Misty Spray - painting in Laguna Beach!

Misty Spray, 10 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Available - Click HERE for information

I saw this spot from above and decided to hike down to it. In theory, I was just "checking it out", but deep down I knew I would not go back up until I had finished a painting. Partly, because of the climb... for sure. But more importantly, I have learned that if I don't settle down and get started, I might roam around for two hours with nothing to show for it!

Soon after I started, that overcast sky began to drizzle. It was my last morning to paint in CA, and I was not about to turn back. Thankfully, I had my umbrella (which works just as well for rain as it does for sun), so I popped it up and was able to forge on. I'm sure you have heard that oil and water don't mix, well it is very true! If the canvas gets wet, the paint won't stick!! 

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

November 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School, FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414

Rock Passage - painting in Laguna Beach!!

Rock Passage, 12 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD

Last week I had a wonderful opportunity to do some painting in Laguna Beach, CA! SUCH fun!! It's a beautiful place and there is a compelling view in every direction. The hard part, as always, was choosing what to paint and how much to include. This iconic rock formation is probably the most painted spot there, but I couldn't resist giving it a go. 

Here is my set up from the overlooking cliff...

2019 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Austin, Texas

Contemporary Austin Art School 

FULL - Register for waitlist Here 

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414 

Hidden Beach - Painting on the West Coast

Hidden Beach, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018

Available - click for more information 

I know I have been missing in action for a couple months, and I am happy to report that all is well with me! Thanks to those who checked in! Once I finished those large commissions, I got my house and studio back in order, and I took a break! We traveled some, had a long visit with our daughter and her children, and just enjoyed life. 

This is a painting from our trip to Carmel, CA, one of our fall excursions. Hidden Beach is a small cove, off the hiking trail at the end of Point Lobos. It was a bit of a hike to get down to, and I had a fabulous quiet morning painting the waves and rocks in a lovely patch of shade. (The bright sunlight can be challenging and I forgot my umbrella, so that shade was a welcome surprise.) Very few hikers ventured down the path, so I had the "beach" pretty much to myself. It was awesome. 

Here are some other art-making moments... You will be happy to know that even though I was taking a break, my studio was in full use!

Point Lobos - Six Quick Studies

Point Lobos Study 1, L. Daniel, 6 x 9, NFS

Last week I had the great fortune to attend the Weekend with the Masters  in Monterey, CA -  four days filled with workshops, demos, and lectures featuring some of our country's best artists and teachers. I spent one of the days studying with Ray Roberts, who focused on painting quickly in the field to capture important shapes and fleeting color notes. Learning to work fast means being able to bring home more options for painting a scene larger and more carefully in the studio. We did 30 minute studies, repositioned, and started again.

Some tips for doing 30 minute studies? Do not limit your palette (bring primary and secondary colors). Premix tints. Keep it simple (really simple). Use lots of paint. Focus on getting correct values and identifying major color families. Do not try to get finished paintings - stop when you have the notes you need. And practice, practice, practice. 

These are the studies I finished that day at Point Lobos in Monterey. It was an incredibly fruitful day and I think I caught the rhythm of something that will really benefit my work. Many thanks to Ray Roberts. (These studies are not for sale.)

Point Lobos Study 2, 6 x 9, NFS

Point Lobos Study 3, 6 x 9, NFS

Point Lobos Study 4, 6 x 9, NFS

Point Lobos Study 5, 6 x 9, NFS

Point Lobos Study 6, 6 x 9, NFS