Yosemite painting, "Bridalveil" by Lynne Cunningham

"Bridalveil", oil on archival panel

artwork: 6" x 6" , framed size:  10.5" x 10.5"

available, framed, at $175.

shipping is extra; shipped to U.S.A. and Canada only

contact me for questions or purchase  H E R E

A small painting with large impact!  The unforgettable image of Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite in Yosemite National Park is the subject.  I've spent a lot of time in Yosemite painting and hiking, and one memorable winter season I exhibited at the Yosemite Museum. You can read about one of my painting trips to Yosemite here  H E R E    in my blog.

The lighting in this small painting is set in late afternoon, with the sun catching the mist flying off the top of the falls; pretty dynamic and exciting!  

The painting is framed in a high quality Randy Higbee black wood frame with very subtle gold flecks on the black surface.  The thin liner surrounding the painting is burnished gold.  The painting is oil on wood panel with the panel sides painted black.  Framed and ready to hang, this would look great on many wells. 

Below is the view of the small works painting, unframed .  Enjoy looking! I know I do; this painting catches my eye every time I view it.

More on my work and exhibits may be found on my website:  

Lynne Cunningham, Artist

"Bridalveil", oil on archival panel

painting: 6" x 6" , shown without frame

"Urban Cafe" By Irit Bourla

Original Oil Painting On Wrap Around Canvas
With Custom Float Framing
14 x 18
$375.00 plus s/h
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6C8D7M8Q2UZYQ

California Landscape Oil Painting - Gaviota Springtime - California Art Club 100th Gold Medal Show

"Gaviota Springtime"
11 x 14 oil on linen plein air panel
This California impressionist landscape oil painting is being exhibited at the Pasadena Museum of California Art at the
California Art Club 100th Annual Gold Medal Show, through April 21, 2011

A lone eucalyptus arches over a sunny spring meadow on a coastal hillside north of Santa Barbara, California. The air was sweet with wildflowers and the sound of bees was ever-present.

Interested in this painting?
Click this link to write me. See more of my paintings on my website

Caballero Canyon Morning by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Canyon Trail
© Marian Fortunati
9" x 12" Oil on RayMar Panel

It rained yesterday and while today was mostly dry, the weatherman has told us that we won't see blue skies until sometime next week.   Although weather forecasters are often wrong.. they get the general picture pretty well most of the time, and I knew that if I didn't grab a chance to get outside and paint early in the week, I'd be out of luck.

Besides, I had family things and Christmas shopping.... and oh....  I needed to finish up the painting of Tyler that I had planned to use for our family's Christmas cards...   (Say... "pro... cras... tin...a...tion").  Today I feel pretty good about getting a few of those "to do" things marked off, but TUESDAY I escaped again into Caballero Canyon.

Tuesday I walked into the canyon early in the morning... right after I dropped Tyler off for school.  I usually hike down later in the morning, but I had been in the canyon yesterday and I couldn't wait to return.  The morning air was cool and crisp.  Many hikers were already beginning their journey down the canyon and up into the hills toward Mulholland.   The canyon walls were keeping most of the sunlight off the path and as I found my painting spot, I turned up my collar for warmth.  Soon I was caught up in the beauty of the scene.

I was surprised that there were so many hikers and bikers in the canyon... many more than I am used to down there... I guess we all wanted to enjoy it before the rains set in.  Several groups came over to see what I was doing.  Many made nice comments (although predictably when they were looking, the painting was in the "ugly teenage stage".)  None the less, I kept at it and enjoyed myself until I got hungry near lunch time.   I packed up and hiked out, figuring that I could do some fixing back at home.

Surprisingly, when I looked at it today, I decided there wasn't a whole lot I wanted to do to change it.  I worked on some of the edges but left it mostly as I had painted it on Tuesday.

I also worked on my Christmas card painting and think it's basically finished.   I'll look at it tomorrow and maybe tweak it before I photograph it and make my cards.....   WHAT....????????      I have almost a week left!!

A Walk Among The Sycamores by Southern California Artist Marian Fortunati

Canyon Sycamores
© Marian Fortunati
5" x 7" Oil on RayMar Panel

Caballero Canyon is within walking distance from my home.   On Monday I had been out painting and scouting urban locations on the other side of the valley.  When I returned home, I just wanted to go out and see the colors of the canyon, so I walked down ... way down.   It was a wonderful walk.  The air was fresh and the sun was warm.  There are so many things to enjoy and remember each time I walk down into the canyon.  Certain smells ... certain turns of the path -- even the owl pellets and the coyote dung --  these are wonderful reminders of how close I live to a more natural world. 

The sycamore leaves are crisp and golden.  Many have fallen and cover the ground in amber color.  The sunlight which hit the top of  this stand of sycamores deep in the canyon just took my breath away.   I love Caballero Canyon and I love living so close to so much beauty!

I hope you will enjoy my little interpretation of the scene.   I just loved the colors and may make a larger version of this small study.

 

Thankful for so much... by California Artist Marian Fortunati

The Keyhole - Low Tide
© Marian Fortunati
6" x 6" Oil On RayMar Panel 

Thankful....   That's what I am, alright. 

There's not much more to write...    I have enjoyed a fulfilling career that "made a difference" and now I am enjoying a new journey and seeing my world with new eyes.  I have a family that is caring and interesting and supportive.  I am blessed.

I decided to paint this small version of Keyhole Rock....   .  Each time I paint this rock formation it's a little bit different, but then each time I get to enjoy the actual real life scene, it's a little bit different.

I hope you are enjoying all of your life's gifts as well.

A Little Bit Of Heaven

A Little Bit Of Heaven
© Marian Fortunati
9"x12" Oil on RayMar Linen Panel

 Down a very steep cliff on the Palos Verdes Peninsula lies a little bit of heaven.  Mind you, it's not an easy climb down to Golden Cove (nor is climbing back up at the end of the day either) but once there, it is all very worth it.

I joined friends Diane Nelson-Gold, Cindy Compert and Stephen Mirich for this adventure.  We had all gotten to know one another on the Channel Islands adventure aboard the Conception.  Steve lives a bit south of PV and Cindy lives a bit north.  Diane and I both had quite a long drive to get there from the San Fernando Valley.  Golden Cove is one of Steve's favorite spots and I can totally understand why.  The rock formations are spectacular, the water's colors are gorgeous and the trek over the boulders is trecherous. 

However we all had a fabulous day of painting, talking and getting to know one another.  Steve was wonderfully generous about sharing his knowledge about the area, the geology and painting.  It was great.   I loved seeing how differently all of our paintings came out.. Steve's was gorgeous and light... Cindy's was wonderful too.  I left before seeing Diane's finished.

Golden Cove is down the cliff in Palos Verdes at the end of Hawthorne Blvd.  It is a spectacular place not to be missed.   I had to leave before everyone else to go pick up Tyler, but I was told that everyone else partied on afterwards -- excited and satisfied after a great day painting by the sea.

On the way back carrying all my gear up that very very steep and very very high cliff, I was snapping photos all the way.  However, somewhere between the top of the hill and my car, my brand new camera dropped out of my pack unnoticed.  Someone must have picked it up...... Makes a nice holiday gift I guess.   SIGH.....    All my photos were lost so I'm relying on photos taken by Cindy Compert and Diane Nelson-Gold to share with you.   Thanks to Cindy and Diane for the photo memories!

This is the sunset I didn't see.   Diane took this one from the top of the cliff.  Thank you for a fabulous day... (and a few sore muscles .. LOL).

Across The Field by Southern California Landscape Painter, Marian Fortunati

Across The Field
© Marian Fortunati
9"x12" Oil on RayMar Canvas Panel

It was a wonderful day out painting with friends.  Gorgeous clear blue skies with puffy white clouds scuttling about to add interest provided the perfect backdrop to a perfect day at Paramount Ranch in Agoura, CA.   After I painted my first, smaller study,  I walked across the field to talk with George.  The view was so pretty, I decided to set up next to him and painted away until everyone broke for lunch.

The Ranch has been used by the studios for years for filming.  There is a western type town, a large grassy field and lots of beautiful trees and trails.  At one time there was even a race track, but that is now largely overgrown and in disarray.

All of us who met together for this month's California Art Club Ventura/Malibu Chapter paint-out enjoyed a lovely place to paint and a wonderful opportunity to get together and learn more about one another and the art we all love.  I enjoyed sharing lunchtime with my friend, Sharon Weaver, and talking with Kay Henry, Susie Bishop, Joan H. Young, Laura Wambsgans and Dyane Jackson.   I enjoyed meeting Kim In Chol and seeing Joe Napolitano again.  I should have stayed longer to get to know the others but I had to leave to pick up Tyler from school.  It was a great day!

Much has been discussed about the benefits of joining clubs or groups of artists but I'd say seeing the variety of style and learning about the many similarities and differences among the people who enjoy making art definitely a huge plus!

Paramount Ranch - A California Art Club Paintout - by California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Paramount Ranch
© Marian Fortunati
10" x 8"  Oil on RayMar Canvas Panel

It was a made-to-order November day in Southern California.  A group of painters organized by the California Art Club met together at Paramount Ranch in Agoura, CA.   The Ventura-Malibu Chapter is led by Sharon Burkett Kaiser who always attends the quarterly paint-outs and often offers critiques to those who want one.  She has arranged for a very capable and well organized guy named George Malone to organize the monthly get-togethers.  I always look forward to hearing from George to find out where our next adventure will be.

The group ranges in size from two or three to a large group of twelve or sixteen happy painters as there were on Wednesday.  We always all strike out to find the spot that captures our imaginations and paint separately for the most part but we gather to chat and laugh at lunchtime.   During the morning it's inspiring to wander around and see the variety of vision and talent among the various painters.   We are all at different places on our journey.. from signature artists members to associate artists --- all of us love painting outdoors.  These paint outs are also always a wonderful way to get to know other interesting and talented people. 

The day and place were beautiful and I found time to capture two paintings.  My first was this smaller 10" x 8" plein air study looking south (or west toward the ocean).   The pale morning air made the hills in the background appear blue compared to the vivid greens in the lawns and the red-green of the eucalyptus.

Underwater Ballet by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Underwater Ballet
© Marian Fortunati
6" x 6" Oil on RayMar Panel

When I was enjoying a recent adventure to the Channel Islands with artist, David Gallup, I had the fabulous opportunity to scuba in and around a colony of playful sea lions.

At first several of us visited these curious creatures from on top of the water riding in a kayak. Later, I donned a hideously tight wet-suit to brave the cold Southern California waters and visited them in a more up-close and personal way.

The sea lions were as intrigued by those of us swimming in and among them as we were by them. Individual animals would come up and peer into our masks and blow bubbles. Together they would swim down and around one another and the long columns of kelp that gracefully bobbed in their watery world. As they played and swam with one another, their twirls reminded me of an underwater ballet... graceful and truly awesome.

It was an experience I never want to forget.  I tried to capture the memory of their "dance" in this little painting.

 

 

Frustration, Pleasure and Satisfaction by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

 Hills of Mustard and Oak
© Marian Fortunati
6"x6" Oil on RayMar Panel

This has been a weekend filled with frustration and pleasure as well as satisfaction.  I considered titling this post, "Is the Glass Half Empty or Is It Half Full?"  During the weekend I did enjoy painting several small 6x6 instant gratification pieces.   One of them is shown above.  However, all the while my mind was on the frustration of my artistic journey.



Frustration
Most of us set goals for ourselves.  We try to stretch our skills and talents so that we continue to grow.  In order to measure progress, we have benchmarks.  For artists, some of those benchmarks include being juried in to shows, winning awards and, of course, selling.  Happily all of those are happening for me, but there is one show in which I have always coveted a position but to which I'm rarely juried in. 

This weekend it happened again.  I had submitted work to the California Art Club's Associate Artist Exhibit and once again I received a rejection letter.  In the past I have found that work rejected from CAC shows has later been selected for awards in other shows.  I HAVE been juried in to CAC shows several times and it's always exhilarating, but the rejection this time was especially frustrating to me.     These are the paintings that were NOT included:

Monterey Magic

Channel Islands Awe

Pleasure
Along with the above three-month Associate Artist Exhibit, for this holiday season there will be a "Magnificent Miniature" one day exhibit.  Those same jurors (John Budicin and Sharon Burkett Kaiser) juried in two of my paintings to the California Art Club miniature show.    I was pleased...  happy to be included and validated.    The Miniature Show will be at the Women's City Club located at the historic Blinn House in Pasadena on December 4th.  The reception and sale will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.   I'm sure there will be many fine paintings which could make great holiday gifts there.    These are the two that were juried IN.

 Pelican Bay

 Sunrise Sail From San Miguel

Satisfaction
On Sunday, two nice events gave me a great deal of satisfaction.    One was the reception for the San Fernando Valley Art Club's exhibit at the Finegood Gallery.  It was a fun reception.  I talked to friends and enjoyed inspecting the great variety of terrific work which had been juried in to the show.  I enjoyed hearing positive comments about my pieces as well, like we all do, I'm sure.

Then to add further satisfaction to the day, one of my previous collectors called me up and wanted to purchase a painting for his sister-in-law.  He came over and picked it up and paid me on the same day!  Hooray!!   A SALE!! Satisfaction for sure!

The weekend ended with a wonderful family gathering... great conversation, togetherness and a fabulous evening sky and moon set.

    

It rained last night and this morning the skies were crystal clear, sunshiny and beautiful.   I guess the glass is really more than half full!

Reflecting by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Reflections © Marian Fortunati 9"x 12" Oil on RayMar Canvas Panel

Reflecting

I wasn't sure whether to title this plein air study "Reflecting" or "Reflections".  What actually drew my eye to the scene were the reflections in the water, but the discussion I had with my friend, Diane Nelson Gold, who met me at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve has made me do a lot of reflecting about painting, life and how we celebrate what we value.   It was a gorgeous day.  The fall colors were beginning to come out.  It was warm and beautiful and we saw so many absolutely fabulous birds -- heron, egret, cormorants, ducks.  I also believe we saw several turkey vultures, an osprey and a bird I didn't recognize.   I just looked it up and I'll post the picture of what I THINK it is below.   (Check it out Diane... was this the bird??  It sort of looks like that but I was thinking it had a white head....?? )   All and all between conversation, a beautiful setting, a fun time painting and discussing painting and reflecting...  it was a day to treasure.

Sepulveda Wildlife Lake in winter

Halloween and Related Associations
I rushed home after painting and made it in time to see Tyler and his classmates for the last of his elementary school Halloween parades.   (OMG.. how quickly they grow up!!)  Tyler, of course, was all about celebrating Halloween in the American tradition... with the costumes and the door knocking and the scary gory stuff ... and of course with the candy.   A friend of mine, Michael Immel, who is teaching in Korea, is on Facebook.  He started posting about teaching the kids to dance to "Thriller" to celebrate Halloween.  I wondered if they even know what Halloween is. 

Sabine Gull

Celebrations in Mexico - Frank Gardner and John Paul Thornton
Then another friend, Frank Gardner, who lives in Mexico started posting information about El Dia De Los Muertos.   He posted a video clip and wonderful painting he is showing at M Gallery and other photos including "dead bread" or pan muerto.  And, to top it off on Saturday night, I went to a fabulous show opening at La Galeria Gitana with the theme of "Celebrating Our Mexican Heritage".  Much of the work in the show revolved around El Dia De Los Muertos.   By the way.. that show features some phenomenal art by my friend, mentor and first teacher, John Paul Thornton.   If you get a chance... go see the show.. you will LOVE all of the work -- I especially loved John Paul's processional paintings.  Fabulous!!

All Saints' Day
Today is All Saints' Day.  I think, somehow, our American Halloween stems from this religious day.  Today and all weekend I've thought about life and how short it is and how we need to celebrate each moment and value those we have with us before they (or we) pass from this life.   Over the weekend... I worked on a painting of the two guys who are so important in my life  -- My husband, Gastone and my little guy, Tyler.  We are lucky to share a bit of time together.  -- More about this on a later post.

Hope you like my Reflections as well as my reflecting.   Contact me HERE for more information about the plein air study....  (or anything else!)

Pulled Into The Canyon - A California Plein Air Landscape by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Canyon Worn
© Marian Fortunati
10"x8" Oil on RayMar canvas panel

Contact me HERE if you're interested in this small painting. $160 +s/h

If you are an artist - you know the feeling.   It's a tugging - a need - a longing which makes you bypass all the chores and other things that should be and need to be done.  It seems to have been so long since I painted outside in the Channel Islands or anywhere else outside for that matter.

I have painted, of course.  I've happily painted away in my studio trying to finish up some studio work I hope to submit to upcoming shows, but obligations and weird Southern California weather have kept me from painting outside.

I had set my sights on painting outside on Monday when Tyler was back in school.  Then, unexpected showers came on Sunday early evening.  (What is UP with our "sunny" SoCal weather??)  I actually like the rain, but I'm unaccustomed to painting outside when it's raining.  Well on Monday morning it looked like the showers had passed, (YAY) but the weatherman was predicting high winds.  Sigh..

I spent the early morning hours finishing up jobs I had promised to do for one of my local art clubs, the San Fernando Valley Art Club.  I finished by about 10:30 and said to myself... Go out and paint!

So I went to the closest beautiful spot I could think of - Caballero Canyon - just 5 minutes from my door.  I tramped down into the canyon (which was mercifully blocking most of the wind since it is a closed canyon) and set up in my favorite spot.  It seems I have painted a similar scene many, many times... but I like it.

Here are a few of my paintings of this spot (or not too far away) in Caballero Canyon:

Caballero Canyon
Canyon Riders
Time Worn
Canyon Colors

One of the things I have probably heard from every teacher I've ever painted outdoors with is the need to decide what you want to paint then decide WHY you want to paint it and how you want to paint it.   I remember Frank Gardner especially hammering in the WHY part.   Well I decided to paint those very interesting and unique water worn rocks once again.  WHY??  -Because they are so different.  -Because they are rocks and I MUST learn to paint rocks (LOL) -Because they are set in a place where the background is ever-changing.  -Because they are mysterious... They have obviously been worn by running water over a long period of time, but there is NEVER water running in this area when I venture into the canyon... only trickles at most in a creek several yards away.

I painted until hunger and a never ceasing clock brought me out of the canyon.   Often the canyon is full of hikers and mountain bikers but today only one couple chugged by throwing back nice compliments.   I think the rain of the previous evening may have put off the usual people who enjoy the canyon.  I had dragged out an 8x10 canvas panel that for some reason I had toned with a dark green.  That initially caused me some issues and I'll probably not use that for a tone color again.  However, once I covered up most of the canvas, I was pretty happy with my river rocks.

I love painting outside!   - And oh, by the way... I hope you had a Happy International Artists' Day!

Early Risers by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Early Risers
© Marian Fortunati
12" x 9" Oil on RayMar Linen Panel

Jury Duty
Okay... So I've done this civic duty for the next twelve months.   So many friends have told me that they have actually served on a jury, but each time I have jury duty I usually sit all day in the jury waiting room like I did yesterday and never get sent in to be on a panel.  A couple of times in past years I was sent in with a group to be interviewed by the lawyers to see if they wanted me in the jury... but each time I was excused or rejected.

I can't say whether I was relieved or disappointed.  

Either way it did make it easier for me and the family with all we have to do. 

Painting
I wanted to capture another island dawn and another sailboat.  It was amazing how the light from the rising sun caste such a beautiful reddish glow against the rocky face of San Miguel.  These sailors were weighing anchor and ready to begin their sail away with the sunshine reflecting off of their sleek white boat.

As with most of these paintings in the Channel Islands, I am painting rocks...  Once a subject I tried to avoid, I am not doing it regularly.  There is almost a monochromatic look to this painting but really the sun did create that orange red look.

CLICK THIS LINK for details and more information on how to purchase this lovely small painting.

Channel Islands Goodby by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Farewell Anacapa
© Marian Fortunati
8" x 10" Oil on RayMar Linen Panel

Email me if you are interested in this owning this little painting  by clicking this link HERE.

Although our last day off of Anacapa on the Channel Islands started out absolutely shrouded in fog... so much that I was afraid we would end the trip with a total white out .. after the morning began to wane so did the fog.  By noon the fog had lifted and the day was gorgeous.

I joined several others out in the kayaks and enjoyed the sea lions cavorting with one another.  In the video clips, the sea lions were following Rich Brimer all over the place.  My friend, Diane Nelson-Gold was waving to you.  (Sorry about cutting everyone's heads off... it was hard to handle the camera and the kayak at the same time.) Because everyone wanted to use the kayaks, I came in and tried to drag that ridiculously tight wet suit up then jumped in the with sea lions.   WHAT an experience!!!   Those little creatures would swim right up to us and look into our masks... just as curious about us as we were about them.   As they swam together under the water, it was almost as if they were doing a ballet underwater----- beautiful!

It was just a fabulous experience to top all of the others.

I came in and painted until our boat had to leave Anacapa to head for the mainland.   Goodbye islands...  See you soon to all of my new freinds. 

After we dragged all of our gear off the boat and headed our separate ways, we each separately saw our own gorgeous storm cloud filled sunset.   It was as if there was a big sunset in the sky saying
"Until we meet again!"

Anacapa Fog by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Anacapa Fog

Marian Fortunati

8"x6" Oil on RayMar Canvas Panel

$100 + s/h

If you are interested in owning this small format scene contact me by clicking this link HERE.

It was our last day of the Channel Islands Adventure.   We were heading toward a safe harbor off of Anacapa Island because the usual harbor for Anacapa had been closed by the National Parks due to safety issues.  

Fog Approaching Anacapa

Many years earlier I remember going ashore on Anacapa with my daughter.  We explored several sea caves and walked across the small isthmus.  I was a bit disappointed that we would be going ashore but there were many good things to come.   As we traveled along the beautiful coast of the island, I kept hearing the fog horns and really didn't think too much about it other than thinking that there must be many unseen rocks in the area.  As we rounded the tip of the island, I looked up and saw a beautiful lighthouse -- the guardian of the islands.

We got to our "sweet spot" and began to settle in when so did the fog!  We were soon totally surrounded by fog ... so much so that we could hardly see anything at all.  I guess that was what all of those fog horns were trying to tell us!

I decided to try to paint anyway.  Greys within greys ... -A hint of rocks and waves with sea lions in the water.  It was a sort of a challenge.  I was almost finished when a ray of sun penetrated the fog and created a lovely rainbow.

Day's End by Southern California Painter, Marian Fortunati

Day's End
© Marian Fortunati
8" x 10" Oil on RayMar Canvas Panel

 

$200 + s/h
Click this link if you are interested in purchasing this beautiful Channel Islands sunset painting.

Honestly if one didn't believe in a higher power before this trip, the undisturbed beauty of the islands and the amazing creatures that live there would have convinced them differently.  Add to that the most spectacular dawns and sunsets to start and end each day with glory and you KNOW that the master artist is at work!

If you ever get a chance to visit these islands do, it!  But make sure to leave it as untouched as it was when you arrived taking only the wonderful memories that remain forever.  I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy it too.

I took a million photos.  I have several series of photos of sunrises and sunsets. Amazingly, each photo is different.. reflecting the variations of gorgeous color as the sun makes its ascent or silently sinks below the horizon.  I get a wonderful feeling just thinking about it.  

This painting was done in the studio.  It is a memory of the time of our last sunset before we left Santa Cruz Island and approached Anacapa for our final day's adventure in the Channel Islands.  Can you see the pelicans coming home to roost on the rocks?  There's even a little sea lion in there!

At Water's Edge by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Water's Edge
© Marian Fortunati
10" x 8" Oil on RayMar Canvas

After a beautiful day in and on the water, many in the group stayed up exchanging anecdotes and laughs over beers and soda.  I know they all had a great time.

I tried to stay up.  Earlier Stephen Mirich was showing us wonderful examples of landscapes by current and past masters but the rocking of the boat and the aftermath of a lot of sun and water fun just sent me off to bed.  I so wanted to see more and learn more.  But off I went to my bunk.  No amount of laughter and loud voices could keep me awake.

This painting is the last plein air from day four.

Contact me HERE if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

Sea Arches and Sea Caves by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Santa Cruz Arches
© Marian Fortunati
8" x 10" Oil on RayMar Canvas

On our fourth day of the trip, I did paint.   I actually painted three paintings!   You've already seen my "good morning painting".   It's probably the best of the day, although I know that all of the studies will serve as fodder for my mind as I plan other larger paintings.  And I do like the way I painted the rock cliffs.  Contact me HERE if you are interested in purchasing this study.

We stopped along the craggy coast of Santa Cruz  in another lovely spot.   Even though I brought along a wet suit from home, I had been convinced that unless I used a wetsuit that covered all of me, I would freeze to death.  So I rented one and dragged it along on the trip.   The whole enchilada... hoodie, gloves, feet thingies and a rubber suit that covered the whole body.   Well, here it was the fourth day of a five day trip and I hadn't had the nerve to put it on yet.   The day before lively and entertaining Tanya Radic had gone in while I kayaked.  I decided that if she could do it ... I could do it.

It sure wasn't easy trying to squeeze my not-so-tiny body into that ill fitting tight rubber suit but I did it and I am glad I did.   It was wonderful ...  Very cold... especially at first until the water inside the suit warmed up a bit, but I loved seeing the kelp forests and the little fishies swimming in and out of the swaying kelp.  Just gorgeous!!

That adventure cooled me off and really made my day!

Channel Islands Awe by Southern California Artist, Marian Fortunati

Channel Islands Awe

© Marian Fortunati
24" x 30" Oil on Canvas

 $1,425 + s/h
Click this information here for information about how you can purchase this painting for home or office.

Are You Tired Of The Channel Islands Yet?
I know that some artists post a painting every single day and their skill level makes it seem very easy to those of us who follow their blogs.   I have been posting paintings from my five day trip to the Channel Islands with David Gallup, Stephen Mirich and 22 other painters and adventurers.  I painted thirteen paintings en plein air while on the trip and have painted several in the studio since then.  I am beginning to feel like I do nothing other than paint and blog. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday I worked on a large studio painting I had decided to paint from our time on the islands.  Although I shouldn't have done it, in the back of my mind, I wanted to include a larger painting among my submissions for an upcoming show.  I really do know better than to do that, but I couldn't help myself.  The brush and canvas were calling and so I planned it out, blocked it in and painted my heart out until I thought it was "finished" early last night.  I was really happy with it.

Dilemma
I thought maybe it was good enough to submit for the juror of the show.   However... despite my use of liquin, a fan running all night and sunshine this morning... it was still a bit tacky.   Hmmmmm...  Should I try to submit it??    And then I realized a bigger problem. 

I had thought that the frame I had on one of my other large paintings was the same size.  It wasn't.  I went through all of my frames and realized that I had NO frames that were 24" x 30".    What should I do?  The paintings needed to be submitted for jurying the next morning before 12:00.    I went through my inventory of other paintings.   My other large painting that I really like has been rejected from a few shows already.   I emailed my girlfriend and asked her "What is wrong with that painting?"... Since it had already been rejected a couple of times, I figured I could only learn from her comments.  Unfortunately she said it was one of her favorites too.   Sigh....

I decided not to enter THAT painting for this show.  I would test the waters with my damp painting and figure out how to frame it before 12:00.   Aaron Brothers had a one item at 50% off sale.... That would be plan B.  My first choice would be if my framer could build me a frame early enough in the morning.  That would be plan A.   I would use another painting I had that had not been successful in some shows as my second painting.  I'd posted it not too long ago on an international artists website and gotten some very nice comments about it.  You just never know what a juror will do.  I like this painting too so I decided to give it another go.

Executing Plan A
My morning was tightly planned out step by step... plan A or plan B.  I got up, dressed, dropped Tyler off at school and was going to call the framer when my daughter from Santa Barbara called to let me know she had missed her flight from Burbank and was just driving into my driveway.   Eeeekkkk!!!   I LOVE seeing my daughter...  But my day had no spare time...   Anyway... I saw her for a bit..   Called the framer who luckily said he could make me the frame by the time I asked.  I didn't need to go to Aaron Brothers for plan B-- I got the type of frame I like best.  So I spent time with my daughter and husband until I had to drive 20 miles across the valley to pick up the frame.   I kissed her goodbye and left her with her dad then drove away.  I picked it up, drove back home, framed the painting, and drove back 15 miles to the gallery.  WHEW!!!   Got there just in time!!!  Yippee...

I always enjoy taking a moment to see friends and their work that has also been submitted.  It was wonderful to see the great work and so many people I haven't seen in a while.  Many commented on having read my blog posts about the Channel Islands and how they were "virtually" enjoying the adventure.  When the juror came in, I left and went to lunch with a friend while I waited for the juror to do his thing.  After lunch I returned with my fingers crossed to see if I had to take those two paintings back home again.  


Good News
Hooooraaaayyyy....  They were BOTH juried in!!   I'm pleased.  This is probably the last time I'll have paintings in this gallery as the group that runs the gallery is giving up the lease.  Makes me sad, but that's the way the economy is going.

Maybe you can come to the show:

Valley Artists Guild 2010 Fall Exhibition
VIVA Gallery

October 13 - October 30

Reception:  Sunday, October 17
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

13261 Moorpark St.
Sherman Oaks, CA  91423
www.vivagallery.org

Gallery Hours
W - F    11:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sat    12:00 - 4:00 p.m.