Telluride Plein Air ~ Quick Draw & ArtWalk

Well, I have been missing. Apologies ... I'm committing to post at least twice weekly 'til current. So here goes ... back to the Telluride Road Trip and a week's drinking in the Plein Air Event there (Note this was July 2, 2013!)!
THIS was one of my favorite days of our trip! After a quiet morn, Roland and I plan to head into town to meet Hether and hubby to watch the big "Quick Draw" Event. This is where artists have their surface (be it watercolor paper, sandpapered surface or canvas) stamped with a particular recognizable mark and then, they have a specific allotted time to go out on site using that specific substrate, paint the painting, and come back with the piece all framed, ready for sale. This event was given ninety (yes, 90) minutes.

The "Quick Draw" artists were scattered everywhere through out town. Some in the middle turning lane of the main road, some in front of the courthouse, some in alleys and others off on-site. I observed they all worked simple and small. The woman I depicted here in my journal was my favorite. And what I noticed was that her canvas was cradled right inside the back of the black frame she would be using. All she had to do was flip the painting and set it in place for the presentation! As the end of the 90 minute time period came to an end artists began gathering, placing their finished pieces on easels for the jurying and award ceremony. Some of the pieces were just amazing - - most were of the impressionist style, and some even sold right there on the spot. But whew ~
what a workout for the artists!!

An aside on participating in plein air events: from one of the well versed plein air painters in Telluride. The perspective that the event in Tellluride was NOT planned with artists on the decision making committee was evident. And not a good thing. Seems that as a participating artist in the event you would spend a lot of your "off" time (when you are not out painting on site) finishing up paintings, framing and just plain recovering from the outdoor exposure. But what the Telluride

event planners were doing was adding more and more evening fundraiser events that artists had to attend - taking away that valuable "down" time artists needed. Good to know for us considering doing a plein air event!!

Evening time continued with the art theme - with Telluride's monthly Artwalk. One show I particularly wanted to see was at the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. They were showing pieces from Burnie Fuchs, a famous illustrator ~ and I wasn't disappointed. FASCINATING mixed media - - even his pencil sketches had such vitality. So inspiring! We wandered the full street hitting the Oh-be-joyful Gallery (who's owner does huge plein air gorgeous pieces) and another watercolor artist, David Brankley, who does terrific work, were stand-out for me. So you see, I had to save those images and contacts here.

The final image on this open page journal spread is of course, dinner. We meandered the street, mainly looking for light food without a mile long line (I'm so spoiled from our rural restaurants here in Southern Oregon - well, maybe not Ashland). And we needed a place where we could keep Cody nearby. The Telluride Bistro furnished all of that. A yummy salad, quick friendly service and an open wrought-iron fence where Cody could get scratches from us (and maybe some treats too). An end to a full and fulfilling day!

Telluride Plein Air ~ Lost Dollar Road, Ridgeway and Tride Alleyways

Next day, September 28th, in Telluride, we rise to slightly smokey skies (from nearby fires) and carve our plans accordingly. Perhaps a relaxed ride down valley will move us away from the smoke and there are some fabulous views to catch too.

As we weave our way out of town we take a right turn up towards the airport, but more lovingly called Lost Dollar Road to me. Past the airport we're pleased to discover the majestic views have been
rescued from condos, leaving a sprinkling of new homes and the ole' ranch buildings I so treasure. This image is of the rugged San Juan Range in the background where Lost Dollar actually winds through and over the mountains coming out just above Ridgeway. But it's a way 4-wheel drive road and we choose to return to the valley and drive the highway en route to Ridgeway.

WOW - has Ridgeway grown from when I once looked at property to buy there! New homes, B&Bs and plenty of new businesses dot the main road and some side streets too. We saunter out of the car and have a tea at a nearby coffee shop and sample the Farmers Market going on in the park. This charming town echos times gone by yet with a new vitality stirring. Here's our view from the park, drinking in the ole' business buildings that surround the town square.

Our evening back in Tride is relatively quiet. I I have the pleasure of helping my friend Hether put together a from-scratch cake to be part of the special Tiramisu dessert for her hubby in a couple of days. I also learned how little comfort I have following recipes - and why I stay out of the kitchen usually! After another test run at another pizza place (Roland seems to be seeking the perfect pizza in Telluride!), we take a new evening walk heading away from town, southward, towards the mine. The town, or maybe the mine company, have done a remarkable job of renovating the area with the "mine tailings", making a modern hike/bike trail along the river where wild flowers bloom and late summer shadows grow long.

Next day we breakfast and find the only thing on the agenda is meandering the streets, or more accurately, the alleys to catch the tucked-away charm of teeny alley homes, rustic collections and exuberant gardens. Oh my camera captured bunches but, I think this back-alley log cabin is MY
favorite. You may not have know my penchant for ole' cars and collectibles ... well, you can see this place has it all (not to mention the log cabin I almost built on one of the Telluride mesa - but that's another story).

The evening took us all into town to peruse what the Plein Air Event has calling, the "Wine Festival Paint Out". Plenty of sweet paintings and as I wandered past the artists, I gathered ever single printed favorite image I could. I pocketed many of them in a black envelope on my journal page but, the most joyful serendipity happened when I placed the two business cards ... right in the midst of the tree shading the Ridgeway Park and saw how they

perfectly camouflaged in the tree branches!

Did I mention how I LOVE journal page surprises!? ... especially when they just "POOF!" present themselves!

Colorado Reunion ~ Plein Air and The Picinic

I'm up on day six, v-e-e-r-r-r-y excited because ... I see clear blue sky. After my usual mornin' rituals, I pack together my plein air painting materials. These jam packed days seem to present so many options that I find myself having to really settle in my heart, what I really want to do. This was one of those days. My friend had pulled together a visit way up on one of the out-of-town mesas to a ole' friend's home/recording studio. But . . .  today was sunny and gorgeous - - and I haven't had the opportunity to go paint at all. So you know what this artist chose to do, right?

I zipped up to my friend's house, letting her know what I'd decided to do for the early part of the day, and then, hiked up to the side of the mountain to paint. I had the precise spot I'd wanted to paint (here it is) and I got my chair situated, paints all set up and accessed my physicality. Oh HECK! I had to pee. Looking around, I was lucky enough to notice a nearby home that was under construction. I check with the foreman and he directs me to the inside bathroom (thanks Universe)! Ok, now I can get to painting. I decided to eliminate the wagon (since I had about an hour - and architectural things take me awhile). I was in heaven, the sun, the breeze, the sweet mountain air. Once the sun was pounding down on me, I knew it was time to finish up. I'm pretty happy with the image - and I also sketched up the full scene on this journal page.

I bustled back to my room to get tidied up for the grand art show at the "Telluride Gallery of Fine Art". Some of you may know, that showing in this gallery has been a life long dream of mine. When I lived in Telluride (and when I'd moved away), I dreamed, I envisioned, I yearned, I ached to see my work on these walls. So to take part in this show, although it's only for the weekend, I'm so thrilled. When I get to the gallery, it is wall-to-wall people. I squeeze in to greet people and am confounded and exhilarated with the faces. To remember my pieces, their positioning, etc. I have done a faded back sketch on this journal page. And I've captured several key people at the "Artist's Table" at the Sheridan Restaurant later that evening. You know who you are! What a day to live on in my memory ... thanks again Universe.
Oh but the next day, September 29, was another BIG day. After a lovely mornin' hike up Bear Creek I did my shopping for the giant Reunion Picnic in the Town Park. Oh MY - I nearly died at the cost of chips & dip in the local market. I never did find any gold in the bag either - oh well. It was a glowing autumn day, sunny with intermittent cumulus beauties dancing by. The picnic was enormous - over 400 people - and I tried to recognize those I could. I actually felt a bit overwhelmed (never did do big crowds well) and nestled close to my friends. They had us all wiggle together for a group shot and it was humorous trying later, to identify faces. But the special feeling of how we all were (the ole shots from the 70's really showed the hovel-like buildings we lived in, plenty of vacant lots and the dirt streets and the makeshift ski resort), what kind of dreams and community we all had and how those who'd stayed in Telluride, actually got to see it come into fruition. It was pretty amazing!

This scene, the back drop of the picnic, embraces several of the special people at the reunion that continue to touch my heart ... even after all these years. Can you sense the range and depth of emotions hooked to this magical place? I hope you have a place like this some where in your life ... it changes who you are ...

Plein Air Painters Escapades

One of my favorite classes to teach is Plein Air (painting on location out in nature). One of the most accommodating and welcoming spots I've found in the Rogue Valley, which offers up languid landscapes, blossoming gardens, lush vineyards and an elegant historic mansion, is Eden Vale Winery! Yes, I'm recommending visiting http://www.edenvalleyorchards.com/ !!!

 Each of the three day workshop, we gather early to catch the morning shadows. We do a review of materials, design and planning and after a brief demo from me . . . everyone selects their own favorite subject matter to work up. To start out I do a small but fun lil' scene of the vineyards with background wine processing building. I aim at keeping it simple and capturing the feeling of the day. I'm pretty happy with this image.

In between assisting everyone with their images, I find a snippet of time to start the quick image of the yellow roses and the Adirondack Chairs dotting the grassy areas. Now you know how I love detail and finishing things off - - but with others suggestions to just "leave it alone, it's fresh", I've done just that (no, I didn't have to tie my hands back!).

The second day of the workshop we follow a similar agenda and I have my participants select what subject they would like me to do for the quick demo painting. The select: "architecture". Oh MY!! I have to admit that although architecture can be lovely, I tend to get all anal working on the perspective and square subject matter. But . . . I follow through with my commitment. I wander the grounds seeking a clean and uncomplicated object, letting my students hear exactly what I'm seeking. And, just as usual, once I get started on man-made subject matter, I find complications. This overhanging porch with graceful grapevines dangling appears easy, right? Well, once I started drawing the supporting horizontal beams, I went nuts attempting to define what was sky or beams. I eventually decided to go "loose" and just randomly drop in vines and sky. It pretty much worked ... but re-affirmed my avoidance of linear items. I will never make an architect!!!

Just to share some of the lovely journal work produced during the workshop, here's a lushly illustrated passion vine as well as a delicately depicted rustic pot with dancin' grasses!

And in case you wonder what the totality of my days working onsite for the Eden Vale Winery Workshop, here's the full two page spread (one more to come on the next page from day three). Love to hear your input or experiences with painting on location!!!

Autumn Plein Air Painting Workshop

It's an new kind of Workshop that Silvia Trujillo and I have concocted, with an "Overview/Preview" talk two days before the class and then, the two day on site lesson. She instructs the oil and acrylic and I do the watercolor. Our end of summer version was a success at Lithia Springs Resort, so we jumped at the idea to do a late evening paint out as Autumn approaches.

We choose Eden Vale Winery(http://www.edenvalleyorchards.com/) not only because its got numerous delectable painting possibilities, but also because the management has been nothing but generous and helpful!

The first afternoon I arrive, the day is warm, sunny with clear vistas out back the tasting room. Everyone chooses their favorite vantage spot and begins sketching. I've selected a view including the Potting Shed and the vineyards with rolling hills in the background. I begin first with a pencil sketch and then sketch a smaller replica for doing my value study.

Here's a participant, busy at work with a strongly successful start accomplished by the evening. We did brief reviews as all work progressed and, after painting for nearly 5 hours, wearily but, satisfied, we packed up and headed home. A good day

with the paintbrush!

The second of the two day workshop dawned with grey, cloudy skies, but at least temperatures were in the 60s, so comfortable. We'd inquired with the management the day before, asking if we could come an hour later, from 2pm-6pm, hoping to catch some of the sunset. They'd agreed so we all arrived a little later that next day.

We all seemed attracted to and challenged by how to approach those dark clouds in the landscape. So we all worked in close proximity looking out over the vines. Once I got my sketch down, I did a brief demo of how I'd work the sky and blend it into the landscape.

I wet my paper from the sky area down to the tops of the grapevines. Then, combining Thalo Blue, a bit of Indigo and alternating dropping in some Brown Madder and Yellow Ochre, I used horizontal bands across the sky. The mixing a purple (Alizarine + Thalo Blue with some Yellow Ochre) and then some muted greens, I began to drop in the most distant mountains. The middle mountains and farthest trees on the right were what came last as the paper began to dry.

We all continued painting as the skies began to clear. It was a challenge bouncing back and forth from the grey muted colors and shadows that we originally started with and the present brilliant sun and sharp shadows that now were in front of us.

But it was a glorious way to close the day, packing up and closing up some meditative hours spent in nature. Ahh, the joys of Plein Air Painting!!

The Luxury of a Day of Play

I can't remember last time I took off a day, just to go paint and play with a friend. A dear lady, who'd taken several private lessons with me (yes, she was the one to witness the "crime scene" of previous post) and we found we had so much in common ~ we could launch a painting day together. She has a home on the far east side of Medford which affords vast views looking across the valley and she suggested I come there to paint. When she offered the kindness of lunch too, it was an easy "yes, when should I be there?"

I arrived around 9:30 and hiked over to the viewpoint Robin had envisioned for our paint site. On the far left was Roxy Ann Winery, undulating hills and alternating fields of various colors and textures. We got settled and I started off with the sky, leaving whispers of white clouds to accent the distant hills. Robin worked on a closer view of the fields - a heaven of greens.

Morning turned into afternoon and we packed up to head back to her house. She'd prepared a variety of delicious samplings: Zucchini/Tomato Torte, Garbonza Bean/Carrot/Olive Salad (my fav) and then, for dessert, watermelon balls with mint. I was STUFFED (you know I usually have just a yogurt for lunch?) and couldn't move ~ so relished her offer of poking thru several of her favorite journaling & reflection books. I could have stayed longer had her husband not returned home :)

But it reminded me how recharging just taking a day off to simulate and relax your spirit with friends and food can be. I can't recommend it highly enough!!! Thank you, Robin!