Thoughts on Plein Air Events and re-cap of LGPA.

About a month ago, I headed down to sunny California to participate in The Los Gatos Plein Air and am finally journaling about my experience of the event. WARNING...this is a LOOONG post!

While I am also wishing to share with you a bit about the process of participation, I will be using the Los Gatos Plein Air as my model and what to expect, and perhaps offer up a few pointers for those who are curious on how they work. Los Gatos Plein Air is still my personal favorite plein air event. I say this because it is so much of a reunion of friends, family, and collectors who come out to say "Hi" as well as the familiar landscape from my childhood that evokes a sense of belonging. I have painted for dozens of plein air events over the past 7-8 years that have given me many great experiences, and exposure from which to write a novel, but this one I return to year after year. It is run by the incredible Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club.

Each event has it's own personality unique to the area and culture of the region. First of all, there are the simply organized, non-juried, fun community events that are run on a shoestring budget by a small grass-roots volunteer group. These events offer up a loose and relaxed pace, with the opportunity to paint alongside all levels of artists.  I would consider them the hidden gems of plein air. These community events often offer the opportunity to hang the work in a park, a group center or even perhaps in an old stable for a weekend. It's that simple.

The juried shows offer a varying level of participation. From my experience, the level of artist is equal to the level of sales and award purses, if available. For example, if an event that has beautiful scenery to paint from, but low sales and awards, the event could potentially die out or attract less experienced participants. These events are still worth it simply for the joy of painting as I often consider this level of event to be sort of a painting getaway with like minded artists. Potentially, the artist's expenses may not likely to be covered with no, or low sales, which is why I'd nearly consider it a painting getaway. An artist has to weigh in the expenses of gas, car rental, food, housing, and perhaps the shipment of gear, commissions and the cost of a flight can make participation a gamble if there are low sales. This has happened to me and it's a ego crusher I tell ya. Unless you have sales, well then, I'd say it's definitely a great event much like Los Gatos Plein Air.

Then there is the level of plein air events where some 150+ eager volunteers are all serving for a higher cause, offering large prize purses along with high volume of sales that attract the attention of a higher end competitive artist, which in turn attracts the higher end collector. It is a win-win situation, making for more competitive entries than there are spots available.

Finally, there is the level of plein air event where the artist is "invited" to participate. There is no jurying process, there is no application fee, there is simply a "yes" or "no" approval by the artist. My guess is the event organizers search these artists either by plein air participation, publicity and marketing, national exposure or gallery representation. I'd consider an invitation to be a huge honor and privilege because the artists are sought after professionals and the event is marketing to their distinguished collector base. Usually these events are much like the level described above with all the support along with the artist recognition.

So back to Los Gatos....   I flew into San Jose, CA. a few days ahead of the event to allow myself time to acclimate and scout out my areas from which to paint. This often saves on painting time and frustration of where to park, paint and pee. Yes, the 3P's are a must in this industry, but I digress...  Juried events usually start off with a canvas stamping on the back of your panels. Some events don't even care to stamp a canvas, while other events use the dated stamping process to prove that the piece was actually painted during that particular event. It also serves as proof that you are a juried artist in the event. Los Gatos provides host families for those artists who have come from a great distance. This is such a welcomed relief on many levels because it reduces costs for the artist, as well as offers up an opportunity to know a resident and learn a bit about the area. All of my past hosts have been wonderfully supportive and exceptionally helpful and generous with their homes.

Day 1 
Tuesday
(2 paintings)

Los Gatos stamps all the artists canvasses from 8:00 am till 12:00 noon at the Los Gatos Art Museum. After a brief hello to the organizers and getting any last minute information and goodie bag, all the artists are unleashed to create their works for the next 4 days. I hooked up with Portlanders Kat Sowa, Anton Pavlenko, Yer Za Vue, and Yong Hongzhong to paint for the day. We started out in the southeast bay area, where Calero Resevoir and farmland scenes are abundant. We painted by a pioneer barn, the Coleman Barn, but mine turned out to be a dud! I mean it was a stinker, which sometimes happens right out of the gate.

The Coleman Pioneer Barn

I figure 3 out of 10 paintings will make the cut, so I recommend stamping more panels than frames available. Pictured below is the second stop of the day, located above the Santa Clara valley, hidden under some California Oaks that offered protective shade.

Here is my painting spot with the view of the Santa Clara Valley, looking eastwardly.

The finished piece, sorry for the bad photo.  

"View from Red Clay Way" 8x10" Pastel  (Sold)

That evening the LGPA had an Artist Reception and Mandatory Orientation at the Los Gatos Museum. Most events offer an orientation to get up to date guidelines and changes, suggested painting locations, judging, hanging, and everything you would need to know about the event as a participant. Usually this information is provided prior an event through email communication, but it is always a great way to gather and answer any questions before the meat of the event sets in. It also provides a great opportunity to meet the organizers, reconnect with artist friends as well as meet a few benefactors.  After the orientation, artists may chose to go out and enjoy a meal together or head out to paint some more. Either way, the hours of work are exhaustive. Getting up early to paint a sunrise and staying up long after hours to catch a moonrise into a nocturne are when the best light is available. Lack of sleep is the norm, as well as everybody else is running on adrenaline to keep ahead of the clock. I have often suggested there should be a reality show for these events with all it's drama. Now, wouldn't that be interesting?

Day 2
Wednesday
(3 paintings)

One of my pre-scouted locations, I had decided to paint the view of the valley as seen through a vineyard. So, I headed up to Mountain Winery with my friend and artist participant Tonya Zenin. We had the direct sun on us as well as being up higher in the atmosphere which means plenty of sunscreen. I recommend the spray on sunscreen as you won't have to wipe off that greasy film from your hands as well as application is a snap. Tonya and I painted the very same scene, but with completely different interpretations...as well as a few really great laughs about artistic life.

"Mountain Vineyard View" 11x14" Pastel  (Sold)

Honorable Mention

After this painting, Tonya and I went and ate some lunch and then we went back out to do an urban scene in downtown Los Gatos.  

Painting "Vintages" store front.

I have found that painting on the hard cement can injure your back and hips. One simple solution is to purchase a foam fatigue mat at Home Depot and tape the edges all together to make a double mat. It really does help to keep your back and hips from injury. I fashioned a tape "handle" to make it easy to carry to your painting location. I don't have one here in this picture, but I swear by it while painting urban scenes back home.

Partially done "Dressmakers Form" and in the direct hot afternoon sunlight made for a challenging scene. I loved the vintage dress form, but the shadows on it were bouncing all around. I chose to eliminate the shadows altogether, but I was not completely satisfied with my results.

After a quick snack, Tonya and I wanted to catch some late afternoon lighting, and I had wanted to return to a site where I had painted once before. I loved how the afternoon light warmed up the oaks on the distant hill as well as a lot of dramatic shadows and light.

Painting up on Larga Vista Road right off of Blossom Hill.

"Blossom Hill" 14x11" Pastel  (sold)

Day 3

Thursday

(3 paintings)

Fatigue is setting in, I'm getting into a groove, and I have had some success with my work. Hooray! Today was an urban day for me, and so I set out to one of my favorite spots, Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company. I have painted this scene before and return to it every time with a different interpretation. This time around, I had asked one of the customers if he was planning on sitting for at least 20 minutes, and so he agreed to, but honestly, the caffeine either was doing a great job on me, or he was just wiggly and not a great subject to paint. Regardless, he continued to remain there long after I was done so I was able to gesture him into the painting. I wanted to get the feeling of activity in this piece as this coffee shop is a busy stop for many Los Gatan's.

"Starting the Day" 16x12" Pastel  (sold)

After this piece, I carried my gear over towards the house of John and Sue McSorley, the hosts of the Artist Luncheon. They live in the downtown area, close in and are one of my favorite folks to visit with. Every year, they and the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club host this event in their yard, providing a fuel stop, rest stop, hydration from the sun's heat and much needed shade. It is a great opportunity to gather with the other artists to compare notes, share painting locations as well as time to mingle.

"Tassles" 10x8" Pastel  (sold)

My next piece was painted mid-day, so I was happy to work a dress shop called Tassles that offered little shadow transitions. However, I was again in direct sunlight and getting hot and sun exposed so I had to take a few breaks to hydrate and apply sunscreen frequently. What I enjoy most about painting urban scenes is the general public seems to be, well, interesting. Many are curious, some could just care less, while there is the occasional walkie talkie. Beware of urban painting if you would much rather have silence. On the other hand, it provides a great way to share your love for art as well as it offers the general public a view into an artists creativity.  I have painted this shop once before and have come to enjoy the shop owner, Coco. She has been a sweet familiar face to see every time I paint the town. 

Late in the day, I returned back to my host's home to begin the process of framing pastels. It is a daunting chore. It also gave me some quiet time to be indoors to cool down from the sun and re-group. While participating in these events, it's always good practice to schedule in some down time. Something I do little of, but when I do, it's possibly the most rewarding. A smart, heathy snack, a nap, and a tall glass of water works wonders. 

That evening a few hosts and their artists had been invited to a bar-be-que by one of the Rotarians. These people know how to entertain! Plenty of conversation, food, and drink was offered. After we had all filled up and visited for some time, a few artists had decided to go paint a nocturne in downtown Los Gatos. 

"Haute Bride" 10x8" Pastel

We set up around 10:00 pm and worked our night magic on the streets. It's interesting to see the change of street activity from dawn to dusk and deep into the night, but Los Gatos is a pretty safe place. While out painting en plein air, always evaluate your surroundings. Safety is a must for a painter who may become engrossed into the painting process, especially when there are pedestrians who are not "always there" or missing a few screws. We were up until 1:30 am painting. Some of my high school friends even came out to watch me paint so there was plenty reason to be out late. I returned back to my hosts house just as they were returning from a wedding, and I hopped into the shower and was in bed by 2:30 am.

Day 4

Friday

(framing day)

When the schedule of events is published to the participating artists, I always plan on a day of framing or at least divide it out as I go along. When I do frame throughout the span of the event, I usually plan it during the mid-day while the light is the least attractive. It gives me time to settle down, focus, as well as get the most difficult part of my job done. Framing pastels is not an easy chore and this is why you will see very few pastels in plein air competitions. I have made it easy on myself by pre-assembling the glass, spacers and wiring long before I leave my home. Depending on the distance of the event, I may have to ship my frames and gear at great expense ahead of time, and other times the frames come along with me in my car. For long distance events, I use Optium Acrylic Museum grade glasing because of it's anti-reflection, weight, scratch resistant and anti static qualities. It also has a price three times the average cost of glasing. I love the stuff because I don't have to worry about a broken, chipped piece of glass to replace on location and the weight and handling is not a worry.  I ended up framing 7 pieces plus we were allowed to bring one studio piece from home. I had 8 total for sale and it was looking like a solid body of work. Framing all my work in like-style frames gives the appreciating public the feeling of consistency, or a story line...like it was created by the one artist.

Around 5:00, each artist turned in one favorite piece at the VIP Gala. After that, it was celebration time!

The Friday night VIP Gala had plenty of room to move about and the work was displayed with integrity. One display panel per painting with it's own light to illuminate each work made for nearly 50% of the pieces sold. There was adequate, delicious food and the general flow of the Gala was welcoming and roomy. Everyone had a wonderful time. Less tickets were available for purchase, but at a higher price that perhaps this created room for more serious collector attendance.  Each artist selected their favorite piece out of the 32 pieces submitted for the prestigious "Artist's Choice" award. Sorry I do not have the information on the piece, but it was my favorite one for sure!

Attendees Tonya Zenin (artist), John McSorely, Tina and Clay Goodman.

At the VIP Gala with Portland artists Yong Hongzhong, Kat Sowa, Anton Pavlenko, Yer Za Vue, Me, and then welcomed photobomber Timothy Tien on the far right.

Day 4

Saturday in the Park

(Sale day, judging)

Up bright and early, we had to deliver and hang our body of work in the park. Each artist has to fill in all the paperwork:  Inventory number, title, size, medium, contact info, artist name and price. I like to do this logistical work ahead of time while I am framing because turning in the work is often a chaotic and confusing time, so mistakes can happen. The Saturday sale was smooth and very well attended, and the weather cooperated too!  In years past, we have had torrential rain, baking 105 degree heat, and more baking heat. This year the weather was definitely Californian!

My piece "Mountain Vineyard View" (above) gained Judge Paul Kratter's attention, awarding it an Honorable Mention as well as my friend Tonya's Vineyard piece too!  

Happy with Paul's decision! It's never ever an expected outcome,

but sometimes ya just gotta take the punches with the petals. 

In Summary

What I most love about painting in this event is the generosity of the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club members. I also must give credit to the community that supports the event, the scenery, the returning collectors and friends who drop by while I am there and of course, the weather. So many great memories are made while painting for plein air events, weather they are non-juried community gatherings or high end juried competitions. Most importantly, I thank you for your endurance reading this far and I'm hoping that you enjoyed my report and small offerings of advice on participating in plein air. Next week I'm off to paint in Door County Plein Air, for an invitational plein air event. I have never been there, but I expect it will be another great adventure!

It's been quite the journey.

~ Brenda

Los Gatos Plein Air recap

Warning! This is a long post!

Just returned home from the Los Gatos Plein Air event hosted by the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club and boy, was it a wild one! Wild I say? Well, my traveling partner Thomas Kitts likened it to the "Iron Chef" of plein air painting, and so that's about as close as I can explain how these events go.  

My story begins with our departure at 5:00 am to drive down 12 hours from Portland, OR., to my home town, Los Gatos, CA. We stopped in Winters at Root Stock to do a little wine tasting as recommended by one of Thomas' clients. We arrived in Los Gatos in plenty of time for something to eat and to find our "homes" for the week.

Arriving a day early to do some scouting around within the 20 mile boundary is a good idea to help eliminate wasted time in an event like this. The first day was spent hunting for spots to paint and so our first stop was the quaint and charming neighborhoods of Los Gatos to find something architectural, perhaps something like a garden arbor. We found one very nice rose draped arbor and so we moved on. Heading up 280 N we found the hills of Rancho San Antonio. It was a nice county park teaming winding trails, but very hot and was also a very long hike for a painting. We decided this was not where we'd spend our time once the event began. We did run into a very colorful a hiker out there in the hills, so colorful, that I asked if he would stop for a photo.  Sebura, we decided, was probably from Kenya or Tanzania out for a walk to get away from his stressful city life at Stanford Univ.  So we think.  Nonetheless, he was beautiful as ever I set eyes upon.  Perhaps a portrait?  Yeah....

"Sebura"

We headed back into town and hooked up with Portland artist Anton Pavlenko and headed out to paint some palm trees we saw earlier, but unfortunately the sun was blocking the afternoon light on it.  This was our first of many diversions in the event.  Instead, we decided to get a painting in of an unkept apricot orchard Thomas had spotted earlier in the day. Something I had overlooked for many years as a kid. I decided to paint a view of the street leading up into the apricot hills off of Blossom Hill Road. I was really happy with this one for the first of many. 

                                                                           Larga Vista Road, 10 x 8" Pastel  ©Brenda Boylan  Sold

The rest of the event begins to get a bit blurry from the pace we kept, with each painting documenting my time here.  The next day we checked in at 8:00 am and got our panels stamped and off to paint like crazy. First thing in the morning we painted our rose covered arbor that we found the day before on Palm Avenue.  Not a favorite of mine, but perhaps someone will like it?

Rose Arbor, Palm Avenue.  12x12" Pastel   ©Brenda Boylan

After we were finished, we ate a quick lunch and then our host called to tell us of a very private estate that we should paint. We eagerly headed up to the estate to find a beautifully kept 5 acre Tuscan garden guarded by a beautiful sculpted iron gate and guard dogs. Once we had permission to enter, we found hills with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and fine sculpture throughout the estate along with a beautiful fountain. While we were looking for something to paint, the car decided to spill out some sort of hot fluid! This was not good news at all as we are trying to use our time to the fullest.  Fearful this was going to be a big problem and inconvenience, all I could think of was time lost painting.  Thomas called the organizers and got a referral for a grease monkey, thankfully close in to town. Thomas dropped me off downtown to paint and while he stuck around the garage to paint a scene. Not much time was lost as it was only a power steering hose, but we didn't get to work up at the estate like we hoped.  I decided to paint a complicated shop window scene of some lingerie maniquins with street reflections.

"Window Dressing" 10x8" Pastel   ©Brenda Boylan

The car problem did add a bit of stress to the start, but all was forgotten once we were off to the orientation to get some much needed info and meet up with other participating artists over a glass of Pinot. After much visiting we decided to paint a nocturne, but then again we diverted our direction and went to eat a late dinner with Paul Kratter, Sergio Lopez, Thomas Kitts and my friend Robert (Bob) Frank. Tired, I hit home about 11pm for the second day out.

The next morning, Wednesday, we headed out 280 N to find some eucalyptus trees to paint on the recommendation of Bob.  I painted two pieces.

 

"The Line Up" 12x16" Pastel  ©Brenda Boylan

"Woodside Eucs" 16x12" Pastel   ©Brenda Boylan

After a long painting session of eucalyptus trees, we headed into civilization to find a bite to eat around 2pm.  It's a lot like camping and hide and seek, these plein air events with no real agenda, but to get as many pieces produced. Another artist shared with us her host's home up in the Saratoga hills with a pool, views and tableaus, but when we arrived it was not what we had hoped for.  So again we diverted, returning back to paint our private Tuscan estate, this time with no car troubles and painted until 6:30. 

"Folding Hills" 10x8" Pastel  ©Brenda Boylan

After we completed our paintings, we went directly on to an impromptu barbeque party with a few artists at one of the generous hosts homes. Home by 11 pm and much framing and paperwork before I go to sleep.

Up around 5:00 am Thursday morning, I headed out solo to paint the city's favorite coffee stop, Los Gatos Roasters.  Many people dared to ask what I'm doing and commented on how there are "more people" in the scene than what I have painted.  Well, perhaps if they'd stay still long enough!  As I start a piece that is early morning, I establish the shadow formations first because they move so fast and are gone before you know it.

"Morning Break" 8x6" Pastel   ©Brenda Boylan  Sold

Then down the street to a cute little store called Tassles of Los Gatos.  Many onlookers again, this time not about adding "more people", but more like "I wanna buy".  Now those are the kind of words I like to hear!

"For Little Girls Only" 8x6" Pastel    Sold

Painting window shop scenes can be tricky and deceptive.  First, you have the subject in the window, but there is also the reflections on the street bouncing off the glass. Now add the movement of the light and it really gets complicated.  I decided to just scumble lighly the flat side of a pastel stick over the image to give it a "glassy" look as well as just suggest the reflections.  A bit of an experiment, but I'm thinking it worked.

And of course, what's a painting if there is no laughter?

I'm really liking the window shop scenes.  Playful, colorful, and identifiable are a few qualities that help sell work as I found out here.

Then I wanted to check out the Mission style church called St. Lukes that has a garden tucked away.  

"Garden Respite (study)" 8x6" Pastel   ©Brenda Boylan

This one was a quick evening study that I ended up not really liking, but now that I have rested up and had some time away from it, I'm liking it a lot more.  Hmmm, sounds like a painting hangover. 

When I woke up the next morning (Friday), my host asks me if I could paint in a spot where reporters ccould find me.  So I head back over to the church garden with Thomas as I had hoped to work this scene once more.

Getting stopped midway through a painting for some press.

This interviewing thing while painting was a bit stressful for me as I was wanting to finish this final piece for tonight's Gala party.  Be it stress of competing or whatever, I have eluded most of my contacts for social time while down here for business.  Well, at least at the garden, I am in one spot for 3 hours this time around...long enough to meet up with my high school friend Maria, who lives in the area.  What a sight for sore eyes, I tell you.

"Garden Respite" 12x9" Pastel   ©Brenda Boylan

You can see that the color and values are much more brighter in this piece than the one posted above because the mid-morning light is getting flatter and cooler as the sun has less debris to filter out it's rays. Look for this in your next visit outdoors during the mid-morning and then compare the same scene in the late afternoon.  Afterwards, I ran home to frame some more, fill out my paperwork, shower, dress, and then out get a small gluten-free bite to eat with friends prior dropping off my one favorite piece for the Gala.

The artists Gala is the best night of all, where the artists submit one favorite piece for judging by the participating artists over the course of the evening.  Here is a clip from the event:

After the party was over, we walked over to our favorite Morning Rotary Club member's house for the party after the party and talk more about art. Can you say MORE fun?  Whew! 

Got up later than most days with art all framed and packed and ready for the Saturday in the Town Plaza for the big show and sale.  All work had to be hung and displayed by 10 am for judging and I forgot my paperwork back at home which was filled out incomplete and incorrectly too...what next?  I had to return home to retrieve it and broke the key in the door of Thomas's Jeep! Thankfully, he had a spare hidden on the car!  A huge sigh of relief and a bit of embarrassment too.

All was hung with some help and then we were told to scatter from the park to avoid influencing the judging process.

I came back to some great news!  My piece "Larga Vista Road" won a third place ribbon!

Woo Hoo!

With temps hovering around 99 degrees it was hard for many to stay outdoors, creating less than expected attendance. I didn't realize it any less, as I had many, many visitors and friends who stopped by to visit.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to come on out!  You made my reunion trip back home to Los Gatos more meaningful and was soooo great to see you!

Celebratory hug with ribbon holders Lf to Rt: Brenda Boylan 3rd pl, Lori Putnam 1st pl, Thomas Jefferson Kitts 2nd pl

After the close of show, Thomas and I immediately threw our stuff in the Jeep and headed back to Portland for a special engagement. I really love the LGPA, my time in Los Gatos, and the California sun that I miss so much, but I am also glad to be home with my family. 

I painted ten pieces, sold three, won a ribbon, broke a key, lacked sleep, partied hard, and car trouble.  Thank God all worked out.  Los Gatos Plein Air sure felt like the "Iron Chef" of art! perhaps there's an idea?

Forthcoming Spring, 10x8, and Trilogy recap

"Forthcoming Spring, 10x8" Pastel on sanded paper

The last post I was headed out to the Allison Resort for a Quick Draw and boy was that a lot of fun!

This event was everything I thought it would be. Once I set up my easel and roamed the room to meet the other artists, I set out to paint on demand for about 2 hours with the help of a little complimentary Pinot Noir. The companionship of the 17 other artists was motivational as we chatted and joked while making art. Midway through the painting, the gracious guests arrived and watched the artwork come to it's final mark. The MC came around and asked a few oartists to describe their work, adding to the excitement and noise level.

With my work in progress, "Crimson Symphony", 22x22" Pastel on sanded paper

Painting and sipping wine alongside artist Michael Orwick

Soon enough, we were given the 15 minute warning to finish up. While the guests gathered into the dining area the artists made their final strokes of genius and then framed their finished work for the oral auction. (Imagine how one frames a large pastel behind glass in 15 with a little vino? ...but I digress.) Then all the artists gathered with the guests for some incredible cuisine pared with more delicious wine. Oh my, more wine! By this time, I'm feeling pretty special...well...that is because the Allison prepared my dinner "gluten free"! Yeah!

The auction began shortly after the dessert and as the finished art was presented, each artist was able to go up to the mic and share a little about their work. It was nice to be able to hear each artist's take on their work, so unique in every way. Afterwards, I finished off the late night with a little sobering after hour art conversation at McMinamen's Pub with Thomas Kitts and Scott Gellatly. After all was said and done, it was a great experience and I do hope to be included once again.

The rest of my week was spent painting and readying for my trip down to Los Gatos Plein Air. Here are some warm-ups from Sauvie Island in the meantime...

"Spring Swale" 16x12" Pastel on sanded paper

Painted on Sauvie Island, 'the' Portland artist gettaway, near Steelman Lake...and below, this little piece is located just across the street from a strip mall in Beaverton.

"Meadow Harmony" 9x12" Pastel on sanded paper

So, the next time I post I will have driven a 1,310 mile round trip all for the sake of Plein Air. I'm wishing to share my experience with you along the way, but only through my facebook fan page, and that is only if I can score some WiFi. We'll see!

Until then...