Glory -- The Joy of Being

Glory - 12x12 Oil on canvas panel

My friend, Sharon Weaver, and I had driven up the California coast together to attend a California Art Club paint out and gathering arranged by the CAC and several wonderful artists most notably, Richard Lindenberg.  The drive up was magical and we both enjoyed painting along the way. 

The actual paint out location featured dorm-like rooms which were comfortable, but the food was the real star of the accommodations.  Cooking for large groups is never easy, but the chef of the Marconi conference center seemed to thrive on providing us all with tasty and varied meals.  He even made sure to include special items for those with unique dietary needs.

During the three days, we found many captivating locations to paint.  We enjoyed meeting the other artists,  most of whom were from Northern California, and we delighted in exploring this lovely location.

However, on the morning of the last day, as we walked up the hill... (did I mention that we definitely got some exercise while we were there?) to get our breakfast, we were treated to the most spectacular view!  The sun was breaking through the trees and was absolutely glorious.

Before we set out to go on this trip, I knew I had to paint something "good" for an upcoming show.   The juror was to be my mentor and teacher, David Gallup, so I couldn't use anything he had seen before.   I had to paint something new, but it had to be good enough, so if he DID recognize my style, I wouldn't embarrass myself.  I  also decided that I wouldn't sign the paintings, hoping that I could avoid feeling like he would favor me because he knew me.   I know him to be fair and honest, but I wanted to do that anyway... just for my own satisfaction.   I had painted quite a few paintings while on this trip, but only one was "good enough" to include among my two submissions for the upcoming exhibit.  I could have only submitted one painting, but the jury fee was the same for one or two, so I wanted to submit two.

This was the scene I painted at home before the submission date.   I tried to capture the "glory" of the light as it filtered through the trees.  Happily, this painting, called "Glory" was juried in to the show.  (YAY!).   My other submission, painted on the trip up the coast, called "Along the Cambria Coast" was also juried in and was awarded a first prize!  (Double YAY!)

It was a great adventure and hopefully the joy of being showed through in the paintings.

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