Wet Paint...

     I finally got out again with the Saturday Plein Air  Group and painted yesterday. We went to Old Fort Lauderdale Village downtown on the New River...  I did this 11x12, oil/canvas of one of the historical homes located there. This was an attempt to reel in the vivid Spring light that we have down here, and present it with a softer edge. All the colors seem to be magnified ( see previous post! ) as a last hurrah before the Summer drives away their intensity, along with the Snow Birds... Hmmm, I'm looking forward to Summer, now that I think about it...

Plein Air, Wet Paint...

       Going out to paint today, I got a late start without a certain destination in mind. I drove around and wound up at a wooded park close by.  I walked around a bit to see what it had to offer since I had yet to paint there. My late start put me there at almost high Noon, which proved to be right on time to catch this lake illuminated head on in all its questionable glory... this really is the color as it appeared !! The large turtles swimming all around seemed to be enjoying their vivid  environment as much as I did, along with the occasional Blue Heron and jumping fish. I did this 11x14, oil/canvas board and was home by 3:30...

  By the way, the first spot I checked out today, a nature preserve on a canal, didn't appear at its best for painting this late in the morning. However, the Mother Manatee and her Calf swimming leisurely by as I walked out on the dock , stuck their noses up out of the water letting me know that I was there right on time as well ...

In The Yard...

                                                                   Sunday Arbor

                                                           Out With A Blast

      I like the idea of painting ones own surroundings, so lately I have been working on my plein air skills in my own yard. It is convenient and the parking is free...

     The Confederate Jasmine in the backyard has engulfed the arbor and is in full bloom right now, filling the air with its sweet fragrance... Sunday Arbor, 16x12, oil/canvas.

     In the front yard there are three Washingtonia Palms. When the fronds are ready to be trimmed, they turn a brilliant yellow. As we took Gobi for a walk this morning at 7:30, the early sun was beginning to hit this one , making these aging fronds light up like lanterns. The walk became brisk so I could get back and set up the easel before the effect was lost. Out With A Blast, 18x24, oil/canvas.

Golden Mounds

  The glowing bushes in this 8x6, oil/linen panel are called Golden Mounds. They truly live up to their name. When the morning sun hits them, as it did here, they illuminate everything within reach.. Their vibrant lemony, chartreuse color always captivates me and pulls me right in... 

Plein Air

     After wiping off the first painting today at Bonnet House, I decided to use the paint left on my palette with a half hour to use it. This little 6x8, oil/linen panel is the result... somedays are just that way!

Pastels Today...

                                                              Golden Bamboo

                                                              Copper Plant

      For the first time in about a year, I dusted off the pastels this afternoon and took them out to the backyard to see what I could come up with. I did these two, each 6x8, on sanded paper. Like visiting an old friend I was reminded of why I like them so much. I was also reminded of the importance of keeping in touch... I felt a little rusty...

Soon To Be Alabama Bound

  The Gadsden Museum of Art in Alabama will be presenting the 2009 Plein Air Invitational festival the last week of April. Since this is the area of Alabama where I grew up, I am honored to be included as one of the 10 featured artists from around the country participating in this event. This is their first plein air event and it sounds like the museum staff and volunteers have it well organized with selected painting venues and lots of accommodations for the artists needs.

   It is a beautiful part of the state with rolling blue mountains, lush valleys with flowing rivers and pastures and not a palm tree in sight!  There is lovely old architecture and monuments around the city, all of which will make for a refreshing change of scenery and light for this painter. The museum plans to post the paintings daily on their site (link above) with an exhibition of the wet paintings at the museum to close out the week. I am looking forward to participating and I feel this will be great for the community and the Arts there.

   Now I have to get out and hone my plein air skills since my Mom has already declared that this will give her "braggin' rights"... no pressure, though.

Big Boy

     Gobi has just turned a year old... according to our guesses since he was a rescue dog and came with no solid info... other than, yes, he is the best dog in the world... gifted too.

   Here he is with his other Dad, Ken, when we went to the Los Olas Art Fair. It was his first big outing and he proved to be very popular. They are standing in front of artwork by fellow painter & friend Richard Del Ponte. Richard and several other painters in the Saturday group were painting on a waterway downtown. Richard is a prolific painter who also does murals, faux finishes, and some great street chalk paintings .

Wet Paint...

   Yep... I about reckon there's nothing more to say... 16x12, oil/canvas .