Last Tuesday I enjoyed another great day in Tapia State Park with painters Sharon Kaiser and Maria Klar. I got to meet another of their friends - George (Sorry, George.. I didn't find out your last name). The June gloom had begun to clear with just a bit of the "early morning low clouds" (aka fog) hovering over the tops of the Santa Monica Mountains.

This time I took a wood panel that I had gessoed with grey gesso and a little red acrylic paint thrown in to color it. I have to tell you that I really liked the feel of the non-canvas covered panel! On previous attempts at painting on these surfaces I had found them slimy and disappointing but with the addition of a coat or two of gesso there seemed to be just enough grab to the paint to make the painting time appealing. I think it helps me hold the integrity of the brushwork better than when I use canvas as well. This may be my new favorite support!!

I spent quite a while traipsing around looking for something that attracted my imagination. It's not that there aren't beautiful spots everywhere, but I wanted to sit down and use the scene to compose something that I felt would convey interest and a sense of place. When I finally found the spot, I took some time to do a value study ... this helps me "frame" what I'm trying to paint. Otherwise my eyes wander all over and I get lost in the scenery. What had attracted me was the way the morning light was hitting the sides of the trees and making them stand out against the background trees and bushes. Although I had to leave relatively early I was still able to complete this 8"x10" study.

We enjoyed another luncheon conversation before I left. Both Sharon and Maria bring wonderful homemade meals -- salads from the garden or meals from home.... George had pb&j and I had an egg McMuffin. Neither of our meals were really up to the standard set by the ladies -- but we all ate with gusto. Luckily Maria had brought cookies (for the plein air police -- LOL) and Sharon brought fresh picked cherries for us to share for dessert. After I asked, Sharon graciously gave me a few pointers, suggesting that although my painting was like a postcard, if I had wanted to show the light on the trees, the next time I might narrow the focus and do without the sky and the foreground... concentrating more narrowly on the trees. I think I may do that next time.... This time, however, I was happy with what I painted!! I didn't even fiddle with it once I got home. (No plein air police paranoia on this one.)