Ever feel like this?

Even when I was a “full time” artist, I felt like–“when am I going to have time to paint?” I’ve got books, receipts, galleries to deal with, postcards, printers, ads, supplies to buy…yikes! Now that I’m working part-time, the pressure to make money from art is off (hope the IRS isn’t listening…I should say less … Read more

Quickdraw at San Luis Obispo Plein Air 2006

Today was the last painting day of the San Luis Obispo Plein Air competition, the “Quick Draw”.  We were given 2 hours to complete a painting, followed by a live auction. Yesterday I scouted out a couple of compositions and ended up painting the History Museum, one of the many built by the Carnegie Foundation … Read more

First Place, SLO Plein Air 2006!

Tonight….was one of the best, ever. I won First Place at the San Luis Obispo Plein Air 2006! The SLO Art Center held a special reception tonight for collectors, a preview before the show officially opens tomorrow. Awards were announced. There are so many great artists at this show that I admire, like Terri Ford, … Read more

Pick the top 3 paintings

I may paint something tomorrow morning (or tonight), but this is likely the group of paintings I have to choose from for the show. I need to select the top 3 for jurrying, and up to an additional three as replacements (after sales). I got some great advice for the last show, so hoping to … Read more

SLO Plein Air, Day 4

Productive morning! It rained, but I found about 30 minutes of a break to paint the quick one below. The light was coming through the clouds just so. I’m happy with this one, although the photo is a bit dull. The streak of what looks like pale yellow is actually much more orange and bright. … Read more

SLO Plein Air, Day 2

Had a crisis of confidence this morning. Weather was gray, so I spent almost all morning seeking out sun inland. I found sun, but nothing inspiring to paint. It’s days like these–especially during a competition–that I start to feel a slow panic. Luckily, I headed back into town to keep trying. Searching out color, I … Read more

SLO Plein Air, Day 1 Afternoon

Did this little marsh study this afternoon for the San Luis Obispo Plein Air show. Ran into Gordon Luce–nice guy. Not a great photo, but gives you an idea of the painting. Nice spot…may return tomorrow. On the Marsh – Oil on Linen – 8×10

SLO Plein Air, Day 1

First day of the competition, and thankfully awoke to sunshine. First sun I’ve seen here in the two days I’ve been here. Nice. I ended up painting this morning at Montana De Oro in a cove there. At least 4 other painters were visible. I’m happy with this one. I might bring out the reflections … Read more

Painting to Trade

Fellow art blogger Peter Yesis has come up with an innovative program. Like most artists, Peter collects. It gets expensive, especially when you have the taste of an artist. Peter’s idea is to trade a piece–monthly–amongst the collection of worldwide daily artist bloggers. I love this idea. Of course I’ve traded before, but doing so … Read more