Painting Alleys + Award from PNWPA

"Oakland Alley" 14x11" Oil

As part of what I'd call my "juggling life series", I continue with a small breather at home to regroup and gather my thoughts, and to tidy up my studio. Last week I drove to Roseburg to judge the Umpqua Plein Air held by the Umpqua Valley Arts Association. While I had my share of duties for the event, they also gave me ample time to paint. My first duty was to give an opening "pep talk" after the artist dinner, so I chatted about "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" of plein air painting. It was a humor filled discussion along with audience participation. 

For my first chance out to paint, I took a drive north to Oakland to paint the historic downtown. (image above) The locals were wondering just why I would paint an ugly alley instead of one of the cute storefronts. Perhas it's just artistic license?

But before my trip down to Roseburg, I stopped off in Creswell, OR to paint the only scenic alley in that area. 

"Crewell Alley' 14x11" Oil

As seen from my easel

Have you ever had the final say on art? 

It's not easy. I think there is a bit of uncertainty with judging as well as a bit of artistic weight to what  a judget brings to the table. In an effort to be fair, I used a list of criteria that I assembled to aid in my judging, hoping to eliminate any personal favorites, regardless of the painter's style. 

Painting at Henry Vineyards

While in Roseburg, I got word that one of my pieces, "Forgotten Rail" won Second Place at the Pacific Northwest Plein Air in Hood River!  I sure wish I could have been there for the Opening but it's kind of hard to be in two places at one time. The list of winners is not posted yet, but you can check HERE in the meantime.

Lookie! A red ribbon!

Next on the agenda is my workshop held September 20-22. It will focus on Everything pastel for the beginner to the intermediate pastel painter.  It should be info packed and we will head outdoors on the last day to try out plein air with pastels. For info on the workshop, go HERE