Tuesday, December 13, 2011

California Sunshine -- Enjoying A Plein Air Moment





California Sunshine
© Marian Fortunati
12"x9" Oil on RayMar Panel

 
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One of the many wonderful things I enjoy about plein air painting is when I get to discover a beautiful new hidden corner of my world. 

On Facebook, your birthday is announced and all of your FB friends tend to send you well wishes.   Many of them suggested that I spend my day doing what I love best and I sure did!!!

I went out painting... I decided to paint with the San Gabriel group called "Thursdays En Plein Air". It is led by Brenda Swenson and Walter McNall. Last Thursday, on my birthday, I painted at E. Ward Ranch in Sierra Madre.   There is an orange / citrus grove right in the middle of a residential neighborhood with barns and equipment all ready for creating delicious jams and preserves from the harvest.   I almost drove right on past it ... thank goodness for GPS!  

I rarely paint with this group because the locations are usually pretty far for me to drive but all of my usual painting buddies were either layed-up or out of town so I joined them and had an absolutely WONDERFUL day!!  I saw many painting friends and talked with some new ones.    I continue to challenge myself to select and compose a scene which isn't "ordinary".   That's a pretty tall order ... I know all of it has been painted before, but one more postcard landscape is something I'm trying to avoid.

Walter and Brenda always do a critique session during lunch so we all learned something... always a good thing>>>>> AND... I didn't embarrass myself.
A GREAT Great day.... Thanks to all of you who encourage and support my love for the outdoors and for painting!

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5 comments:

conservativelybohemian said...

A beautiful choice for your spot to paint, Marian. You made me smile with the "not embarrassing yourself" remark too. Goodness knows that is always a great day for me! LOL

Shelley Smart said...

A belated Happy Birthday, Marian!!!

This painting is stunning!! I adore it!! I do love orange trees.

Marian Fortunati said...

Yes, Sherry... it's always good when we avoid embarrassment!!

Marian Fortunati said...

Hi Shelley!!

I hope you're enjoying your time and will have a terrific holiday season.

I miss seeing your beautiful beach scenes!!!

r garriott said...

Who could resist this beautiful grove of oranges... oh, Marian! Your colors are sumptuous. It's so inviting.

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