JENNIFER McCHRISTIAN PAINTINGS

'One Cantaloupe Left'........oil on panel.........12x16 inches (SOLD)

Holy s**t, is it August already?! My apologies for the extended blog absence. I’ve been busily exploring the majestic southwest and devouring tasty meals.
“One Cantaloupe Left”... the words inspire fear and awe in most, tinged with a loneliness that's hard to place. One, not two. One cantaloupe is all that's left. Odd for such a lousy tasting fruit, used mostly in cheap fruit salads. Only one. One cheap, lonely, bad tasting fruit. This is what I was contemplating as I painted this. I was also inspired by the dramatic compositional focus proffered by the white down jacket against the dark Manhattan brownstone. Bittersweet. Just like cantaloupe.
Bon Appetit!

*** THIS JUST IN! ***

I am pleased to announce my painting ‘Making Our Way Across’ has been accepted into the Oil Painters of America (OPA) 2008 Western Regional Juried Exhibition which will be held at Devin Galleries in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, beginning Friday, September 12, 2008, through Saturday, October 11, 2008.

Greetings everyone,
A few goings-on coming up……
I will be participating in the Tenth Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational this coming weekend. A ‘Quickdraw’ is scheduled for October 18th from 9am to 11am. Laguna Museum will be opened to the public on October 19th from 11am to 3pm to showcase the ‘Quickdraw’ paintings as well as some of the participating artists' personal favorites.
Click here for more info.

I will also be exhibiting alongside the Plein Air Painters of the West (PAPW) in our inaugural annual show and sale hosted by Segil Gallery in Monrovia, CA. Artist's reception is October 25th, 5 to 7 pm.
Click here for more info.

*NEW NEWS*

I am pleased to announce my painting ‘Making Our Way Across’ received Award of Excellence at the ‘OPA Western Regional Exhibition’ hosted by Devin Galleries.

*WORKSHOP DEMO*

Signing off with a little plein air demo I did for my students during my July 2008 workshop in Grants, New Mexico. More to come....

'Pink Casita'.......oil on canvas panel........7x9 inches (SOLD)

'Hatch's Market'......oil on panel......14x19 inches (SOLD)

This painting was on exhibit at the Laguna Museum throughout the 10th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational.

Greetings everyone and Happy December! Here is a brief recap of the event.....

We kicked off the weekend with a jovial 'artists only' get together Friday night. Aaaaaah...the warm summer air, fragrant with flowers and salty ocean mist while eating enchiladas at the Strotkamps' yearly barbecue. Jay and Mary Strotkamp, delightful people with a fantastic collection of paintings by luminary painters such as Richard Schmid, Mian Situ, and Scott Burdick to name a few. Afterward, I sat by the pool at our hotel as Ben built an enormous fire in the outdoor fireplace. We lured the curious guests out of their rooms like moths to a...well to an enormous fire.

But it wasn't all just enchiladas and poolside fires. There was serious work to do, paintings to paint, people to meet. Early Saturday morning the participating painters met for breakfast at the Laguna Museum before staking out our 'quick draw' spots. I chose to perch precariously upon a cliff side surrounded by cacti, the colorfully dangerous painting spectators confined to stand upon stairs behind a sturdy metal rail. I felt very safe, like Briar Rabbit in the Briar Patch. No fooling with me. The air horn was sounded by a friendly Australian man in a wide brim hat and we were off and painting! We had a two hour time limit to complete our 'quick draw' paintings. OY! Time has always been my nemesis, and I felt its presence stronger and greater than ever before! I wrestled with it, pulling it's ears and poking it in the eyes with my thin "rigger" brush, used most often for fine details like telephone lines and thin branches but this time mostly for poking ‘Time’ in the eyes. It was fierce. Sweat was upon my brow. The cacti my only friends. I blacked out the last half hour, have no memory at all about it. Think it has something to do with a tangential universe which collapsed upon itself due to the paradox of ‘Time’ being momentarily blind. Not sure. Regardless, I came away with a satisfactory piece of art and it was back to the hotel to clean up and get dressed for the opening night gala, filled with fine art, fine wine and fine food!

And the people! The people I met! So many wonderful people, collectors and painters and fans who made two-hour drives just to meet and support me. Painters I have idolized for years I met and lunched with. All in all, it was an enriching, awesome and exhilarating event and look forward to participating again next year!

Here are a few pics of the fun-filled festivities. Enjoy!

Participating artists Kathryn Stats, Calvin Liang and moi at the yearly Strotkamp b.b.q party on Friday night

Ben working on his fifth enchilada...

Shhhhhhh... I'm concentrating......

Ma'am, please do not throw peanuts at me!!

....delicately perched on the 'cactus bed' ridge....

Okay, I've got 20 minutes left!Yikes!!!

Adding the final touches to my 'quick draw' painting

Mingling folk at the Saturday evening gala

Pictured here with artists Debra Huse and Larry Moore

Jennifer and fellow painter Jason Situ

Striking a pose with artist Clayton J. Beck III

This is where Ben and I hung out most of the evening. The food was exquisite!!!

Hanging out at the museum Sunday afternoon with Matt Smith...

...and award winner Michael Situ

Lookie loos admiring my paintings

Here are some of my favorites. There's more but too many too list!

Award winning painting by Randall Sexton

A very stunning piece by Ray Roberts

A gem of a painting by Kathryn Stats

And lastly, a beauty by Mark Kerckhoff

Signing off with a group shot of the participating artists.
Hope you enjoyed your visit!

'The Sketchbook'.........oil on canvas...........20x24 inches (SOLD)

Hail fellow/fella well met! Wow! This year is whizzing by!!
It was with this in mind that I painted a portrait of my muse Ben for the Pasadena Museum of History’s ‘Contemporary Masters II’ exhibition. Here you can see him portrayed as the veritable spirit of gregariousness, a virtual incarnation of the god Dionysus, as he rests upon a park bench with his sketchbook. Just outside the frame are several nymphs and satyrs prancing with an oversized flagon of wine made from the skin of a cow. Well! Ben was just happy that I painted him with his pants on.
'Contemporary Masters II' exhibition will be on view until April 11th, 2009.

....striking a pose at the opening reception with Ben (the muse) and Linda (the muse's mom)

SALON INTERNATIONAL 2009

'Subway Siesta'.........oil on panel.........14x19 inches

In other news of my whirlwind life I've had 'Subway Man' accepted in the Greenhouse Gallery's Salon International 2009. Yay!
Whilst vacationing in far off Manhattan, I could not help but notice this gentleman fast asleep aboard the local tunnel traveling carriage. What a sight, thought I, the black and white checkered shirt's cool patterns against the warm neutrals and glorious blues and mauves in his skin. I tried to capture the peacefulness he exuded while asleep on noisy train. It was worth dragging my pochade box and paints down into the New York subway system and feeding a local Manhattanite whiskey till he passed out. Ha ha, just kidding.
(Or am I….)
New York, New York! Oh you big apple, riddled with shiny metal worms.
The 'Salon International 2009 Exhibition' opens April 11th through May 01st, 2009.

FIVE DAY PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP IN OJAI!!

I am happy to announce that I will be conducting a fun and exciting plein air workshop in Ojai, CA. This five day intensive workshop will take place in the beautiful and quaint countryside from April 27th to May 1st, 2009.
Go to my 'workshops' page for more info.

'Hunter, Gatherers'........oil on panel........19x24 inches

Greetings Blogsketeers!
Another fun-filled span of time has passed since my last blog, let's call this a blogparsec, which would be equivalent to one thirteenth of the rotation of our Earth around the star known to us as the Sun. Much has happened in this artist's life, nay cosmology, during this blogparsec: entire microbiological civilizations having grown, warred, learned to accept each other, and subsequently perished beneath the crumbling cinderblock of my art studio windows. Other, more immediately pertinent artistic occurrences of the blogparsec include my painting 'Hunter Gatherers' being accepted into the OPA's'18th National Juried Exhibition' held at Sage Creek Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. This boldly painted portrayal of three men of easy virtue, street walking in Times Square, clad only in bright fluorescent orange garb, diligently working with the trash of New York's grimy underbelly. They are the neo-hunter gatherers of today's urban society. Thus the title.
‘Hunter, Gatherers’ will be on display at the Sage Creek Gallery throughout the month May.

**NOTEWORTHY NEWS AND NEWSWORTHY NOTES!**

Also of note to the macro-consciously aware beings during the last blogparsec I was honorably awarded an ‘Honorable Mention’ on my ‘Subway Siesta’ whilst participating in the Greenhouse Gallery's 'Salon International 2009' by the venerable judge Mr. Daniel E. Greene. In addition, I also made the ‘Jury’s Top 50’ list.
(to view 'Subway Siesta' go to previous post)

~ TRAIPSING THROUGH CHICAGO ~

Finally, at the conclusion of the blogparsec, I'd just like to mention what a ‘scream’ it was to see the Edvard Munch exhibition, ‘Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth’ at the Art Institute of Chicago during my brief and adventurous sojourn to Chicago last month.
Below are two of my favorite Munch paintings from the exhibition. Enjoy!

'Night at St. Cloud'........1890

'Self Portrait With Cigarette'.........1895

~ A few memorable Chicago tid bits ~

Ben in front of historical Chicago Theater

Why I love Chicago architecture

Hustle and Bustle!

The Silver Bean at Millenium Park

One of my demos from the April 2009 Ojai Workshop:

'Krotona Library'.......oil on canvas panel..........7x9 inches (SOLD)

Greetings gentle blogaddict,
It was but a little over a month ago that I held my Ojai workshop, the gentle spring breeze coming off the Pacific ocean and cooling my diligent students from the cruel, unrelenting sun. Painter of light you say? Painter of deadly solar death rays I say! DEADLY SOLAR DEATH RAYS!! But we did manage to find some shade eventually at our many fine locations, the St Thomas Aquinas church, the Krotona Institute, Meditation Mount, Happy Valley's Beatrice Woods Center, and finally Mount Meher , real nice people at every turn. Visit them all with paint in hand, easel prone upon your sturdy back, a palette knife by your side to protect you from bears, visit them all! Tell them I sent you, they're all so friendly, and nice.

And the evenings, after our hearty toil, were spent languishing in the soft glow of the Ojai Pizzeria one night, the jazzy haze of the Movina Wine Bar the next. The topping of it all of course was the Deer Lodge, it's fantastical taxidermied Elk, Rams, Owls, and Jackalopes staring glassy eyed, down at our sumptuous repast of wild boar sausage and German beer. Oh, to capture nature in a landscape painting by day and see nature stuffed and mounted at night, there's nothing like it.

Here is a brief yet exciting video that Ben kindly and patiently created for me of my demo at Meditation Mount:

The completed demo....

'Meditation Mount'.......oil on canvas.......7x9 inches

A few pics of the workshop adventures......

Painting at Meditation Mount

Afternoon demo at St. Thomas Aquinas Church

A leisurely day in Happy Valley

Putting the final touches on Krotona Library demo

Sheldon diligently painting at Mount Meher

Luisa contemplating what to have for lunch

Overlooking Meditation Mount

The Ojai Painting Posse

Joel Anderson wrote a small article on me for the 'Ojai Valley and Ventura View' newspaper that was super cool and doubtlessly aided in rousing the locals to my intentions:

That concludes yet another fun-filled blogfix. I hope you've enjoyed the recounting of my tales of lust, greed and paint in Ojai as much as I have.

The whole experience was so amazing and vastly successful that I will be conducting another workshop there in September, 2009. Read on to see the workshop flyer for the second of my five-day upcoming workshop in Ojai!
For more info on this (and other) upcoming workshops, go to ‘Jennifer’s Upcoming Workshops’ on right sidebar. Ciao!

~ TIP-TOP TIDINGS! ~

And last but not least, I'm pleased to announce my painting 'Brand Boulevard' was graciously awarded Second Place in the LAPAPA's (Laguna Plein Air Painters Association) "Less is More" miniatures group show hosted by the Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa! Thanks so much LPAPA, and everyone check out Randy's website kingofframes.com for awesome deals on ready made frames, and tell him hi from me!

'Brand Boulevard'.....oil on canvas panel.....4.5 x 6 inches (SOLD)

One of my entries from LPAPA's 'Best of Plein Air' show

'Santa Fe Ave.........oil on canvas panel.......7x9 inches (SOLD)

Greetings Gentle Bloggillians,
It's been another mellow summer in la-la land as I float down the river of life in my inner tube of the arts. Some exciting adventures occurred around me this summer as I yawned, napped and scratched my back with a river reed which floated past me.
This past month I participated in the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association’s (LPAPA) 'Best of Plein Air' show held in Laguna Beach. To view all accepted entries from LPAPA’s wonderful artists click here.

Also, my painting ‘Ol' Blue’ was accepted into OPA’s (Oil Painters of America) '2009 Western Regional Exhibition' held at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, WA. This exciting show continues through August 30th.

'Ol' Blue'........oil on panel........11x14 inches (SOLD)

And finally, ‘Paper Cup Blues’ placed as finalist in the FineArtViews online painting competition for the month of June with the wise and extremely talented Greg LaRock as the selected judge.
You ROCK Mr. LaRock! ;-)

'Paper Cup Blues'........oil on panel........12x16 inches

…and Le Denouement

WORKSHOP UPDATE!!

As the summer of love is winding down I am anxiously awaiting for September, when I hope to harvest all the honey and trout from August! Which reminds me, my five day Plein Air Painting workshop in late September has reached full capacity. If you missed out on this one be sure and register early for my 2010 workshops! Check out my workshops page on my website for more detailed info and links! (or see right side bar for schedule)

May the rest of your summer be magical, delightful and exuberant!
Happy Painting!

'Haven'.......oil on canvas panel.......8x10 inches

Summer has passed, and with it the tumultuous cloud of toxic smoke from the unfortunate California wildfires which has so harassed the locals in my Los Feliz neighborhood. I was fortunate to have been vacationing briefly during this time in the lovely town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, which is a little further than halfway up Cape Cod, and so benefited from the refreshing ocean air of the Atlantic. Ben and I lucked out this time, and lingered long enough to miss the bulk of the noxious California air, the extra time spent affording us an opportunity to catch the large pack of wild seals which lounge en masse upon the sandbars at Head of the Meadows Beach during low tide. Love those seals! (see pics below)

~WELLFLEET WHIMS~

Ben and Linda collecting shells

No fires here!!

What the phoque!!!

the forever popular and pulchritudinous
P Town....Gimme some!

....FEELIN' THE LAGUNA LOVE....

I could write at great length about our August trip, but it is now October and I mustn’t tarry on the distant past. It has been a fantastic summer, with several noteworthy developments in my creative journey that I would love to share if you are so inclined as to read on. First and foremost, I am now a newly elected Signature Member of the venerable Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and as such will be participating in the 11th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. They are an amazing organization that I am honored to be a part of, and I look forward to painting amongst the cliffs and beaches of that fine locality.

**EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!**

My second big piece of news is Southwest Art magazine has kindly seen fit to feature me in a full length article in the October 2009 issue! For those of you without subscriptions be certain to pick up a copy at your local newsstand or bookstore! To read online article click here. Enjoy!

This is one of the demos from my five day plein air painting workshops in Ojai, CA

'Entrance to Library'......oil on canvas panel......7x9 inches (SOLD)

Hello all you Bloggitts down in Bloggittville, it is time for my blog-monthly bloggella, filled with horror, tears, and laughter. Halloween and the Day of the Dead may be behind us now, but my tale reaches further back in time, past such jovial occasions, far back to the third week of September, of the year 2009.

It was during this halcyon time of gaiety and youth that I boldly lead an adventurous team of students into the yellow fields of far off Ojai, beneath an unusually cruel and hot sun. Oh, how we laughed and jested, skipping merrily amongst the charming yurts of sequestered environmentalists and left-leaning elves. I shudder to think of what might had happened, had we by chance met a lurking troll, or some evil gnome with a head full of specially clever magic riddles, or even a banjo-plucking inbred hillbilly. But we didn't. Everyone was fine, and they all learned how to paint outdoors. No one even lost their keys, or general sense of purpose!
Here are some pics from my 5 day Plein Air Painting workshop in Ojai. Enjoy!
For more info regarding my upcoming workshops please visit my web site's 'workshops' page (or see right side bar of this blog for complete schedule).

Here is a brief time-lapse video of my demo at the Krotona Institute Library:

...adding finishing touches to demo

Monday morning's orientation (all caffeined-up and ready to go)

giving student Ann Carlock a few pointers during an afternoon painting session

....still teaching

demo'ing by the Krotona Library fountain

critiquing student Claire Hill during morning session

finishing up another demo

trying to maintain my composure while conducting a demo in the brutal and unforgiving heat (98 Fahrenheit with humidity!!)

My awesome and wonderful students!
front row (left to right):
Luisa, Diane, Laurie
back row (left to right):
Ann, Andrew, Gwen, Brian, Cary, Marilyn, Jung, Jennifer, Ben, Claire (not pictured)

'Krotona Gardens'.......oil on canvas panel.......9x7 inches (SOLD)

....and finally, here's the demo painting that I raffled off the last day of the workshop! The lucky winning student was the talented Gwen Ballantyne, whose name was plucked from my husband's straw hat!

A BIG thanks to Ben (our own personal GPS) who kept us hydrated, entertained and on schedule throughout the workshop.

One of my paintings on exhibit at the '7th Annual Holiday Show' hosted by Segil Fine Art

'Under the 6th Street Bridge'.......oil on canvas panel......6x8 inches

Ho! Ho! Ho!
This is the cry I heard cut through the misty air as we drove down Santa Monica Blvd not but a few weeks ago. "Was that Santa calling through the air?!" I asked Ben, who then pointed to a large jolly man in a red jacket bellowing at a transsexual street walker. "Nope", Ben said, "but it is Christmas time in Hollywood".
We where returning from a delightful birthday party of my good friend (and exceptional artist) Vadim Zang held at an awesome Hungarian restaurant. Not only was the food enchanting, but several of Vadim's friends and family performed for us. There was belly dancing, violin and piano playing!
A perfect ending to a perfect evening which had begun with a delightful opening atSegil Fine Art's'7th Annual Holiday Show' (which runs through December 31st). Jam packed with fine art and fine artists, it was a great way to kick off the Holiday season. For more info click here.
I am also participating in Abend Gallery's'19th Annual Miniatures Show' which also runs through December 31st. To view exhibition click here.
I have also been invited to participate in the illustrious winter exhibition 'Small Works 2009' hosted by Gallery 1261 in beautiful Denver, Colorado. For more info and to view exhibition click here.

On display at Abend Gallery's '19th Annual Miniatures Show'

'Summer's End'......oil on canvas panel......4x5 inches

On display at Gallery 1261's 'Small Works 2009' exhibition

'Wellfleet Dusk'.......oil on canvas panel.......4x5 inches (SOLD)

~ '11th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational' ~

A few months ago I participated in the '11th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational'. Definitely more upbeat (and prosperous) than last year's event! The only real obstacle to fun and painting was Mother Nature herself, who chose to remain cloudy and rainy for about 60 percent of the time which had been allotted to painting. Then, in a somewhat infuriating ironic twist, decided to clear up and become sunny and bright after the paintings were turned in a ready to sell. Oh well, I still love Mama Nature, even when she's a bitch ;-). Overall the event was a huge success! Ben and I had a delightful time taking in the sights and sounds of Laguna beach, mingling with the artists and locals and, well.... just breathing some fresh, unsmogged air for a change. Below are a few pics from the event. Enjoy!

Painting at Heisler Park beach

Painting for the 'Quick Draw' on Saturday morning

Jen and Ben at Collector's Soiree

Artist Jeffrey Horn and Jennifer

Newly elected LAPAPASignature Members:
Left to right:
Daniel Aldana, Michael Situ, Carolyn Hesse-Low, Jim Wodark, Ronaldo Macedo, Jennifer McChristian, Greg LaRock and Kathleen Dunphy (not pictured)

Hangin' out with friends at the Laguna Museum Public Art Show and Sale

Artist Peggy Kroll and Jennifer

Jennifer at Laguna Museum

LPAPA's participating artists

...and finally, a few plein airs I did for the event:

'Incoming Storm'.....oil on canvas panel......8x10 inches (SOLD)

'Off Duty'......oil on canvas panel.......8x10 inches (SOLD)

'Hillcrest Drive'.......oil on canvas panel.......8x10 inches

~
Until the next post, I wish you all a resplendent, peaceful and magical Holiday and may the New Year bring you much happiness, health and inspiration!

Here is one of my paintings which will be exhibited at my upcoming solo show at Segil Fine Art

'Urban Passage'.............oil on panel................9x12 inches (SOLD)

January is a month traditionally filled with pain and grief, sorrow and regret. January 18th was lauded as the most depressing day of 2010 by a renowned economist who used various mathematical equations and statistical theories to prove his veracity. But he was probably living in the North, possibly Minnesota or Canada, which is a certain extra level of pitiful as snow turns to icy wet slush crusted by brown layers of dirt. Anyway, thank goodness I'm in California now! Although I did have to put on a sweater yesterday, it gets pretty cold here too!

And to help cheer everyone up I'm announcing my super cool solo show entitled “Venerable Visions”held at the illustrious Segil Fine Art located in beautiful Old Town Monrovia right next to the brand new library! Opening reception is Saturday, February 20th, from 5 to 7pm!The exhibition will be on display through March 20th, 2010. Everyone try and make it, especially if you're living in the North, it's certain to brighten up your day!
For more info visit gallery web site here.

"Venerable Visions" solo exhibition - February 20th, 2010

*** HOT OFF THE PRESS ! ***

~ Feature Article in American Art Collector ~

If you're one of those literary types be certain to pick up a February edition of American Art Collector! I'm proud to announce that I have another fine feature article written about me, so hurry on down to the newsstand, there are only so many copies and February's a short month!
To view article click here.

And if that's not enough to cheer you up, here's a list of my 2010 workshops to help with your New Year's Resolutions!

'Plein Air Painting in Sedona'

April 18 - April 23, 2010

Join me April 18th to 23rd for my five-day intensive plein air workshop at the illustrious Sedona Art Center. Enjoy painting the raw beauty of the Arizona desert filled with flowering cacti, red rock mountains, blue skies and free range artists. For more information click here.
__________

'Plein Air Painting in Big Sur/Esalen Retreat'
May 30 - June 5, 2010

Join me in this exciting and re-invigorating environment, one of the few workshops I teach which comes with organic food, misty ocean air, and natural hot springs overlooking the Pacific. This very special five-day intensive plein air workshop runs from the 30th of May to the 5th of June, and (at an additional cost) has professional Esalen trained massage therapists standing by to undo any muscular knots or damage caused by educational related stress trauma. If you're a type A painting personality like me, book your massage well in advance before the Spirit Weaving class does!
__________

May February and the rest of the year bring you boundless inspiration, jubilation and relaxation!

One of my solo show paintings currently on display at Segil Fine Art Source

'Olvera St.'..............oil on canvas panel................ 9x12 inches

February saw the opening of my awesome solo show at the Segil Fine Art Source in Old Town Monrovia! I had so much fun, and it was great to see so many wonderful friends come out and support me. My other half Ben was zipping through the crowd in true Gemini fashion, making sure anyone who wanted to buy a piece didn't get lost in the shuffle, which was a true blessing, as it gave me a chance to chat and socialize to my heart's content! I haven't had a solo show in a while, so it was truly gratifying to do one again and I had as much fun as my very first time showing solo. The exhibition's still up until the 20th of March so make sure you get down there and take a look.
View online gallery here.

Here are some pics from the solo show opening. Enjoy!

L'Artiste on opening night

Gallery owners Bill and Laura Segil posing with Jennifer

Ben rubbing his 'full of hors d'oeuvres' Buddha Belly

Randy Higbee and wife Cynthia posing with Jennifer

Jennifer and the very talented Aaron Westerberg

Commingling guests......

Beautiful guitar music wafted through the gallery......

More commingling...

Jennifer, Jason Situ and Gwen Ballantyne striking a pose

Click here to view more solo show pics on my facebook.

* S o m e G o o d N e w s ! *

SOLD

In other news, my painting 'Urban Passage' was awarded 'Best of Show' bythe illustrious January 2010 Fine Art Studio Onlinecompetition judged by the honorable and talented Brian Blood. Fine Art Studio Online (FASO) is the web server for many of us in the arts community. Their professional templates are extremely user friendly and reasonably priced. If you don't have them yet be sure and sign up with them here, it's the only way to go in my opinion.

~2010 WORKSHOPS UPDATE!~

'Plein Air Painting in Sedona' (April 18 - 23, 2010) (FULL)

If you'd like to join me for my upcoming five-day intensive painting workshop at the Sedona Art Center be sure to register soon. Spaces are filling up fast! For more info click here.

'Plein Air Painting in Big Sur'Esalen Retreat(May 30-June 5, 2010)
If you can't make it to Sedona, join me in Big Sur at the end of May for another five-day intensive workshop, this time held at the legendary Esalen Institute! The only workshop I teach that has qualified massage therapists standing by ready to help remove any art-related muscle tension! Not to mention natural hot springs filled hot tubs perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean! For more info click here.

That's all for now gentle readers. Thanks for joining me in these adventuresome blog anecdotes which leaves my assertions feeling fresh as a spring day after a cold, harsh winter. 'Till the next time I say, blog on!

'Cathedral Rock'.........oil on canvas panel..........8x10 inches

My recent workshop in Sedona, AZ was just like my own personal bloggopia, filled with magic, wonder, and a whole lot of mystical vortexes. Sedona’s beauty is eternal, it never changes, but it changes you. From the undulating rock plateau below the red Cathedral Rock of Crescent Moon Park to the April blizzard in the mountain ghost town of Jerome, Sedona had surprises and challenges for the painter at every turn. This workshop was one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding workshops I've taught so far. My wonderful students were a complete joy to be around. They were a delight to teach and the camaraderie amongst everyone was incredible. The Sedona Arts Center staff was extremely accommodating, friendly and professional! I look forward to my return in 2011!
Here are a few pictures from my Sedona workshop. Enjoy!

Monday afternoon demo at Schnebly Hill Vista.

Finishing up my value thumbnail comp.

Here is a sample of the small thumbnail sized (5x7) value/color comp exercises I had my students complete throughout the workshop.

Demo at Slide Rock State Park on Tuesday morning.

adding finishing touches.........

This 8x10 demo of Slide Rock State Park was extremely challenging! Had to deal with inconsistent weather conditions throughout the whole demo......sunny to cloudy, cloudy to sunny. Oy!!

Carol Marine and I chit chatted while taking a brief break. I was soooooo thrilled and honored to have Carol attend my workshop. She is truly one of the best painters out there! And an awesome person to boot!

Mid week we ventured out to Jerome, a very eccentric and mysterious ghost town/artist's colony. Pictured here is James Coulter getting some color mixing tips from me as Carol looks on.
By the way, James generously donated one of his fabulous plein air 'Coulter System' pochade boxes (shown in pic). They are extremely easy to set up, light and ridiculously affordable!

Jeff diligently painting away, completely unperturbed by the blistering cold winds of the raging blizzard that sprung upon us out of nowhere!!

While in Jerome, we took refuge from the freakish weather to warm up with soothing libations and hearty food!

Thursday's afternoon demo was held in the quaint and historical Tlaquepaque Village (it was very cold and just about to drizzle!)

Assisting student Debbie Eggleston with her painting.

Sherwin Abesamis was feeling very zen-like and decided to paint sitting on the ground in a cross-legged position.

June Safford painting at Red Rock State Park.

Cindy Munns painting Cathedral Rock.

Ben held up his dapper straw hat while I pulled out the name of the lucky student that won one of my demo paintings.
.....and the winner is...... Becky Joy!

And finally, a gorgeous pic of the gang.
What a terrific group!

Hope you enjoyed the post and thanks for dropping in.
Until next time, Happy Painting!

Here is one of the demos from my Esalen workshop

'Love Yurts'.............oil on canvas panel................7x9 inches

Greetings Bloggophiles,

It’s been a busy summer to say the least, and hot on the heels of my fantastic high-desert experience of my Sedona workshop came the misty, ocean world of my Esalen workshop in Big Sur, California. If Sedona had the mystical discipline energy of Mars, with it’s desert red rock and powerful dry heat, then Esalen had the mystical emotional energy of Venus, with it’s lush green vegetation, vast blue Pacific Ocean horizon, and cliff side hot tubs. We felt thoroughly pampered with all the amenities one could possibly want near at hand. The large, spacious cafeteria provided a wide choice of meals using vegetables grown organically on the property.

The gardens not only provided fresh sustenance, but held a potpourri of visual stimuli in their gorgeous array of blooming flowers! Massage therapists were professional, caring and readily at hand to thwart any stress related muscular knots created by a long day painting. A small, circular meditation room overlooked a waterfall cascading down into the ocean, we meditated there until I was up to my eyeballs in inner peace. And the highlight, aside from the delightful company of my terrific students, had to be the hot tubs of natural sulphuric mineral spring water. The hot tubs are located right along the cliff’s face, the crashing waves hypnotically breaking over the stony beach below, and at night there exist no glare from the city lights to chase away the constellations above, and the not-so-rare shooting star can be seen burning out across the sky. In the mornings a white mist rolls in off the ocean, blanketing the gardens and edifices in a undulating fog, pulling nearby objects into sharp silhouette against the pale background scenery. Cinematic, painterly, the ghost of Sam Hyde Harris is doubtlessly haunting this small piece of paradise, trying to get his phantom painting just right. Below are some pics of this truly awesome workshop at Esalen. Enjoy!

Conducting demo on the lovely Esalen grounds

Attempting to capture the ethereal early morning ocean mist

Another demo from the workshop

'Path to Yurt'.............oil on canvas panel...............7x9 inches

View of the garden

Taking a breather to answer some questions

Giving Sharon some pointers on values

So much for the candid shot ;-) Love Julie's cute little side glance

~ Here are a few pics of Esalen and it's many splendors! ~

The cliff side hot springs

The lush gardens of delight (these were poppies on steroids!!)

More flora on steroids.....

Couldn't resist.......

Early morning meditation in circular meditation room

The 'Big House' where Ben and I were lulled to sleep every night by the soothing sounds of the ocean waves

That's me, contemplating whether to return to Esalen next year...

......hell yeah I'm coming back!

My awesome students!
From left to right top row:
Mary, Usana, Julie, Jan, Jodie, Catherine, Min and Naomi
From left to right bottom row:
Sharon, Jennifer and hubby Ben
(Paul not pictured)

To view additional Esalen pics click here!

Hope you enjoyed my post and thanks for stopping by!
Before I sign off, here is a quick recap of my 2011 upcoming plein air painting workshops:

Plein Air Painting in Maui
DATE: February 15 - 17, 2011 (3 days)
LOCATION: Maui, HI
TUITION: $350.
(limited to 12 students)
For more info and registration click here

Small and Simple: Fundamentals of Plein Air Painting
DATE: March 21 - 25, 2011
LOCATION: Scottsdale, AZ
TUITION: $585.

(limited to 12 students)
For more info and registration click here

Plein Air Painting in Sedona
DATE: May 16 - 20, 2011
LOCATION: Sedona, AZ
TUITION: $600.
(limited to 12 students)
For more info and registration click here

Plein Air Painting in Big Sur: Esalen Retreat
DATE: June 5 - 10, 2011 (NOTE: August 2011 workshop dates TBD)
LOCATION: Big Sur, CA
TUITION: (TBD)
(limited to 12 students)
More info coming soon!

Hope the rest of your summer is resplendent and enticing!
Until next post, Happy Blogging!

Here is a new piece currently on display at the Abend Gallery's'Four Person Show'. To see online exhibit click here. Show closes this weekend!

'Observatory Overhaul'............oil on canvas panel.............9x12 inches (SOLD)

Hello Bloggopheliacs!

A few months or so have passed and it's time to sit down and blog. For those who have consistently tuned in to read the latest bloggits and bloggellos of my bloggentuous blogsploits in the blig, blag blorld of the blarts, you have my sincerest bloggitude. To those just tuning in, welcome, you're in for a treat of the bloggest order. But enough of this bullbloggit, let's get on with the blog:

The high point of the past couple months surely was the Debra Huse Gallery's annual 'Just Plein Fun' event, which I was delighted and honored to participate in. Selected artists painted en plein air for five days on Balboa Island, the event culminating with the 'Brush Off' competition on the last day. I did not win the 'Brush Off' competition, but was surprised and pleased to receive 'First Place' for my painting 'Grand Canal Colors'! All in all, an excellent event and a great excuse for some stellar artists to come together and paint the lovely island colors. I have included a few pics from the event. Enjoy!

'Grand Canal Colors'.............oil on canvas panel.............8x10 inches (SOLD)
(received 'First Place' award)

a few pics from event.......

Diligently working on my 'Grand Canal Colors' painting

Saturday afternoon 'Brush Off' event. The guy in the background wearing the straw hat is the talented Terry Masters

Artists' opening reception and awards ceremony

Posing with the honorable Jean Stern

Yes, yes, you say, the past sounds cool, but what of the present and future? Fret not, I say!
More cool news coming right up.....

'Bill's Pick Up'.........oil on canvas panel..........7x9 inches

My painting 'Bill's Pick Up' was juried into the OPA's (Oil Painters of America) 'Western Regional Exhibition' . Opening reception and awards ceremony will be held at the Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson Hole, WY this coming fall. Show opens October 9th and runs through November 10th, 2010.
For more details click here.

I have recently been invited to participate in the '12th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational'. I am delighted to be participating in this week long celebration of plein air painting in beautiful Laguna Beach and surrounding areas. For more info click here.

S a v e T h e D a t e !

Finally, October will yield a full harvest of traditionalist paintings with Silvana Gallery'sfirst ever annual 'Great Impressions - Masters of Fine Art' exhibition opening on October 23rd from 5 to 10 pm and running until December 11th. Not to be missed! I have some inside information that a few celebrity guest artists will be showing, I can hardly wait! More info (and art) coming soon!

And that's it for now. I'll fill you in on more cool things as the gears of time slowly and unflinchingly turn, bringing us persistently closer to a fabulous and fruitful Autumn!

Here is one of the plein air paintings I did during the '12th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational'.

'Long Lost Memories'.............oil on canvas panel...............8x10 inches (SOLD)

Greetings Gentle Bloggers,

Once again I must sit down and write about what a mysterious thing life is. Life is like a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, put in a bottle, and then lost in an airport baggage claim. At least my life feels like it is ;-) It has been a busy past few months, with a whirlwind trip to Paris, several awesome group shows I participated in and a week long paint out at the '12th Annual Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational'. I don't know where to begin, so I'll blog from the end and work my way back to the beginning. Indeed, the Paris trip itself was so condensed with layers of visceral voyage visuals that it will in fact need it's own separate blog, written possibly in the year 2011 after enough time has passed for me to make some kind of linear explanation for my experience. That being said, let me tell you about the Laguna Invitational, which passed as quickly, smoothly, and pleasurably as prune juice through a goose. It was great to catch up with all my awesome artists friends, painting amongst the beautiful landscapes of Laguna. I found some new magical sites like Victoria Beach, with its single castle spire rising dramatically to the mansion above it, the strange circular footprint of an abandoned wading pool carved into the rock beneath it. Another mysteriously delightful discovery was the legendary Crystal Cove, a hidden beach I'd heard so much about and finally visited! Crystal Cove is peppered with adorable cottage rentals including a strange pthalo green beach house museum of fifties game boards like Sorry and Monopoly. Takes me back to my childhood in Canada's cottage country, all those hands of gin rummy! The other events were also cool, sold some paintings, had some drinks, ate some cake, and laughed at my own jokes. Thanks so much to all the folks at LPAPA (Laguna Plein Air Painters Association) who made it possible! There's some hard working people behind the scenes making it all run smooth and stay fun! Here's to doing it all again in 2011!

Here is a view looking the opposite way of 'Long Lost Memories'

'Melancholy Morning'............oil on canvas panel............8x10 inches
(SOLD)

.... a few pics of the events and such. Enjoy!

Me painting an overcast scene at Crystal Cove, whilst being lulled and soothed by the rhythmic sounds of the ocean.

Kicking off the Invitational at Treasure Island Park for an early morning orientation and paint out. All artists were required to paint an 8x10 for a silent auction. Clear skies, mild temps, fresh ocean breeze and a plein air easel. Ahhhhh, what more could you ask for.

Finishing up my 'Quick Draw' painting at Heisler Park on a rainy and cold Saturday morning.

Sunday morning at the Laguna Museum.

One of my favorite painters, super talented Bryan Mark Taylor. Bryan was the recipient of the 'Collectors Choice Award' at the Saturday evening gala reception.

Carolyn Hesse -Low standing by her paintings. Carolyn is an absolute delight to paint with. A very gifted and generous soul indeed.

Victoria Beach and all it's splendor!

Crescent moon over Laguna Beach.

Ben enjoying an afternoon stroll on the beach.

The lovely Carol and Bill Hanke were generous enough to provide us a place to stay during the Invitational. This was the view from our guest bedroom window. Sweet!!!

Looks like somebody has a case of 'Farmer's Tan'!

Signing off with a group photo of the participating artists.
What a fantastic bunch!!!

For more pics of event and complete list of winners click here.

I present to you my very first 2011 blog post with a recent painting I did titled 'The Artist's Refuge'. Enjoy!

'The Artist's Refuge'..........oil on canvas panel............8x10 inches

It's good to be back in the blogosphere! I hope everyone's New Year is off to a great start and that all your resolutions are sturdy and full of promise, like an acorn, that could be an oak tree eventually. An acorn, they're a hard nut to crack, ask any squirrel, they'll tell you.

~ Highlights of 2010 ~

'Jardins des Tuileries'.............gouache on panel............8x10 inches

There have been so many wonderful and exciting moments in the past year. Exciting group shows, prestigious plein air invitationals, mind bending roller coasters, indeed too many to list! If I had to pick my favorite adventure then my trip to Paris, France tops the list.
Oh Paris, can my blog ever do you justice? The things you showed me in your wonderful architecture and wondering populace were without equal. I'd like to tell the tales of the terrifying toilets, trying tourist traps, and terrorist threats. The musical washing machine, the striking thespians, the sub-par restaurant service, the robust espressos, the disgruntled proletariat, the strange dress codes, the street musicians. Too much to say in too small a space. The museums alone, the cemeteries, the churches and spontaneous choirs on a Tuesday morning. The gardens of Versailles and the fascinating fake farm of Marie Antoinette. My head was spinning, my feet were blistering. Too much! Not to forget the house, gardens, and lily pond of Monet in Giverny! That is all I can put into words. Below are a few pics of my trips highlights:

after a full day at Versailles Palace and gardens

Marie Antoinette's estate

standing next to Rodin's 'Gates of Hell' at the Rodin Museum

Ben standing where Monet once stood!

had an exhilarating time at the Louvre Museum

Pere Lachaise Cemetery (I enjoyed it so much we visited twice!)

Sacre Coeur was a treat!

could not start my day without this

the magical Seine River

Notre Dame is spectacular!
(and of course, so is Ben)

and of course a visit to the Eifell Tower was a must

To view additional pics of my Paris trip visit me on facebook!

~
Here's to a year filled with boundless joy, perpetual creative inspiration and prosperity!

Greetings All!

Spring has finally sprung and I have an exciting roster of events, group shows, and workshop updates to share with you. For starters, I'd like to share a plein air painting I did while in Maui for the '2011 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational'. Enjoy!

'Sugar Cane Train'..............oil on canvas panel.............8x10 inches (SOLD)

'Salon International 2011'
April 2 - 22, 2011

(SOLD)

My painting 'Le Marais Twilight' (which also received 'Best of Show' from the January Raymar Fine Art Competition) is included in Greenhouse Gallery's'Salon International 2011'. Show runs through April 22, 2011.
To view online exhibition click here.

'Around the World: The Painted Journey'
April 8 - 30, 2011

(SOLD)

I will also be participating in Abend Gallery's 'From Around the World: The Painted Journey'exhibition which will feature remarkable pieces which have been selected from the participating artists' world travels. 'Rue Saint-Antoine' will be one of my three paintings included in this impressive exhibition.
Show opens April 8, 2011.
For online preview click here.

'1st Annual Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art'
April 21 - May 19, 2011

Another piece created from my Paris trip is 'Strolling Parisian' which has been selected for the '1st Annual Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art hosted by Legacy Gallery.
Exhibition opens April 22, 2011.
For online preview click here.

'20th Annual National Juried Exhibition'
June 10 - July 9, 2011

Finally, a fourth Paris inspired piece, 'Where R U?', will be on display for the Oil Painters of America '20th Annual National Juried Exhibition'at Devin Galleries in Idaho.
Exhibition opens June 10, 2011.
For more info about this exhibition click here.

~ 2 0 1 1 W o r k s h o p s ~

Here is a recap of my remaining plein air painting workshops for 2011:
Both the Sedona (May) and Big Sur (June) workshops are currently full with waiting list. The Big Sur workshop in August still has some spaces available. Spaces are filling up fast so be sure to register soon in order to secure your place and experience the seaside organic gardens and cliff side hot spring tubs!
Click here to view my current workshop schedule for 2011.

~
Be sure to have an awesome and productive rest of the spring season and prepare yourself for more fun and adventure in 2011's summer!

Here is a new painting I recently completed for an upcoming fall group show at Insight Gallery. Exhibition opens on September 2nd, 2011. This painting also placed as finalist for both the 'Raymar' and 'BoldBrush' June 2011 online competition!

'Pieton'.........oil on canvas panel.........16x20 inches (SOLD)

Greetings!

Welcome again to my latest blogello, chock full of interesting news and pictures about my life and art. Summer has finally arrived in all it's glory, having shaken off the overcast gray of the June gloom and kicked in to gear with some scorching hot days. What better time to check out the 'Landscape' group show at Abend Gallery where my painting 'Prelude To Summer' is currently on display.

~ A w e s o m e N e w s a n d E v e n t s! ~


'Where R U?'........oil on panel.......11x14 inches (SOLD)

I am so delighted and honored to have received the 'Member's Choice Award/Associate and Signature Division' for my painting 'Where R U?' from the Oil Painters of America's'20th Annual National Juried Exhibition' which was hosted by Devin Galleries.

Click here for complete list of winners.

WORKSHOPS UPDATE!

I've got one last workshop scheduled for 2011 so there's still an opportunity to join me in Big Sur for some plein air fun! Ahhhh, Big Sur, where Heaven really has come down and touched Earth. After a long day of painting 'en plain air' you can unwind by soaking in natural sulphuric hot springs, the stone tubs lining the cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Skilled massage therapists are on hand to work out all the muscular knots that five hours of standing, painting, and concentrating can create. The food is all organically grown on site, and the kitchen provides three nutritious square meals a day in a beautiful oak finished dining hall.

For more info on Esalen and to register for my August 2011workshop click here.

Stay tuned for more exciting news and have a dazzling, adventurous and resplendent summer!

Greetings!

November's here and it's that time to bundle up and get the sweaters out if you're here in Los Angeles (or sweep those leaves up and get the snow shovel ready if you're further up North). I miss those Autumn colors I used to see in Montreal, like the entire forest was ablaze with color but in a good way, not a run for your life way. I have posted this recent painting to pay homage to the memory of those crisp and colorful autumn days.

'Remembrance'.....oil on panel......8x10 inches (SOLD)

NEW BOOK!

I'm proud to announce the release of my new book "UNCOMMON GROUND"! This is a compilation of my favorite pieces from the last five years, and includes some never before seen color studies that I created for my larger studio pieces. Makes an awesome holiday gift for yourself or the art lover in your family! Copies are available in hard and soft covers and may be purchased online by clicking here.

WINTER SHOWS AND EVENTS:
Here is a brief overview of exhibitions I am currently participating in this month.

'Vagabonds at Rest'......oil on panel......9x12 inches

Two of my new small paintings are currently on display at InSight Gallery's 'Small Works Show'. This exciting group exhibition runs until December 31, 2011. There's still time to hustle on over to Fredericksburg, TX and stop in for a look. For more info and to view online exhibition click here.

'Pick Up or Delivery'......oil on panel.....18x22 inches

I am also exhibiting my new painting 'Pick Up or Delivery' at Waterhouse Gallery's annual 'Great American Figurative Artists' show. I am delighted to be part of this wonderful group show filled with top-notch figurative painters. For more info and to view online exhibition click here.

RECENT AWARD FROM SOUTHWEST ART MAGAZINE!

'Lahaina Leisure'......oil on panel......14x18 inches

I am extremely honored and delighted that my painting 'Lahaina Leisure' was awarded Honorable Mentionfrom Southwest Art Magazine's '1st Annual Artistic Excellence Competition'.

Click here to view complete online editorial from Southwest Art Magazine's December 2011 issue!

That's all for now folks. Stay tuned for more adventures as 'Winter' takes the stage and 2011 gives way to the new and exciting, very highly publicized 2012. There hasn't been so much apocalyptic anticipation for a New Year since we had the Y2K bug destroy all the PC clocks and shut down civilization as we knew it! Boy, that was a disappointment, here I still am using the internet ;-)

Wishing you and yours a very memorable, magical and peaceful Holiday Season!

Feeling Fruity.....

Upcoming Fall Shows and Such...

Looking Back at the Laguna Invitational...

Exciting Exhibitions and Upcoming Workshops

OPA, Chicago Jaunt and other stuff...

Ojai Workshop Expedition

Lazy, Hazy Summer Daze

Summer's End and Southwest Art Article

Workshop Wayfarers

Happy Holidaze!

February Fruition

Sizzling and Sedulous Springtime

My Sedulous Sedona Workshop.....

My Exquisitely Ecstatic Esalen Workshop

Autumn Adventures

Paint Outs and Parties!

Looking Back, Forging Ahead

Full Speed Ahead!

Sizzling Summer Scene

New Book and Current Winter Exhibitions