Wednesday was another lovely day in Southern California.  The weatherman is predicting rain again, but this week was just lovely.

A group of painters organized by the Ventura/Malibu Chapter of the California Art Club met at Peter Strauss Ranch.  The monthly paintouts are listed on the CAC website and are organized by George Malone.  I have been to Peter Strauss Ranch before to paint, but never at this time of year.  I had gone before in the summer and in the fall.  This time it was just sunny and glorious and the five of us painters all spread out to find our "spots".   Some of us took a "long view" while others painted more intimate scenes, but we all found joy in our surroundings.  A horsewoman came by and we are all entranced watching her cross the stream with her reluctant horse.  Another passerby came up to me and said... Oh are you trying to paint the scenery??   .....  Hmmmmmm...  no... perhaps it DOES look like an abstract, but I do love being outdoors!  LOL.

After painting for several hours, we gathered together to talk and exchange ideas and then we had a little art show and mini critique... trying to offer one another ideas on how to improve our work.  I was next to last and at first no one said anything...    Oh oh.....I thought to myself....   Perhaps they didn't know how to nicely frame the words,  "WHAT were you thinking???"    Finally one said something nice about the composition and then they all began making helpful suggestions.   I liked what I had done in the middle and backgrounds, but never did get that foreground part the way it should have looked.  Oh well.  Contact me if you are interested in this painting.

I think all of us had a great time.  It was the first time painting en plein air for Janet Papkin and she did a wonderful job.   I had enjoyed painting before with George Malone and Nita Harper.   It was pleasant to meet a new addition to the group, Rodney Fuentebella.

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Many thanks to Trish Siegel, Leslie Saeta and Julie Hill who all awarded me the SUNSHINE BLOGGING AWARD within the past week and a half.  I so appreciate it.  I also apologize to them for not quickly responding, but my old (former) favorite computer died and it has taken me this long to get this new one set up and to recover my files.   I also appreciate so much my husband, Gastone, who can do ANYTHING and helped me recover my lost files!!!   Thanks to everyone who cheers me on, makes me smile, and helps me do my thing!!
I'll pass this award on to:
Bruce Sherman - I just discovered his blog and enjoy his different outlook and wonderful paintings.
Sharon Weaver - My friend and plein air painting buddy.
Dana Cooper - Whose figurative peeks at everyday life enthrall me.
Frank Gardner - Who used to post more regularly but who is an amazing painter and teacher.
Ron Guthrie - Who was friendly and supportive to a stranger (me) a long time ago... AND who is an amazing artist.
Karen Phipps - Who is diligent and continually striving to better her (already wonderful) art.  I learn from her.
Johanna Spinks - My friend and former art teacher who is funny and talented.... She's challenged herself to 365 days of drawing...  I so admire her!