny' - Holiday show at Studio Gallery, San Franciso

2011-10-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Limantour Beach (2)", Pt. Reyes; oil on panel, 6" x 6"

Framed; inquire here Studio Gallery

"Gold Hill" (Nevada), oil on panel, 6" x 6"

Framed; inquire here at Studio Gallery

"Limantour Beach (2)", Pt. Reyes

Framed; inquire here Studio Gallery

A big show of 'tiny' paintings! 'tiny' is the name of the holiday show at Studio Gallery, San Francisco. Group group show with lots of tiny paintings; a reception and a party during the time the show is on exhibit . The artwork information will be on the website soon!

Studio Gallery

local color from local artists

1815 Polk St., bet. Washington & Jackson

San Francisco, CA 415-931-3130

www.studiogallerysf.com

Holiday gifting - small paintings

2011-10-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

"Limantour Marsh", Pt. Reyes

available here, through landestudio@yahoo.com

painting: 6" x 6", oil on panel

framed size: 10" x 10"

$200., available framed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

The trip down to Southern California was very nomadic . . . bringing a show and truckload of paintings to Palm Desert , which was fabulous, then off to La Jolla to stay in the San Diego area for visiting family, friends and a bay-side wedding; back to the desert for some soaking and hiking and much running around. Very nomadic. . . .now we are home. Thank goodness - back to our peaceful and comfortable home!

Meanwhile I received emails that I'd been asked to submit work for a holiday show in San Francisco. I met with the gallery owner and dropped off 3 paintings for the show in the city; see my next post. The painting above is available through me, framed in a beautiful, solid wood frame, black with subtle warm metallic edge around the painting . . .I like a neutral warm silver or neutral gold and this one has it!

'Elements' show - show opening day and reception photos

2011-10-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of the Desert Sun

my work to the right; Gary Mergelkamp's to the left

first day the show was up - stopping in to
check labels and stuff

Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator; Gary Mergelkamp , photographer;

Jeni Bates, painter; and me, painter

Laura Croker (sister), Ken MacLean (family friend), me, Jim (husband), Deborah (Art Coordinator)

with guests at the reception - photo courtesy of the Desert Sun

Reception Photos, Slideshow courtesy of the Desert Sun:

One week ago, Mon. night, Oct. 17th was the night of the reception for the 'Elements' show at the Palm Desert Community Gallery. Over 100 guests came by to see the artwork . . . the gallery was thoroughly packed midway into the reception. I totally enjoyed getting to know my co-artists in the show, Jeni Bates and Gary Mergelkamp, and Deborah Schwartz, Art Coordinator better during the time leading up to the show.

I had a great time - this was definitely homecoming week for me! The group photo, second to last shows a bit of why it was so cool - my sister attended (she's heard about my receptions but hasn't had the chance to be at one 'til now), our family friend and my mother's minister Ken MacLean came by, and I was happy to have Deborah Schwartz as a central part of this. I met new art appreciators who heard about the reception, met up with an old classmate of Palm Springs High School, and spoke visited with as many as I could. So nice - I do enjoy these. See the slideshow for more .

Slideshow for 'Elements' reception and artwork

2011-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Slideshow of reception, Desert Sun

A slideshow of the reception and paintings for the 'Elements' show . . . .the reception was Monday night. The show continues thru Dec. 9th, open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 pm, on view at Palm Desert Community Gallery.

Check it out! All paintings available and sales are arranged thru the artist; contact me at landestudio@yahoo.com

'Elements' exhibit is open . . .

2011-10-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

*apologies for blurry scan!

The reception was last night, starting at 5:30 - people came in the door early and it was packed! Very fun to be there. The lighting for the paintings was great; the way paintings were hung was beautiful. Family, friends, City of Palm Desert staff and invited guests came. Great to talk with those I could - it was short and sweet and was over at 7:00.

The show is open through Dec. 9th, on view Mon. thru Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Palm Desert Community Gallery (now a part of City Hall; former location was on Hwy 111).

Palm Desert Community Gallery information

Exhibit is open!

2011-10-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

My postcard

The artwork is hung and the show is on display! Please join Jeni Bates, Gary Mergelcamp and myself for the reception (come by after work hours) if you're in Palm Desert on Monday, Oct. 17th, 5:30 - 7 pm. Come by for a look at the work, some wine, some cheese, and conversation. You'd be welcome. Hope you can come! The Community Gallery is in City Hall; find free parking in the back of the complex.

The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 10, 2011.

Palm Desert Community Gallery

73-150 Fred Waring Dr.

Palm Desert, CA 92260

OPEN: Mon - Fri., 8 am to 5pm

Phone: (760) 346-0611, ex 664

See you there!

brilliance on the horizon

2011-10-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

"Brilliance / Horizon"

24" x 30"

oil on canvas

$800., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

This painting on display at Seasons Restaurant, new work!

Seasons Restaurant

102 F St.

Davis, CA

open for lunch 11:30

open for dinner 5 pm

Sunday Brunch; closed Mondays

check for specific hours and menu: Seasons Restaurant

2011-10-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

"Dream"

24" x 30", oil on canvas

$800., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

A dream . . . this large expanse

of warm ocean waters stretching to the horizon . . .

I can very clearly imagine the beautiful fish swimming beneath

the sinuating surface. . .warm sand between my toes .

New work, new paintings on display at Seasons Restaurant!

Seasons Restaurant

102 F St.

Davis, CA

open for lunch 11:30

open for dinner 5 pm

Sunday Brunch; closed Mondays

check for specific hours and menu - Seasons Restaurant

brilliance in the landscape

2011-10-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Brilliance"

16" x 16", mixed media

(acrylic underpainting / oil) on canvas

$400., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

a painting reminiscent of the Central Coast of California . . . glowing valleys leading to the brilliant coastal horizon at sunset. I used to bicycle down Price Canyon Road, from Arroyo Grande into Pismo Beach so this painting is based on past memories and experiences.

the painter's keys

2011-10-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Robert Genn writes a great twice weekly email on painting; then people (artists) may respond and their letters are published or might be in an instant comment. This isn't new to a lot of people - most artists I know read his emails. He lives in British Colombia, paints prodigiously and travels. He invents easels so he can paint while lounging around the backyard. He adapted an old 20's touring car into a paintmobile, his dog is a constant plein air companion - and he's interesting besides all that.

His letter written on Sept. 30th is on "Painting Big" Robert Genn's email on 'painting big' . I replied with an image of my latest painting and my response was featured. Published response

I finally named the painting, by the way! "Summer Flows" is the name of the painting in the link above.

inspiration from other artists

2011-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

A post today, on two artists living in different areas of the West, both painting in a manner that dances between abstract and objective.

First, the Artist Hines - I posted on Facebook a while back about this painter whom I bumped into at the Sausalito Art Fest. whose work I'm familiar with; his studio is in Sausalito and he's shown with the Marin Arts Council.

Here's a small image of Hines painting - the video in this link is for artists who like to modify their easels to ease the style of their individual painting (like myself!) who paint in acrylics (like me) and adapting your workspace for painting:

http://youtu.be/TUcH0BO4shA
"Studio Tips by the Artist Hines"

Another artist who leans to the abstract in her work, which is all figurative. I'm not a figurative painter but I've loved her work for years; she lives in the Denver area and shows there. Michelle Torrez says "art is energy". Which it is, I firmly believe.

Michelle Torrez speaking about her painting , what direction she's thinking of next, and art as energy:

Michelle Torrez

the big one is finished!

2011-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Finished! So recent this doesn't have a title yet

part of 'Fluid Dynamics' series, 6.5 ft. x 5 ft., oil on canvas

The middle section

the 'pool' section

Reference photo of the Yuba River

(note: I noticed the color was off in original post + have posted better quality color photos 10.1.11)

I am done! So happy to complete this! I checked the calendar of when I posted the underpainting; that was two weeks ago. After being pleased with the underpainting, its looseness and statement and starting off with confidence I admit I got bogged down in the middle part, floundering around a bit. Also known as the 'ugly stage' of the painting where you're laying in the beginning passages of paint but not getting to the rewarding part of the painting, the fun part where it starts to come together and you get charged up on what it is becoming. That finally happened in the last few days - I know now that it takes patience and dealing with more angst with a larger painting, just part of the whole larger experience.

I had many references around me but the underpainting really laid the structure for the painting. I could do another . . .perhaps! another riff on this theme. I can't predict if I'm done with this series or will continue.

The magnitude in quantities of paint, odorless mineral solvent, rags and cleanup are more, it's just more of everything. It was good to find that painting with a large bristle brush that looks like a long handled spalter worked best - by Utrecht. I don't have any difficulty translating painting from a small flat to a large brush that's 3" wide ; that felt comfortable.

The postcard for the show 'Elements' is coming soon, and I'm very much looking forward to the show opening, October 17th.

underpainting for the big one

2011-09-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Underpainting

Here's the first pass - the underpainting! I'm happy. Nothing like a good start to get an artist pumped up for the rest of the painting. Lots of this underpainting will become obscured but I wanted the understructure there and nearly speaking for itself as a painting - parts of it will be peeking through the finished painting. As I mentioned in the previous post, this is the lastest painting in my water series from 'Abstractions from Life', and the biggest canvas I've painted, 6.5 ft. tall by 5 ft. wide.

This was done in one painting session.

Getting ready: eat, drink lots, go to the gym. Prepare your work area then paint and meanwhile pray to the painting gods. Other than that, I'm using this huge beautiful Gainsborough filbert from Grumbacher, nearly brand new, very nice, and a 1", long bristle gesso brush. Beautiful for washy, responsive brushstrokes.

The underpainting is in a mixed dark, a black and it was very scary doing it inside. Formerly I used to do paint and do these in a tumbledown painters' working studio, no care at all for walls, splashes, drips or smears on door handles. Not now. This was a real athletic juggle and a bit of a circus with flipping the canvas, adjusting dropcloths and wiping, meanwhile trying to keep up with the drying paint. I did drip on the floor , didn't want to track so that explains the paper towels in the floor to blot and to step on.

Can't wait to get to the next phase!!! My studio palette worktop is finished, I pick up today. Getting ready in professional style for the 'Elements' show in Palm Desert.

starting the big one

2011-09-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

starting the prep for color palette, gathering images

two coats of gesso

(note: edited 10.25.11)

The start of the big painting project! I'm feeling: excited, ambitious and a bit nervous. This is the largest canvas I've painted, 6.5 ft. tall by 5 ft. wide . . .it's going for the 'Elements' show at the Palm Desert Community Gallery show which goes up very soon. Life is a juggle, no? Starting this one with time to finish it . . .just enough time. The postcards for the show are going out soon, I can't wait to see them!

This canvas will go on a big wall that I wanted to fill with one notable painting - I had 12 oz. canvas stretched and it came out beautifully. Not having trust in my canvas stretching skills for something this large, I paid to have it stretched. The top photos show the gesso coats going on last weekend - - nothing surpasses Utrecht professional gesso for a lovely, workable texture. The gesso went on to help tighten the canvas which needed just a touch of that tightening. After the gesso coats it was taut with a lot of bounce - perfect. Like a bow on a violin, some resounding bounce as the brush hits the interface of the canvas.

Gessoing in the backyard is really pleasant; just like plein air painting. The only minus is the bugs, stuff floating off the trees - - with acrylic they'll become glued on if you don't take care of it. A clean surface was the final goal and I got it - lots of picking stuff off and waving my hands keeping insects off.

color swatches, color chart,

color study

color ground on canvas - imprimatura

For a while I've been thinking about this painting - it's luckily the last one in this series so I've already done much of the thinking about subject matter. What I have to do before a big painting project is go through the creative preparation part - you plot, think, plan and look at images, think about the whole painting, and in off moments when your mind is freewheeling the whole idea comes to you, or bits of it in flashes of inspiration. In other words one needs rest, time off for the mind to free associate to be the most creative. Can't force it to come or do it when you are tired or spent - usually. There are exceptions to this.

One of my students reminded me (in her preparation) of something I used to do with preliminary design for landscape architecture projects - gather all inspiration in front of you on an inspiration board , a preparatory storyboard. All imagery, thoughts, photos, others' paintings, your own paintings go in front of you. Sift through them and figure out the next painting. So I broke away from my usual process using only photos and did the 'collecting' for this one. One thing in getting ready for a big painting, I sometimes write down the thematic statement, or the primary reminder I want to keep in front of me - one or two words. Keep it literally in front of you so you make it foremost in your execution of the painting.

Other preparation includes getting the color palette ready, rounding up what tubes of paint you have or need, color swatches, mixing. Note the color mixes you have from the palette you're using. Don't throw those away - keep them for reference later. After mixing, I used up the piles in a color study. Sometimes these are just a first pass and get tossed or discarded - or maybe they turn out really great!

Next step was the color ground, or imprimatura. I wanted to do this of course for this large a painting - no white to show. Also you need to think about your edges, the reveal part of the edge of the canvas - more on that later.

One more time, let me say how much I hate the garage for painting . . . . I laid the canvas flat on 2 tables and worked out there, with the kitty-cat hair floating me, the flies pestering me, the glare from car reflections piercing my retinas every time I glanced up, hot . . . it's a hostile environment for painting. I need a studio just for some painting chores; the garage is terrible.

Another studio addition - my studio palette worktop, like a scaled up, studio version of a French companion. I pick it up today, Saturday - can't wait for that!

2011-09-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

photo by Wayne Tilcock, Davis Enterprise photographer

look carefully at that figurative ON the canvas!

photo by Wayne Tilcock, Davis Enterprise photographer

Yesterday was the Great California paintout held in downtown Davis and I had a fabulous time painting! I ran into my good friend Terry who's a former studio mate at the famous (infamous?) railroad warehouse studios in Dixon. Terry and I carried our gear and set up in this alley in downtown Davis with beautiful shade on a very hot day - we painted, got caught up, I chatted with passersby, artists, friends and acquaintances. That is Mahin Vadi in the background, a friend of mine who is getting in one last acrylic painting before we finshed up for the day. Wet paintings were framed and hung; the reception and auction were last night at the Nastoulas gallery.

Here's the link for the story http://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/great-california-paint-out/

More later on the big painting and the big easel . . .today I begin prep for painting.

plein air pochade and tripod - taking care of business

2011-09-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Bogen Manfrotto tripod / EasyL pochade

EasyL maintenance: I believe the tripod that came with my EasyL is a Bogen Manfrotto and today it needed maintenance. It's been great, no problems and sets up so easily! Heavy but that's good out on location; the link: EasyL Versa pochade Anyway, while painting away today, everything got way too loose and was rocking, the tilt arm adjustment wouldn't stay locked which was distressing. As soon as I got home I looked at it, and figured I needed Allen wrenches - the metric set. Sure enough. I tightened everything . . . very motivated to keep the pochade working well . . .feeling proud I did it on my own.

TIP: Here's the hot tip for EasyL users, especially for those without massive forearms and beefy hands. Carry pliers with you and once set up, tighten that bright round silver metal adjustment screw you see on the black oval attachment head. Finger tight doesn't do it, really. It's the key adjustment for getting a solid feel on the canvas or panel, no 'give' or rocking everytime you put down a brushstroke.

Two earlier posts on plein air easels and other essentials:

http://paintboxjournal.blogspot.com/2011/03/plein-air-field-easels.html

http://paintboxjournal.blogspot.com/2011/03/plein-air-its-not-just-easel.html

plein air in the summertime, Davis

2011-09-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

plein air - architecture, summer 2011

"Cobalt Violet House", my version

A couple plein air paintings of local residences in the Davis, California environs. I need some practice on painting architecture en plein air; I enjoyed painting these but they're not as fresh as I'd like. Jove Wang, in workshop instruction had some very brief but pithy remarks; he may have said 'too stiff, too stiff!' on theese. I can hear that comment echoing right now. I'll get there.

It always helps to give a painting some time before revisiting it, or taking a look at photos of the painting. Often mistakes are more obvious when you put an image of a painting on the monitor! Almost as good as putting a painting up to a mirror to have a fresh look.

Cobalt Violet House - this version by Milton Kalish

My friend Milton and I go out painting every once in a while . . . his schedule is loaded up with full time career, young children and training for Century bikerides. He's always great company painting plein air, talking about the latest books and books on painting. We have roots in common: SF Bay Area; the East Bay, and a love of sailing. One of those things you love to do but rarely get to do; I need to get on a boat this summer or my summer will not be complete! It's good to know sailors here in Davis .

The Natsoulas Gallery paintout is this Saturday . . . .nice flyer here! I'll be participating as one of the group, not the 'Invited Artists' but that leaves me free to paint and absorb some of the demos the Invited Artists will be doing. Here's the schedule in the link . . .come by, see the artwork, it will be a diverse collection of plein air paintings!

Paintout Schedule 9/10/2011

sweet studio easel

2011-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sweet!

Giant Dulce Easel by Richeson

For seven years I've used a little workhorse of an easel, the Mabef Lyre (see the photo below) and a link: Mabef Lyre, from the Fine Art Store I'm really particular about tactile things and the oiled beechwood on the Mabef easels and pochades are beauties to work with. The little Lyre easel's been super great. The Fine Art Store is online but it's also a small business with very friendly people whom you can contact easily. They carry some unusual things so I totally recommend checking them out.

I've realized for a while I needed an upgrade, and I needed an easel for larger canvas. I'd done some research for about a year ~ what's good for my working style, what other artists had reviewed and what I can afford . . .I like my Richeson French mistress for plein air and I know the company has a solid reputation. So I focused in on the Dulce line of easels, the regular Dulce and the Giant Dulce. En espanol, 'dulce' means sweet!! So sweet it is . . . .

We got it assembled (too easy) yesterday, did some cleanup on the in-house studio and took photos before the studio gets its working clutter going again. I measured the size canvas this will hold because I have a huge painting I'm planning. If you're comfortable working on a stool or a platform or you're over 6' tall, one could work on a 6 1/2' canvas. As I'm not going to work on a platform, I'll put the canvas on the floor on a block and use the upper grip to keep the canvas in place - and a 61/2' high canvas is the maximum.

If money were no object I would've gone for a crank easel, adding around $400 to the cost. But in my mind $400 is the cost of a plane ticket to somewhere exciting . . . I can adjust my easel without the crank!

Mabel Lyre

On other topics, the second group critique of the Davis Visual Art Association met last Thursday -
DVAA on Facebook . It was good to see familiar faces and new . . .come out of your art closet or studio and meet!!! Things will be happening this fall so check it out and join in. The page is visible even if you're not on Facebook or contact me and I'll put you in touch with our facilitator.

September holds paintouts and painting trips for me, I'll be out painting soon!

"Gold Hill (two)", small works

2011-08-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

"Gold Hill (two)"

6" x 6", oil on panel

$90., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

A small painting, based on a reference photo from the roadside near Gold Hill, Nevada. I edited out the roadway; therefore this is how the scene of Nevada high desert would've appeared hundreds of years ago! Beauty in the desert.

"Gold Hill (one)", small works

2011-08-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

"Gold Hill (one)"

6" x 6", oil on panel

$90., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

another small works painting~ a sloping vista of Nevada sagebrush in the gold and silver mining town of Gold Hill, bathed in the light of a sunset.

whiskeytown artists redux (revisited)

2011-08-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

"Stormy"

Blurb about the group show including work from Whiskeytown artists now on in Redding:

group show

"Limantour Beach (small works) 2"

2011-07-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

"Limantour 2"

6" x 6", oil on panel

$90., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

A very small version of the larger painting! take a look at my website for the larger one which is 20"x20".

All paintings are available for sale; these are 6" x 6", oil on archival panel and ready to hang without a frame but they'll look awesome if framed! $90. per panel.

"Limantour Beach (small works) 1"

2011-07-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

"Limantour 1"

6" x 6", oil on panel

$90., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

For the 50-50 group show at the Sanchez Art Center. This is from a recent trip to Limantour Beach, Pt. Reyes . . . one of the marshes near the beach.

All paintings are 6" x 6", oil on archival panel and ready to hang without a frame but they'll look awesome if framed! $90. per panel.

2011-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

"Wetlands, 2011" acrylic on paper

22" x 30"

$550. USD, available

(not including shipping or applicable tax)

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

Here is a new painting, completed this week. I'm always looking at water and using it as inspiration for paintings and this one just came out of my imagination just like many of my"Abstractions from Life" paintings. I didn't have a location or anything specific when I began this one and based it on a lot of visits to Northern California marshes and wetlands - of which surround us here between the delta and the North Coast. It has a light and atmosphere reminiscent of summer morning.

Limantour Beach, Pt. Reyes

2011-07-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

"Limantour Beach, Point Reyes"

24" x 30", oil on canvas

$900. USD, available

(not including shipping or applicable tax)

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

We spent a long day at Limantour Beach in Point Reyes recently and got a beautiful day of beachtime. Fluffy sand to walk barefoot in, picnicking, reading and snoozing. I'm couldn't resist the water, I went swimming ~ or rather dipping which was exhilarating. The dunes is where we set up our beach blanket and stuff and this painting is from photos of that day. The landscape is stunning at Point Reyes; it's weather sculpted.

The size of the trees at Bear Valley Visitor Center gives you an indication of the size of the original trees before logging - they're immense!

I cannot see myself plein air painting easily here; blowing sand, strong winds and chilly!! I want to go back so I'll be checking the weather over there for clear and warm conditions. For hiking, beachgoing and exploring however I'll leave the plein air gear at home.

Shasta Bally, part two . . . painting large

2011-07-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

"Shasta Bally (two)"

24" x 30", oil on canvas

"Shasta Bally (two)" Closeup

(more accurate color and shows the texture)

$900. USD available

(not including shipping or applicable tax)

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

"Shasta Bally "

9" x 12", oil on panel

Artists' Collection

I've always liked the small painting that you see above (Shasta Bally) and it hangs where I see it every day. I like it; not everyone who sees it likes it ~ but that's art. It is so subjective. I like fresh paintings, work that's with expression and visible brushstrokes. I doesn't look labored. I don't care for reportage. I want to know what is the emotion in the painting and I head towards fresh paintings with emotion in the brushstrokes, color, inclusion of abstracted areas. When I view paintings I turn away from paintings with over-accuracy that's spelled out, everything defined and tightened up. Where is the art? And 'paint-overs', don't get me started.

I began instructing a plein air class last year "Concepts in Plein Air" with a discussion on this subject. I submitted this artist statement prior to instructing: "I try to identify and understand what I wish to say in my paintings, and then I try and paint that expression". Does that say what the act of painting is? Believe so!

My acknowledgement is that painting skills, rendering, composition, value etc. etc. are very necessary. But expression along with a convincing portrayal trumps technical acuity.

On painting large, it's hard to keep the freshness going in a big painting. Things can go sideways or stale. Sometimes I hear the words of Jove Wang in my head . . . "too stiff, too stiff!" which he'd say when something was overworked or off. I hope this larger painting communicates what I had in the small painting.

For other artists whom I look to for painting landscapes that are large and keep a fresh, abstracted look, this is the group I'm drawn to. All in this group paint coastal, mountain and other locations; the desert or the southwest. All close to my heart.

Marcia Burtt, Santa Barbara artist

Walt Gonske, New Mexico

Quang Ho, Colorado

Mark Kerckhoff, So. Calif.

Duncan Martin

(note: edits made 7-14-11)

plein air, part of the Davis Visual Art Association

2011-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

"The Buckhorn, Winters"

12" x 16", oil on panel, plein air

Many painters have rendered the beautiful Buckhorn Grill in paint and here's my attempt at plein air painting this beautiful building. Today the plein air painters from Davis, part of the newly developing Davis Visual Artist Association went to Winters (my favorite focus for plein air in Yolo County). A painters' paradise is the beautiful Winters area! The architecture, waterscapes, Coastal Range hills and agricultural scenes keep giving off inspiration for artists.

If you're reading this and are in the Davis area and are a visual artist, things are beginning to happen. If you contact me I'll forward your information to the coordinator. Or go Facebook and search for "Davis Visual Artist Association" and like it to receive updates. We are in the fledgling stage at this point. All mediums welcome.

Painting #2, Brandy Creek

2011-06-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

"Brandy Creek, Painting #2"

6" x 6", oil on panel

$90., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

Yesterday's painting. This vignette is from a photo taken during my first visit to Whiskeytown Lake when particiating in the Artist in Residence program with the NPS in Shasta County. Part of the wealth of images that I got from the visits to the artist cabin. This is where Brandy Creek empties into Whiskeytown Lake . .. the gold miners who discovered this area must've spent a lot of time mmmmmm 'celebrating' I guess! This one could easily be worked into a larger painting sometime. Need to remember it for that one. More to follow that's for certain.

All paintings are available. All are 6" x 6", oil on archival panel and ready to hang without a frame but they'll look awesome if framed. $90. per panel .

Lahaina; an Ocean View

2011-06-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

"Lahaina; an Ocean View"

14" x 18", oil on canvas

$350., available unframed

To purchase please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal account is not

Just completed this painting. As I said in the previous post, my heart lives in many places and Maui is one of the places. For a visitor the benefits are amazing; no need for explanation on that! For a painter there are large shapes, a lot of topography, sunlight, gorgeous color and fun subjects. . . .while there in 2009 it took quite a few days for me to settle down enough to paint in earnest ... to get all the haveto go here, haveto go there items on the list taken care of. But I did manage to paint plein air. Here I tried to capture the clouds lingering on the mountains, and an impression of the waterfront of Lahaina. From a photo. So sad ~ not painted on location!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

By the way, if you'll be on Maui around the 4th of July stop by Viewpoints Gallery in the upcountry town of Makawao and check out the upcountry plein air event and exhibit! Paintings exhibited from June 29th thru July 12th. Viewpoints is a beautiful gallery and represents the local artists. Well worth a visit and you can't miss it in town; here's the link: Viewpoints Gallery

A color study of Maui

2011-06-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

"A color study of Maui"

9" x 12", oil on canvas

$75, available unframed

Please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal receipt is not

This painting represents yesterdays' work in getting back to the easel. I'm digesting the words of and instruction from Terry Miura's classes and trying to integrate what he teaches with my methods and techniques. What an enjoyable class and what nice people showed up to participate! Great atmosphere.

On the topic of atmosphere, music while painting is really important - while painting this I play Hapa and

Jake Shimabukuro . . . .genius musicians! We saw Hapa in the Bay Area right after we returned from Maui after getting married . . .and the Namahana CD came out right then too. My heart lives in so many places and of course Maui is one of them.

Group Show; new study

2011-05-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

study of road with Eucalyptus

approx. 14" x 11" oil on canvas

If you study with an artist (I'm studying with Terry Miura) you need to give yourself over to them and their way of thinking in order to learn. Palette, subject, approach, brushstrokes, you name it. I'm trying. For this reason is why it is stated in a lot of show prospectuses that your work not be the result of class or workshops . . . too much input by the instructor, not enough independent thinking and creation by the student. You should know where to draw the line if a work is 'your sole creation' or was helped along by an instructor. Here's a study from class, based on the idea of recession.

G R O U P S H O W; R E D D I N G, CA

Group Show, City Hall, Redding

The link above is for the Art in Public Places show going on this summer at Redding City Hall- one of my pieces is in the show, on until September. The program at the Artists' Cabin up in Whiskeytown Lake National Rec. Area, part of the NPS system keeps generating new wonderful things! Earlier this spring I spoke briefly on the phone with the upcoming Artist in Residence when she phoned with questions on how to prepare for her residency.

My artist friend Gini Holmes is another connection from the cabin; she'll be showing in City Hall after September; her link is to the right Venus d'Pyro . . .an amazing artist in textiles, digital and a number of other mediums. Cooking up some plans with Gini and will be seeing her soon~!

2011-05-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

"Edge of the Forest"

11" x 14", oil on canvas

$275, available unframed

Please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal receipt is not

Here is a painted study of a thicket of wildflowers at the edge of a forest, from a photo taken a couple years ago. The wildflowers that year were thick and spectacular; the image is from the Gold Lakes / Sierra Buttes area which is definitely a high elevation alpine region. The first time we visited we were in down jackets the whole weekend; the second time was nice and warmish; that visit we saw a weasel (part of the mink family) perched on a fence while visiting Parker Lake. Not the usual critters one sees in the mountains . . . .I really want to go back to this spot this summer, so many stunning vistas, hikes and lakes for summer kayaking.

This study is for a larger painting, painted in a different color palette than my usual. Change is so good for a painter! One needs exposure to different color palettes and approaches to painting. Next post I'll put up one of the studies from my latest class I've been taking.

new painting studio

2011-05-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

new work space

I did a lot of travel this past winter and spring; that and after looking at income from art I knew it was time to cut back on overhead expenses. I let go of my rented painting studio. I needed to get lean and mean financially. The result was no more commute, no more rent, no more balky heater in winter and lack of AC in summer, no more sharing of bathrooms and parking with studio mates. Not having these in my life are in the 'plus' column, adding everything up.

I moved out of 300 sq. feet of dedicated painting space and needed to compress my workspace into 150 sq. feet. The workspace is also in our home , which we really try not to spatter floors and wall with paint. Paint on walls would be in the 'negative' column, or maybe the 'conflict' column!

Here's how we did it; it didn't happen overnight. We gradually set things up and with me painting here a for a short time gave indications of what else would be needed to complete the setup. The colors are so neutral; I wanted light enough to reflect light, not absorb, and the painters cloth decided the wall color.

Primary concern: protecting the floor and walls. We bought canvas painters cloths, made a header out of wood and draped the walls with the protective cloth. The header keeps the cloth from contact with the walls, so oily spatters and drips won't be absorbed. I let the extra long material flow and spill over my rolls of canvas stored behind the wall covering, on the floor. Bought a large remnant of rug in a very light reflective color and it's extra cushy.

New things I've added: the Ipad used as a little monitor (less printing / less time and money) and with music all in one device it's so worth it. Another one in the 'plus' column. Untold amount of other things for an artist in an Ipad. . . .

Another new item: I had a woodworking friend build easel inserts because my easel is hard to paint from when standing; the bottom canvas holder/tray won't travel up the mast far enough if you're over like 5'2" and painting smaller canvas. I still have this modest little A-frame Mabef easel; it does the trick for me, will handle canvas up to 6' in length and I like its simplicity. I may go for an H-frame soon but meanwhile this works. You can see one of the easel inserts in place, fitting inside the existing canvas holder.

In the top photo at left, there's a dark wood armoire that we picked up locally late last fall . I knew it'd be useful for painting supply storage and it is. For a FREE item it's one of my best finds! This is from Freecycle. I use Freecycle regularly, to pass stuff along to others who may have a use, and to pick things up like my supply storage armoire. Freecycle - I love it.

Secondary concern: illumination and lighting. Look at this! This slanting light means I can now paint still lifes in the mornings in natural light (summer mornings anyway) from my studio! I'm so pleased, never had that before. . . very definitely this is in the 'plus' column. The window is a N/NE exposure. Having a window is mandatory for me but not for every painter. We installed a honeycomb shade for glare reduction which will happen when high summer is here. For other lighting, I have overhead and task lighting that I can move around.

Third concern: having enough space to back off my painting and view it from about 10'. I have just enough space to do that.

Last item I installed was the large clock. Tempus fugit; time flies. Time to paint!

falling in love with a subject again

2011-05-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

"Oak Tree study" 11" x 13" (approx.) oil on canvas

first pass at this study

I've been busy, somewhat removed from painting and also getting accustomed to a new working area. I had a painting studio that was 300 sq. feet for 7 years and I loved it. Loved the painting studio for size, the focused workspace and not having to watch out for paint smears on anything. I evolved a way of painting and routines based on the space I was working in . . .but one has to flex, "be like Gumby" and adapt and now I have a front room which is extremely comfortable but it's half as large and doesn't have as much surface area to lay things out. And I have to watch the paint smears/ drips etc. I'll discuss the goods vs. the bads with a remote painting studio vs. in-house studio later.

Earlier this spring I was talking with some artists, talking about our respective artist instructors. I was telling them about Terry Miura's work and classes and it was so convincing I've taken my own advice and I'm studying with Terry. He is very, very well-known, is represented on the West Coast and East Coast in galleries and does exquisite work. I started at the beginning with 'Landscape Concepts I". I'm trying to give myself over to a new way of thinking and it's working in some ways, not in others; it's hard to erase foundations you've worked with in painting. I'm learning so much and it's a charge-up of painting energy for me. . . . the classes are based at the School of Light and Color in Fair Oaks which I hadn't visited in a long while. Terry teaches plein air as well. Thousands of readers are familiar with his blog but in case you've missed it (I also have link on the homepage) Terry Miura's blog

The absolute best personal thing for me is I'm falling in love with the subject of trees again . . . last spring, was so over-exposed to trees painted en plein air I quit painting them for a while. And now with the classes, back to trees again!

two paintings; one studio, one plein air

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

"Spring Rush", sold

14" x 18", oil on canvas

Here's an image of "Spring Rush" which sold to collectors on Saturday; this couple contacted me again, selected "Spring Rush" off my website and I was pleased to meet with them on Saturday. I painted this in May, 2010 after a birthday visit to Yosemite; a view of the Merced River at high river levels, it was roaring with so much power and volume down Merced River Canyon. The timing for the trip was in the midst of spring and a storm came in over the weekend; this photo was taken on the sunniest day of the weekend.

Pleased with the frame, it compelemented this painting. 14" x 18" is a nice midsize; it could be placed over a fireplace, could go on many walls . . . now off it goes to a good home!

A similar painting can be commissioned; please contact me here to talk about the commission process.

"In the Garden "

painted en plein air March, 2011

oil on panel; available

6" x 6" (unframed)

$65., USD (shipping within continental U.S. only)

To purchase, email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt.

A credit card is needed, but not a Paypal account

Freesia; what a beautiful form and an ethereal, hard to pin down scent. The painting was painted en plein air after a day of being in the studio. I went out to the garden as the sun was ready to set, when the pinetree and rosemary were dark in the background and the freesia blooms in their rich yellows were catching light in foreground.

In upcoming posts I'll talk about upcoming museum exhibits; the Impressionism shows in just keep happening :-) !

Glorietta Vista

2011-04-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

"Glorietta Vista", painted en plein air April, 2011

oil on panel, available

12" x 16" (unframed)

$350., USD (shipping within continental U.S. only)

To purchase, email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt.

A credit card is needed, but not a Paypal account

Glorietta Vista is the view from Glorietta Canyon, stretching south across the desert in Anza Borrego State Park. We've been to Anza Borrego so many times and this beautiful canyon is close to where we stay. Painted in the morning a little more than a week ago, viewing it brings back so many good moments to me in crystalline detail.

The State Park has history; ancient pictographs in the boulders, old wagonwheel tracks still visible from the Butterfield stage mail route and now a unique small desert community, Borrego Springs.

We come here nearly every spring, for the beauty of the desert.

The wind was blowing around 15 mph so I painted in

the shelter of these boulders

My husband Jim chats with a camper from B.C., Canada -

Jerry was very interesting to visit, in between

my fast stints at the easel

I'll eventually put the photos from this trip on Flickr - can't wait to get to those and edit them. The bloom was incredible - it was just a very good, short vacation in Anza Borrego. I didn't get any wildlife photos, but the desert was crawling with insects, birds, reptiles. No cougar, bobcats or fox, darn!

Thousand Palms

2011-04-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Dos Hermanas", oil on panel, available

12" x 9", painted en plein aire April 7, 2011

$200, available unframed (framing /extra shipping is additional)

Please email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt;

a credit card is necessary although a Paypal receipt is not

I'm posting more photos of paintings and sites where I painted recently - the painting above is from Thousand Palms Oasis, now called Coachella Valley Preserve. The preserve springs up from the San Andreas Fault . . . . for another painting from the preserve see this one: http://paintboxjournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-framed-paintings.html The painting's called "Dos Hermanas" because my husband said it looks like the palms are dancing together!

My roots run so deep here in the Coachella Valley, everywhere I paint has memories. I'd visited the preserve and the palm log house back in the mid 1970's when a caretaker lived here and was still privately owned. Another great scene, painting with the Desert Art Center plein air painters. One of them is Lisa Spencer, who is an artist of many talents. Click for her website: Lisa's so much fun, looking forward to seeing her again - Lisa, below:

Elaine Matthews is the organizer; I know it takes a lot of commitment to do this . I'll be painting with the plein air painters again but things shut down when it heats up in the desert, it's too challenging. Elaine Matthews is on the right in the photo below; Pat Kodet is on left. Pat, whom I'm familiar with from Northern California is from Grass Valley and now lives in the desert! So small a world for artists. Elaine Matthews' website is loaded with plein air paintings from the desert and she instructs in oils : for Elaine's click here and Pat Kodet's website, click here

Another artist whom I ran into back in February and who instructs in plein air is Terry Matthews - amazing work; see his website Terry and I knew each other in high school as we were in the same class at Palm Springs HS. Had a lot of fun catching up with Terry in February, speaking of art, our past high school instructors, friends, and the current art going on in our respective lives. Terry's an artist member of the California Art Club.

More to come.

Andreas Canyon - plein air with a waterscape

2011-04-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

"Andreas Canyon", oil on panel, 12" x 12"

painted en plein aire April 14, 2011

I had a fabulous time painting in the desert recently; all of it plein air so far, no studio time. We got some springtime sun, have had some wonderful hikes, spent time with our families and are making more plans. I have some plein air panels to add some brushstrokes to, sign and photograph - I couldn't wait for this one above, to photograph and post of Andreas Canyon, Palm Springs. I remember hiking here when I was around 4 years old, having picnics, field trips in school, etc. My husband and I return here frequently to hike. This is my first time painting in the canyon and I'm pleased with it. I'm having a difficult time deciding if I'll sell this one! I may hang onto it because it's quite meaningful to me. The good ones are hard to part with.

I have a zillion amazing photos of the desert in bloom which I'll post on Flickr because I'm still in awe of the bloom I saw this month in the desert. It is special. The rains were good and steady and the perennials, large trees and shrubs were spectacular although the carpets of annual wildflower bloom were missing. That's fine with me, I like the trees like palo verde and mesquite, and encelia and senna shrubs when they're in full bloom. And the cacti - oh! Photos later.

We added some more birds to our list, which is now about 20 species long ! After only 15 years, LOL! We're so laid back about the bird list, mostly just excited to i.d. birds. . .. I'm much more in tune with plant identification.

In Andreas Canyon . . . .

I painted with a group of painters from the Desert Art Center; a very organized, friendly group and the great thing is they paint in the desert. Another fine group is Tucson Plein Air Painters whom I used to paint with however I'm not getting to Arizona frequently enough to stay a member. The desert uniform is a big hat, a real thin long sleeved shirt and shorts or jeans. If you can paint with tinted or sunglasses that may be better . . . .my eyes are really fatigued. A painter I painted with in Taos, NM wore sunglasses the entire time so I think I need to look into that one. Recent paintings and photos to follow soon!

Plein Air exhibit and Show, Sat. April 16th

2011-04-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Chuparosa on a Winding Path"

painted en plein aire February 2011

oil on panel; available

9" x 12" (unframed)

$250., USD (shipping within continental U.S. only)

available for purchase framed at the show;

see details below

To purchase, email me and I will send you a Paypal receipt.

A credit card is needed, but not a Paypal account; shipping the

painting framed (shown) requires a shipping and handling cost.

The desert near Palm Springs and Palm Desert is a vast resource of treasures for painting inspiration, hiking, adventuring, relaxation and appreciation of the desert. . .anyone who feels that way will enjoy 'Desertscapes', a monthlong celebration of desert art taking place during April.

If you're in Palm Desert on Sat., April 16th, please stop by the show and sale , 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Desertscapes Plein Air Painting Show

Palm Desert Library Community Room

73-300 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, CA

To read details about the plein air painting, read about it here: my blog

To read more about the artist, see the website: the website

Yountville plein air with Da Group

2011-04-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

"Yountville Grapevines"

oil on canvas, 12" x 16" painted plein air

I met up with plein air painters for a recent paintout arranged by Da Group one of the plein air groups that I paint with and it was totally enjoyable. . . the usual ! Napa isn't an easy place to find an ideal spot and this was a good one - will definitely return to paint here again sometime. The backdrop mountains in this view, looking north towards Lake County, are volcanic and interesting - had to get those. The vines were old and gnarly, the sun was warm and the nearby chickens loud and entertaining. It was a wonderful day.

more framed paintings

2011-04-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

"The Preserve"

oil on panel, 8" x 8", available

painted en plein air February, 2011

$150. USD plus tax

shipping and handling extra

"Chuparosa along a Winding Path"

oil on panel, 9" x 12", available

painted en plein air March 2011

$250. USD plus tax

shipping and handling extra

More framed paintings destined for a show. If you're interested in purchase, email me and I will send you an invoice through Paypal. A credit card is necessary but not a Paypal account.

getting ready for an upcoming show

2011-04-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

"Canyon at Geiger Summit"

oil on panel, 8" x 10", available

painted en plein air Oct. 2011

On reserve

"The California Building, Balboa Park"

oil on panel, 14" x 11", available

painted en plein air July, 2010

$350. USD plus tax

shipping and handling extra

Getting ready for a show and before time escapes me I photographed these plein air paintings in their frames. It makes such a big difference for presentation! For this show I used what looked best for the individual painting rather than one frame for all. Onward . . . more stuff to do .

If you're interested in purchasing, email me and I will send you an invoice through Paypal. A credit card is necessary but not a Paypal account.

The light of spring

2011-04-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

"Lumière du Soleil, Printemps"

"The Light of Spring"

oil on canvas, 12" x 16"

Embracing this moment when the orchards are bursting into bloom is "Lumiere du Soleil, Printemps"; I'm paying respect to the French impressionists. This painting is based on several photos. I took one of the great Valley orchards in the Madera area on the way to Yosemite several years ago; I was saving the photo for the right moment. My husband and I were on our way to a reception for a group show at the Yosemite Museum. Long story and long journey - however I really was saving the orchard photo for the right time. I took another photo recently of a landscape with a dozen cherry trees . . . This is my composition from both.

Beauty is where you find it; in the mind's eye, in memories and experiences. Spring has finally arrived in Northern California and in the last three days nearly every fruit tree - cherry, apricot, plum - has burst into peak bloom. The rains have stopped and it's 80 degrees . . . les printemps, la primavera, springtime has arrived . .. my time of year!

I'll be painting and posting paintings en plein aire soon to follow.

Plein air - it's not just the easel

2011-03-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

For plein air easels and painting supplies you can go to infinity and beyond in purchasing . And if you check out Craigslist you may be able to pick things up from someone else who went beyond and found they weren't a good match for plein air painting!

It's not so technical as any art student will tell you when faced with a deadline and the directive to go outside and paint something. Grab the essentials and go. Pictured is Georgia O'Keefe, one of my most revered painters, keeping it simple . . .but then her paintings were stripped to essential statements. I saw the Abiquiu, NM region and realized O'Keefe had edited out the overwhelming details of the landscape in her paintings. Here O'Keefe has also edited out the non-essential painting equipment.

Georgia as a student

Plein air gear includes not only the easel, but the stuff, whatever you decide is necessary. If you decide you like plein air painting you can add gear and accessories as you go, no need for a big investment initially. This post is about the stuff I have found works for me. . . and so does sitting on the ground with minimal gear:
painting in Yosemite, May 2010

Here's the rolling backpack I bought recently . . . I'm now free to roam and paint
. . .the little red object is a cheapie compass / mirror

Lists for you - --

Essential gear:

totebag or backpack to carry all the following:

tripod for paintbox or umbrella

Brush roll (mine folds up and protects the actual brush hair)
inside the brush roll: assorted brushes and painting knives

bag of paints
panels for painting - I use panel or cut up pieces of the brand of roll canvas that I prefer

OMS (turps) container that has a positive, non-leaking seal

compass/mirror

charged up cel phone

paper towels and a rag

small trash bag(s)

disposable gloves

hooks, small clamps, binder clips, A-clamps

short length of rope or bungees

water, juice, snacks

hat, sunscreen

Here's the fieldbag . Positives: everything is visible, it sits flat.

Negative: if I load it up all the weight is on one side and it's
not good for hiking or long distances. Note the camping
fuel container, for absolutely leakproof OMS container

Bare essentials for oil painting:
panel, canvas or gessoed paper
oil paints, 3 colors; red, blue, yellow plus white
OMS (odorless mineral spirits) in a container
1 brush
palette of some type
rags / paper towels / disposal bag
something to sit on like a towel

Optional:
sunglasses
sports drink powder
bugspray - spray it on your hat, or a rag and hang that off your easel
non-glare folding umbrella that attaches to tripod
stool - 'Walkstool' or look at Judson's chairs and stools
glare screen, like a windshield shade (gray)
drybox for wet panels
music: Ipod, mp3 player, Ipad, whatever works for you
warm gloves with fingertips cut out
Mace spray
1" thick dense foam floorpads
portable camping table

If you're shy about painting outdoors you may want to bring optional cover!

The good:
The rolling backpack (in this post) holds my EasyL and now I'm a happy painter. I like to stand, at least for the block-in; then I do sit on a stool at the end of a long day.

Use gloves; don't get that paint or OMS on your skin; you want to enjoy painting for a very long healthy lifetime. My compass helps in unfamiliar sites, so I can predict the sun/shadows during the day. When I painted on the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, I really needed it . . .disoriented as to where the sun was traveling.

The clips and clamps come in handy, help you to be adaptable.

The bad and the ugly:

Please - do not dispose of your OMS or rinsewater on the ground or in the park trashcan. Dispose properly, along with your trashbag. Give a hoot, don't pollute!

Have your cel phone charged up and handy , esp. when trying to locate other painters when you arrive.

The mirror can be used if you've hiked out too far and gotten injured or stuck - use as a signal mirror. Or use to put on lipstick for photos - your choice! Mirrors are good to check your painting, just as in the studio.

The mace spray . . . I'm sorry to have to put this in my bag. But weirdos and scary people are out there, whether on a city corner, in a park or on a hiking trail. And dogs that are off-leash / aggressive. Yuck.

Extras for comfort: gloves with fingertips cut out for cold weather, neoprene floor pads for standing on for frozen or muddy ground.

Last and not the least important: Use common sense and streetsmarts. If you're not a camper or a hiker, start with warmups in a park or safe place with other painters or a buddy. Know how to read a map. Don't drive where you shouldn't be driving or walking i.e., stay out of fragile environments such as wet meadows, respect private property, don't choose 4WD roads when you're driving a 2WD, avoid risky neighborhoods.

brushroll - one of my must-haves

The summary:
Use the KISS philosophy - keep it simple (stupid) . Keep it spontaneous and fun especially if you're a Sunday or vacation painter as I was for years.

Don't be intimidated by the technical stuff - look at the photo of Georgia, get inspired - just paint!

Plein air - field easels

2011-03-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Painting at Mammoth Mountain area (2004)
with the first Jullian

(note: edited 11.18.11)
There's nothing so fascinating for plein air painters as the gear . . . planning ahead is IT. Bring what works for specific locations: a backpack for a hike-in spot, for wheeling your stuff around a city, or putting the big Jullian with big canvas in the car for car-painting. Perusing the new stuff that comes out on the marketplace. Modifying your gear to work for yourself. It's all fun and inspiring -- and wise to plan for your plein air expeditions. The difficult decisions when I pack for a plein air trip or a vacation is what to leave out of the car.

Air travel, no decisions; you're reduced to essentials and nothing more. Car trips, a whole 'nother game.

I've accumulated a lot of field easels; all are for oil painting. No single easel works for all situations. Backpacking? or easy walk from the car? Wind? Beach sand? I need something different for varying sites and conditions. . . listed in order of most-used to least:

1. My old workhorse, inexpensive, shows the knocking around but who cares? Jullian knockoff - it was $60 and what a great buy, 7 years later it still works fine. Cheap Joe's  I take it out when I want to paint large and I know the conditions are such that this'll work . (No hiking with this one - at most about 50 yards up or down a hill).

2. A Richeson French companion , (French mistress)  the best piece of equipment I've ever bought. For painting large and comfortably for a long day of painting along with the French or Jullian easel. Plenty of palette area and the sidetrays are well balanced for everything.

3. A Guerilla 9x12 box, my first really great plein air easel. I bought it used, loved it and unfortunately it was stolen. . . . 9x12-Guerrilla-Box   What a sturdy paintbox; acts as a wetbox for shipping wet panels and supplies safely back home if you fly somewhere to paint. So strong . . .but hard to get the swing of your painting arm in there and the palette is too constrained . . . .but check out their new cigarbox, from Judsons!
Here's the Guerilla 9x12:

4. An EasyL, 12 x 16, Versa model. VERSA model, EasyL That's what you see in this blog - practically all the photos show my EasyL. I like it very much except for the panel holder at the back, badly designed or milled and with my 1/4" thick panels it's useless. Need to modify that. It also goes in a backpack so I can pack this in.

Hint: wipe down all the brass after using so the dried paint doesn't build up and jam the knobs / panel holders. Here's the EasyL when it was relatively new:

The EasyL is moderately priced; I like the tripod system. I use the box-shaped brush holder that also pins your trashbag to the side of the palette. I don't store anything inside except a plexiglas palette . . . .I strongly urge you - another hint: put in a plexiglas insert for a palette in the bottom. If not and you're out painting on windy days in dusty or sandy areas you'll have a time-consuming chore removing grit from dried paint on your palette when you get home. Otherwise on a super windy day, you can call the plexi insert and the paints a total loss and throw it away - I've had to toss out my plexi palette twice. I had a box made for my car and the EasyL sits flat inside. I like the tilted position when I'm painting and standing; flatter when sitting.

Both the Guerilla and the EasyL will work for sitting. I stand to paint but after a long day or several days of painting I need to sit . . .easy with these two.

5. A real Jullian: Jullian full size French easel - it was $140 and is well worth it - you can find sale prices this low. I take it out for special events and then wipe it down. It's like the convertible you keep in the garage for weekend drives. . .yes, just like that Boxster I have in the garage, LOL.

6. Mabef pochades: I have two, an 11 x 14 and a 12 x 16. For the 11 x 14, my husband modified it with a universal tripod mount -- it's my backpack easel with a very lightweight tripod. For plane travel too. This setup went with me to Maui minus the tripod. I know that I can sit somewhere such as on grass, a beach chair or a picnic bench and paint so I travel on plane trips without the tripod - if my plane travel was exclusively for a painting event, of course I'd take the tripod. If I hike in and paint, the tripod goes with me . . . . it all depends on the situation! See the previous post, by the way.

This setup is great for painting in class on a campus, or a workshop when you need to be prepared for long walks and changing setups. It holds ALL of it: paints, palette, brushes, wet panels and dry panels. Everything. I bought two pochades because I like (love) Mabefs. Sketchboxes from Mabef This link is for Judson's, one of my favorite suppliers. They've been in the business for a long time and they're very reputable with both print and web catalogue ordering. The only drawback to the Mabef pochades is how the spring keeps dropping out of the tensioned panel holder and I need to tape down the little metal clips that hold the interior dividers. Here are the Maui paintings:

"Molokai from Napili"

"Honokohau"

So lightweight: 4 lbs., 11 oz. for my smaller model. Easy!

In conclusion, I know lots of artists who use Soltek but I've not invested in one. I paint in sandy areas, the beach and the desert. I have heard that Sand + Soltek easel legs = Unhappy Artist. But many artists swear by them so judge for yourself on that. If I ever buy another palette box plein air easel, it'll probably be an OpenBox M. I've checked them out and they're very steady on the tripod.

Below are 2 books for some in-depth information and spoken from vast experience. Kevin MacPherson's book is one that I read and re-read .

Kevin MacPherson, "Inside and Out"

His philosophy is the same as mine: plein air painting is interwoven as a practice or a routine, into what you do in the studio. This is a gentle study course filled with inspiring and thoughtful projects to take on . . . no overwhelming challenges but lots of inspiration and encouragement. From a true proponent , back in the 1980's before plein air painting was cool.

Here's an informative plein air book from Frank LaLumia; he's also a veteran plein air painter in oil and watercolor and P.A.P.A. member. He uses several easels and includes a descriptive run through each of them in the book, along with paintings and philosophy:

Frank LaLumia, plein air handbook

I love it. . . . .I love them all! I'm a shopaholic when it come to art stuff, I confess!

The only thing I'm lacking is a good drybox for transporting . . . .

snow on the mountains

2011-03-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Snow on the Jacintos" painted en plein air

Mar. 6th, 2011
12" x 16" oil on panel

While I was in the desert for a week I painted a couple times . . .plans for more but as plans go, things got changed. I picked a spot in the semi shade of a smoketree - so thankful for the umbrella or I would've fried - it was close to 90 degrees . . . the adjustment from humid, cool Northern Calif. to arid desert in Southern Calif. can do interesting things to your senses.

My plans in the desert kept getting rearranged; unexpected changes and a big windstorm that blew in on Mon., Mar. 7th -- it blew my plans aside. No plein air painting when it's 30 and 40mph, gheesh. While I was down there I met again with new painting friends, painted en plein air and enjoyed the desert. I'm getting some family obligations taken care of while down there too .

my setup . . . I loved this spot. Hikers and horseback riders

passed by in a constant stream; one horseback rider stopped and

she yelled as she left 'I love that painting'! Nice little thrill there. . .

Interesting clouds kept forming shapes overhead so I took this

photo - - one of those that makes a better photo than a painting

I returned to the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto National Monument Visitor's Center. website Quite a mouthful for a name, but what an incredible act of preservation! The mountains on the west and south sides of the Coachella Valley are now preserved as national lands. I painted with a group and we were all in for a surprise when we learned the parking lot was to close so we scrambled to pack up and leave. I was 3/4 of the way finished but would've liked another one . . . Here it is, finished:

'Chuparosa on a Winding Path'

9" x 12" oil on panel

Morning Stars

2011-02-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

"Morning Star" (sacred datura flower), 11" x 14"

oil on panel

Datura flowers open in the morning and again in the late afternoon. If you are walking out in the desert, late in the morning on a hot day they're tightly closed and you miss the ethereal beauty. . . catch them early and you'll see them, multiples on a single large shrub. The scent is wonderful! Distinctive as gardenias but not as powerful; they are host to a lot of insects especially the little beetles that look like green ladybugs. Georgia O'Keefe painted datura in many variations . . . I couldn't resist this, placed the subject of the painting dead center of the canvas; it's a flower portrait so here you are.

painting tips

2011-02-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

My drop-in student, painting at the North Rim of Grand Canyon

(he showed real promise as a painter)

Painting can be technical and I'm grateful I'm both technical and creative/intuitive. That's my personality along with my training so no wonder I love painting. Not to mention the love of the tools used for plein air painting - plein air gear, beautiful painting surfaces, the good brushes that do what you wish them to do. The setup above was one of the cushiest and look how little gear there is here - but you have to find that picnic table in the shade first!

Painting tip for (plein air painting) today is to consider the surface you're using for plein air. Reviewing my Grand Canyon plein air painting recently, I reconsidered and realized it was the wrong surface: gessoed panel. Should've used canvas or canvas panel so the oil paint would've stayed wet enough to push around because with gessoed panel, all the oil was sucked up so quickly in the arid conditions there was no chance to smoosh it around. Another thought: stretched canvas will dry faster than oil on panel. The oil on panel has one permeable surface , stretched canvas has 2 surfaces front and back that are permeable, able to breathe and the oil soaks in faster. So think about not only the layering of oil paints (lean to thick), but think about the absorption of the surface you're taking out plein air.

Linen is a whole different topic . . .anyone have comments on linen or surface absorption?

2011-02-23T11:38:00.001-08:00

"Chino Canyon", San Jacinto Mountains

12" x 16", oil on panel

This view is so iconic for Palm Springs. . . the road up to the base station for the tramway is here. The profile of the mountain and San Jacinto peak is visible from this vantage point - when there is snow it's incredible. I need more snow painting skills to pull that one off. But the reason it's so incredible to me as a painter is the amazing contrast and topographical interest: the bajada leading up to the base of the mountains, the boulder strewn area in the foreground, the shadows of the canyons.

Drama, geography, history and a painters' paradise all in one location - why I love the desert.

February plein air, Carquinez Straits

2011-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

"Bull Valley", painted plein air Sunday 2.06.11,

12" x 16" oil on panel

Bull Valley, looking down on the Carquinez Straits

I painted with the Benicia plein air group 'Da Group' at one of the East Bay Regional Parks Da Group link . . .Sunday was a gorgeous, rewarding day spent in warm weather. The day began with a breeze which kicked up enough to send me packing up at 2 pm. Typical California scene, I want to try knife painting (painting with a palette knife) soon but not this one. I'm looking at various knife painters and I like the abstracted qualities - and if I mix with the knife I may as well stay with the same tool in my hand rather than switch over to a brush. . . .will post some results later after practicing.

the painting in progress

fellow painters and company, taking relaxed Impressionist poses

The Carquinez bridges with big ship passing through

painting in the desert again

2011-01-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

Santa Rosa, San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Visitors' Center, painting en plein air

I hadn't painted in a while. It was due to the holidays, some family issues that needed attention and the winter doldrums. Then I spent nearly 2 weeks in the Coachella Valley, running back and forth between Palm Springs and La Quinta. I took care of family stuff and then I painted for 2 days with artists whom I connected with immediately, and I then also ran into a high school classmate in a palm grove at an oasis while painting plein air! We had a great time catching up and painting. I was back home. . . My husband joined me later and we hiked. . . .the sun, the beautiful desert and some relaxing in the hot tub put the smile back on our faces.

Without over-describing, I'll stay in the mood of the desert and just post some images. The first in Palm Desert - see the link for the location - the Visitors' Center is at the base of the mountainous part of Highway 74 in Palm Desert:

Santa Rosa, San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Perfect day at the Visitors' Center -

thanks to Stacey Wellman, USFS employee and staff.

Stacey was generous and took this photo

"Desert Wash", 12" x 9", oil on panel

"Thousand Palms Oasis", 8" x 8", oil on panel

Paintings painted en plein air, January 2011. . . .the setting was warm desert sun, breezes, the backdrop of purplish gray mountains or salmon colored hills. Full moon rising over palm trees and owls hooting back and forth in early morning. Cactus wrens calling. An oasis with just around 1,000 palm trees and waters that bubble up from the San Andreas Fault. I hope for more good painting this spring.

beautiful desert

2011-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

View of San Jacinto, at the base of Chino Canyon

Palm Springs, California Dec. 30, 2010

2011 is begun, with some frequent trips this year to the desert where I grew up: Palm Springs.

I must start on a personal note - how does one separate the emotions of being an artist from the public side of being an artist? That's a difficult one. For myself I pull from my emotions, and when my heart isn't in a joyful place I don't really want to paint. I want to express beauty, and when I don't feel complete within or in turmoil it can be hard to get to the easel and get what you hope for. . . .. without going into detail my family (my siblings, parents, relatives etc.) have been going thru a hard time.

When there's a difficult spot in the road of an artist, I guess the thing is to keep in mind that "art heals" and then throw yourself back into the journey. I will be going back to the thing that was formative for me: the desert, creating, painting, being outdoors and being with family.

I took the photo, above, last week. . . .mounted the camera on a tripod which I don't usually do but it was necessary because of the strong winds. . . winter storms were definitely making an impact all over.

"My San Jacintos" , 5" x 7" oil on panel

painting for Palm Springs Art Museum fund raiser, 2010

view of San Gorgonio

Palm Springs, California

The Gift of Art, group show and new paintings

2010-11-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

"Outward Perspective (one)", acrylic on panel

20" x 16"

Two new paintings headed for the Art Foundry Gallery and "The Gift of Art", a juried group show at the Art Foundry Gallery, 1021 R St., Sacramento. The exhibit will be on view during two Second Saturday receptions, Dec. 11th and Jan. 8th. Closes January 29th, 2011. I'm totally pleased to be sharing a wall with Greg Kondos and Dianne Poinski!

Works from "Twenty Top Artists": Greg Kondos, Jack Alvarez, Brenda Boles, Lynne Cunningham, Taylor Gutermute, Judy Jacobs, Zbiegniew Kozikowski, Anthony Montenino, Christina Pate, Dianne Poinski, Leslie Toms. Come by, enjoy some holiday spirit at the gallery and nearby pub / cafes ... there's a really good thing happening on the R Street corridor.

Musee d'Orsay exhibit, De Young Museum . . .11/20/10

2010-11-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Painting by Paul Gauguin, of Vincent Van Gogh painting sunflowers

please support Wikepedia image courtesy of Wikipedia, please donate soon . . . . . .

You don't know what to expect ! My friend and I went into the City to the Musee D'Orsay exhibit on view at the deYoung. I was not expecting anything but post Impressionism from the French museum. I was really and totally surprised to see not only Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, but there was a JS Sargent prominently displayed: "La Carmencita". Nice! My friend wanted a few more Van Gogh's. We did see "Starry Night", and a self portrait which we discussed . . . both of us noticed that Vincent's left eye is really dilated, leading to the (slightly) crazed look in the self portrait. What an artist . .. we also talked about whether it's the style, or the subject matter he's painting - which is more attractive? Hard to decide between sunflowers, iris, Pont Aven en Bretonne, nocturnes or is it the brushwork?

I focused on the Gauguin work which I haven't seen much of in person . . .amazing for the color palette and shapes . . .I read Gauguin wasn't commercially popular until the 1900's and I see why; the symbolism and figurative style fits in the early to mid 1900's. If I look at Gauguin, I also see Diego Rivera in the style in which figuratives are depicted. Bought a small book to study the color palette of Gauguin.

We were in the midst of a winter storm in Northern California although mid-day on Saturday in San Fran. held a window of sunlight for us in between storm cells. Amazing, glorious blue skies and puffy clouds, a light turquoise ocean with steel gray reflections . . .this is the color I see so often in San Francisco Bay in certain lighting. We visited Ocean Beach (is this my touchstone? yes I believe it is) and China Beach. A few carloads of surfers pulled up at the parking lot at China Beach to see if the surf conditions were worthy (not really, pretty flat but great for fishermen and photography.)

great day for kite boarders at Ocean Beach

good day for everyone

It was all about art, good beach visit, great weather and food . . .I got a few good photos too. Another winter visit to the City, good one.

Abstractions from Life, more acrylic paintings

2010-11-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

"Forest Transitions", acrylic on paper, 22" x 30"

"Sea Island, Summer Visit", acrylic on paper, 22" x 30"

Been working on the larger abstracted landscapes in acrylic, and when working on these some of them just develop as I go from my imagination. Others begin from photo references. . . and then wind up not looking like the photo. All is good with these processes though, I'm happy with these. The bottom one began as 'something' when I painted the background and when finished it was reminiscent of our visit to Ocracoke Island; the cypress forest with sun peeking thru the cypress and framed views to the Pamlico Sound. What a place . . . one of a chain of barrier sea islands on the Southeast coast.

In my classes I discuss working from the emotional standpoint while mastering painting skills. To add to that, there are three processes for painting that I use:

working from life -plein air painting and sketching
working from photos - should be your own personal photo references
working from imagination - you'll be surprised, try it!

2 kinds of painters

2010-11-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

"Red Roses" , detail

Sergei Bongart

“There are two men [people] inside the artist, the poet and the craftsman. One is born a poet. One becomes a craftsman.”
— Émile Zola 1840-1902

"There are two kinds of artists, the emotional painter and the academician. The academician can paint into old age sitting on his [her] stool licking his canvas until 98 years of age. The emotional artists burn himself up . . . The academician always creates something acceptable, boring, but acceptable. The emotional artist often misses, but when he [she] hits, it is breathtakingly beautiful… touched by the gods!”
— Sergei Bongart 1918-1985

More on Sergei Bongart

Acrylic Painting Classes, Folsom

2010-10-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Folsom City Parks and Rec. have a beautiful gallery and Public Art Center - can be viewed here at this link

There's a dedicated classroom, a beautiful gallery and thriving programs.

"Painting in Acrylics", an experimental painting class begins Tuesday! 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for 6 weeks. We'll be discussing and taking in concepts of composition (design), value, color and techniques. I don't use many mediums at all, I just paint! My preference is to get in there and paint and not get too hung up on mediums and technicalities. . . .and I just read on Nancy Reyner's blog that diluted washes are OK by her . . . they're definitely OK by me despite a lot of technical rhetoric and debate arouund. Mediums aren't necessary. . . .fine to use but not needed.

Acrylics are an acquired habit - the first time may not be a favorable experience - we'll get beyond the difficulties and onto the fun and rewarding part of painting with this watermedia. . . .Sign up info is here ; call (916) 355-7285 and you may sign up at the first class session as well.

Pomegranate jelly

2010-10-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

"In the Presence", acrylic on paper, 22" x 30"

I'm continuing my acrylics on paper. The painting studio is set up this week for large acrylics - boxes of paints everywhere, a big worktable and I'm sifting through my box of photo references. I grab some, and out of this week's production came these two. I was listening to Eric Clapton . . .

. . .music is essential, like air and water. Art is for the soul . . . .it feeds your soul. There is something you've created at the end of a painting session, or the desire to bring a painting to completion. The need to create is really strong for me. This week on the agenda is a possible paintout and I'm putting together these projects: pomegranate jelly, various proposals for art, and lesson plans for classes in oils, another in acrylics. It is completely gratifying seeing the tangible products of your efforts . . .like glass jars in the pantry, a contract one has landed for work, and the recognition of learning in students' faces .

I like results! Feels good for this soul.

"?Quien para La Samba?"

acrylic on paper, 15" x 11"

small framed paintings

2010-10-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Nymphea (one)" acrylic on paper, 7" x 5", available framed

"Nymphea (two)", acrylic on paper, 7" x 5", available framed

"Tibouchina (one)", acrylic on paper, 7" x 5", available framed

"Tibouchina (two)", acrylic on paper, 7" x 5", available framed

A quick look at my small paintings for this month - this time, these are all framed. On view at the Artists Upstairs studios, open every Second Saturday and that is tomorrow, 10/9/10 from 5 - 9 pm. Come by and see the new display: florals (you're viewing the florals now!) , landscapes and abstracts. Nothing like a reception to get some new work produced!

The Arts Foundry Gallery (our studios are situated upstairs) is in a good arts and restaurant district, 5 blocks south of the Capitol at near 10th and R streets, Sacramento. The patrons are there to view art and participate in this cultural event . . . and there's free parking! One of my favorite restaurants in Sac. is down the street , Magpie Catering.

Nevada painting trip

2010-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Update: I put some finishing brushstrokes on my paintings and got the photos. I wanted to finish another painting while it was still workable . . . so put these aside for a day until I could do that. PAINTINGS! here, now! ready for framing:

"Canyon near Geiger Summit"

oil on panel, 6" x 8"

"Spring-fed Canyon" (same canyon as above), near Geiger Summit

oil on panel, 12" x 12"

"Comstock Mining, Inc." oil on panel,

6" x 8"

"Rooflines, Virginia City", oil on panel

6" x 8"

I believe I 'll be painting there again.

We had really great weather for painting. Enough clouds for interest, not much in the way of wind . . . this week the report is clouds, thunderstorms, snow on the high elevation passes and wind .

Nevada

panorama backdrop to Virginia City

I visited and painted in Nevada with a group of plein air painters from Tuesday through Saturday. It was everything I wanted out of a high desert plein air adventure! . . .so rewarding and it's surprising how long you can paint in a day once you're in gear for painting.

I LOVE the southwest . . . I thought back on all my extended plein air trips and they've all been in the desert or high desert - Tucson, AZ, Taos, NM, the Grand Canyon, Borrego Springs, CA. Now I can add Virginia City / Silver City, NV. Quick photo gallery of the location, before I post the paintings and other photos -

Hwy 342, Silver City, NV

St. Mary's Art Center in background, Virginia City, NV

Will follow up with more on the trip later . . .

crazy for plein air

2010-09-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

who wouldn't like plein air? this is one of my painting sites

I have some good adventures coming up in the near future. One is the final plein air workshop series for Yolo County Arts Council, the "Master Artist Workshop" that I'll be leading Sat. 9/25/10 . . . looking forward to this! Beautiful spot in Winters, water and majestic cottonwood trees, native plants everywhere, the Blue Hills of the Vaca Range in the backdrop. I also have a plein air trip coming up soon, a group of us are "going walkabout" and going for a plein air trip. That one has me really excited so I'm making painting panels and rounding up equipment. I'm working on adapting one of my Mabef pochades to fit to a tripod - it's small enough to put in a backpack. I'm wanting to go lighter sometimes and be free from the 'stuff', even though the 'stuff' is all very fun to have . . . it's just not necessary.

Balboa Park, July, 2010

You don't need much gear really, just the desire to paint. I've painted sitting on the ground with one canvas panel, about 5 tubes of paint, 3 paintbrushes and my turps can. That's all you need . . . that's how Georgia O'Keefe painted sometimes but darn it I've searched and searched for that photo and can't find it. So, another photo of me painting plein air. When I find the photo of Georgia I'll post it.

Putah Creek, Nov. 2008

in my mind I'm in the mountains

2010-09-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

"North Rim Aspens", acrylic on paper,

7 1/2" x 5", matted no frame, $50

"Lake Mary", acrylic on paper

7 1/2" x 5", matted no frame, $50

My husband and I went to Lake Tahoe right before Labor Day and had an extremely good time . . . 3 hikes in 2 days, swimming, eating out, excellent warm weather . . .snoozing by the lake on chaise lounges. I didn't take my paintbox, it was a true vacation experience. We explored the East side of the lake, the 'sunny side' and had a wonderful time.

I think because of the Tahoe trip I was in the mood for mountains. I went back to some of my photos from past mountain trips; in 2007 we had an unforgettable trip at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. "North Rim Aspens" this one I'd really like to keep for myself! I'll probably do larger versions. It's more refined of the two paintings. In summer we went often hike to Lake Mary in the Sierras, a good little alpine hike with granite walls and wildlflowers early in the summer.

A wonderful experience to talk with art appreciators during the CAST tour and get to know people who come to visit at the Artists Upstairs; thanks for coming by if you did. It's rewarding to talk about painting and process.

Until next time!

More small paintings for Studio Tour

2010-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

"Bayview", acrylic on paper, 12" x 12"
matted and framed, $250

"Bayview" shown with edges, no crop

Available for the coming weekend Studio Tours, the CAST tour are my acrylic on paper paintings (along with larger oils). I love doing these acrylics; it's good as an artist to work in a few mediums and acrylic on paper runs a close second to oil on canvas. I must work quickly in acrylic so that's good, and it tends to be more experimental. In the second image I want to show the painting entirely, with deckled edges . . .great for float framing . . .and I do know a great framer ! I leave float framing up to Kwan, he does beautiful work.

If you can't make it Sat. from 12-4 pm or from 6-9 pm, or on Sunday from 12-4 just contact me here. We have an invitational for Friday and open hours at other times. That's THIS Friday, 9/10/10 thru Sunday, 9/12/10 ! Wow, these last few weeks flew. Studio: upstairs, 1021 R St., near 10th and R, Sacramento.

A reminder: Exploring Painting with Acrylics, registration open with Folsom Parks and Rec.; first session Tues. 9/14/10. I'm coming up with a lot of good lesson plans for the different sessions. I find with acrylic one idea leads to another!