Serendipity: 15th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational October13-20, 2013

15th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitaional Artists

Here we are in the October 17th Orange County Register

What an experience this was! I was invited just a few months ago, as a result of winning the Grand Prize at the LPAPA "Best of Plein Air" Juried Exhibit. Nervous as ever to paint along side some of the most respected plein air painters of our time, I showed up! I was ready for the "quick draw" event (where the invited artists have 2 hours to paint a scene in a designated area) In this case, it was the "Treasure Island" area, behind the Montage Resort in South Laguna. I had set up a plan with my daughter to model for me, seated on a bench over-looking the coastline below. (Of course it was my hope that it would be a beautiful and sunny day) Well, it was sunny (for about twenty minutes!), then the sun went into hiding. Luckily, I had taken photo reference from my practice that I was able to conjure up in order to emulate the beautiful sunlight on her dress and hat. The two hours were over in a flash, and all the artists' paintings were hastily framed and hung for an auction at the beautiful Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course Resort. I was thrilled that my painting, "Weekend Repose" was sold to a wonderful couple!

The rest of the week, the weather couldn't have been more cooperative, the LPAPA Organization literally catered to us artists; providing meals at several paint out excursions and great lectures, my generous host family provided a comfortable and friendly place for me to rest, and I enjoyed painting the beautiful light in Laguna Beach!

At the Collectors' Soiree I was THRILLED that my "Dinner Time" 12" x 20" oil was awarded the "Distinctive Merit" Ribbon; Thank you Seawind Properties! The painting was sold that night!