11th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational - October 2009
On the weekend of October 16 to 18th 2009, I traveled to Laguna Beach, CA to attend the Plein Air Invitational. Highlights of the weekend included the Saturday morning "quick draw" in which the 50 artists invited all had two hours to paint a piece on the beach or in Heisler Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Fog rolled in while they were painting, demonstrating what plein air arttists sometimes contend with while trying to capture a scene quickly in changing light and weather ... After the quick draw, they immeduiately had a silent Auction of those works in the Laguna Art Museum. I won an 8x10 painted by California Artist Jennifer McChristian titled "Moring Dew".
Saturday night was a Reception Soiree at the Laguina Beach Art Museum. It was a fun night of art and interesting conversation and a good opportunity to meet these talented artists in person. Artists John Cosby, John Budicin and Bryan Mark Taylor won awards for their participation. It is very inspiring to be among the artists. It makes me want to work all the harder on my own art.
10th Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational - October 2008
I attended the 10th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. 50 noted artists from around America. The highlight of event for me was the Saturday paint out on Main Beach and Heisler Park from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. It was amazing to watch the artists create such beautiful paintings in such a short time. The pieces were framed and made available for sale in the Laguna Beach Art Museum. I met several of the invited artists and was very inspired to continue in my art career with the friendliness displayed at this very fun event.
Of the 50 artists invited to the event, I especially enjoyed interacting with Scott Lloyd Anderson of Minnesota, Doug Martin of Colorado, Greg Scheibel of Montana, John Burton, Kimberly Lordier, Michael Obermeyer, Ray and Peggy Kroll- Roberts (who have a lovely new gallery in Laguna Beach) of California. I also want to acknowledge the friendliness of artist Jennifer McChristian (and her boyfriend) of California, with whom I shared a nice fireside chat, as we happen to have stayed at the same motel .
I am already looking forward to next year's event.
