The Plein Air Convention and finishing A Flower Gardner

I am standing next to my art pal, Birgit. She is the one who coaxed me into doing the photo. I am glad she did. Its a good reminder about how fun the convention was! I am really thinking of going next year. It will be in Tuscon which looks awesome. Anyone up for a trip in April 2016? The convention was filled with lots of activities. Everyday there was art marketing boot camp at 6:30 am, then starting at 8am the demonstrations, panel discussions and various programs began. I know some of the people I ran into felt they were on overload but you can pace yourself and take breaks or in my case take naps. There was plein air sessions in the afternoon and then there were evening sessions. There were nocturne demonstrations and critiques.

This is the night I will never forget. It was a critique session with Lori Putnam and Quang Ho. I wish I could have recorded what they said because all I can recall is "blah, blah, blah, shapes, seeing this well at 130 mile per hour, blah, blah , blah". They were both complimentary and the room gave an unexpected supportive applause. I think I am still high from the whole experience.

10 x10

acrylic on cradled panel

So this is the finished version of the critiqued painting. You probably can't see it well but I moved the red rose out from the center. A very accomplished artist, Charlie Hunter had asked about it during the critique and while Lori and Quang said it worked fine, it started to bug me. I also put in a little more detail. I may enter this into a group show. Still debating.

The Angel and the Bird

6x6

acrylic on gessobord
sold

I just got back from the Plein Air Convention and a girl's weekend in Laguna Beach. This painting is from a photo reference I took last year while at the Plein Air Convention in Monterey. I am so inspired! Its great to hear artists talks and see the demos. There are things that are starting to click. I had the most amazing experience getting my painting critiqued by Lori Putnam and Quang Ho. I want to finish that painting up before posting. More details to come.

City Gardener

10x10

acrylic on cradled panel

I am thinking of entering this in a group show but haven't decided yet. I plan on doing one more of the gardener series. My wonderful artist friend Sylvie did a variety of poses while we were at Ft. Mason in the city sometime ago. 

I am heading down to Monterey for the 4th Annual Plein Air Convention this week. I am hoping for a time of inspiration and fun. There will be quite a few "rock stars" in the art field giving demos and having panel discussions. There will also be plenty of opportunity to spend money on art supplies. I am hitting Rosemary's Brushes for sure!