Mugu Arch - A Small Format Coastal Oil Painting by Marian Fortunati

Mugu Arch © Marian Fortunati 6"x6" Oil on Wood Panel
Click on the above link for details about this painting.

Upcoming exhibit opportunity
I had been considering entering a show which only accepts 6"x6" work, so I painted a few paintings of scenes and things I loved.   This is a scene that I had originally painted en plein air at Point Mugu, CA.   After a lot of thought, however, I decided that the venue was too far away and I knew if I got work accepted, I wouldn't be able to go to the reception anyway because I have two other openings on the same night as the 6"x6" opening.

Using different surfaces
I painted this little 6"x6" on a gessoed hardboard.   I am finding that I like the hardboard more and more.  It seems that the ground on which you work really affects the flow of paint and the look of the finished painting.   Linen has a wonderful look...  but it's pretty expensive so I have to be feeling expansive when I choose to use it.   Of course canvas and canvas panels work very well... but there is just something wonderful about painting on other surfaces that almost asks you to vary your approach.   There is a very loose weaved canvas that I saw the other day at a restaurant that also has a distinctive look... I've never tried it but I may someday.    Some of the hardboard which have a slick finish are NOT my favorites, as the paint seems to slide all over the place -- Yuck!   However...  Hardboard which I've gessoed works nicely and is VERY inexpensive. 

Knowing when to hold 'em
It's always a struggle trying to figure out which shows to enter and WHETHER to enter shows.   I mean the jury fees begin to add up.   If your work is accepted, you may have to ship it, frame it a certain way, or expend additional money just to show the work.   As an artist, I want to have opportunities for new people to see my work, but even if there is a sale, it's not always a lucrative situation.   I almost feel like you need to be a good poker player and know when to hold 'em or know when to fold 'em.

Still happy to be painting
However, even though I didn't choose to submit this painting for a show I think it's a nice little painting and I enjoyed working on it.   I hope you enjoy looking at it too.

 

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Splash Point -- A Southern California Coastal Oil Painting by Marian Fortunati

Splash Point                     © Marian Fortunati                     8"x10" Oil on RayMar Linen

Click on the above link for more                    details and Pay Pal information

                     Splash Point
                    © Marian Fortunati
                    8"x10" Oil on RayMar Linen

                  Click on the above link for more
                   details and Pay Pal information

There's really very little that is more fun than discovering a beautiful scene with friends.   My painter friends, Sharon Weaver and Diane Nelson-Gold, joined me for a trip up the coast to Point Mugu.

This was the second plein air painting I did that afternoon.   Earlier I had been sitting out on the edge of a cliff being buffeted and chilled by strong winds but for this one, I found a more protected viewpoint and tried to capture the pounding surf hitting the rocks a few yards further north.   I always think about various artists as I paint.  Vic Riseau's lovely colored "white" sea foam came to mind.  And always David Gallup's advice about beautiful color and interesting texture.

The day was perfect and seemed to inspire me to paint my best.

I  might try to make a larger version of this scene also .... I was pretty happy with both plein air pieces I painted that lovely afternoon at Point Mugu.

Today (August 15th) is my 40th wedding anniversary.  My husband, Gastone, and I were married in Venice, Italy.   What a fairy-book tale.   If you want to read about our LOVE STORY, click on the link.

My newsletter just went out.   If you are interested in reading it, or in signing up to receive it in the future, click on this link HERE.

Thanks for dropping by!

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Mugu - A Plein Air Southern California Coastal Scene by Marian Fortunati

Mugu © Marian Fortunati Oil on Canvas Panel
Click on the above link for more details and for PalPal information

There's really very little that is more fun than discovering a beautiful scene with friends.   My painter friends, Sharon Weaver and Diane Nelson-Gold, joined me for a trip up the coast to Point Mugu.  Although I had been there to paint before, I hadn't walked behind the "no trespassing" signs that block off the old section of the Pacific Coast Highway which had fallen off into the sea. 

When we arrived we all hiked around a bit enjoying the warm sun and the beautiful brilliant green-blue of the sea.  It was quite spectacular!  We'd gone up in the late afternoon thinking we might catch a gorgeous and unusual sunset, but the time of year and clear sky weren't in our favor.  I eventually ended up back out on the point despite the strong wind which was threatening to tear me and my painting equipment off the side of the cliff.  Diane painted on the sand and Sharon painted from up in the parking lot.  She actually had a good idea as several beachgoers approached her about purchasing paintings, so she was able to pass out several of her cards.   You never know when you'll get a new collector!

But there I was, clinging to my hat and my easel and hoping I wouldn't slip down the side of the cliff.  My spot wasn't much good for marketing, but it sure was an incentive to paint quickly and get out of there!!  I just LOVED the view.   As I painted, I tried to keep David Gallup's advice in mind regarding creating paths of like-value and using beautiful color and interesting texture which the eye could follow through the painting.   Painting outside is often uncomfortable ... sometimes too hot... sometimes too windy... sometimes the bugs are unbearable... sometimes it's freezing cold...  But always ---- just always ---- it's a GREAT experience!!!

It was really fun creating this quick painting.   As soon as I was satisfied with my little painting though, I gathered my equipment, hurried back to the car,  put on a sweater and found another spot in a more protect area to paint.   I painted another small one before we left.  I am really happy I captured the strength of Mighty Mugu before the wind swept me away.

I liked this scene so much just might try to make a larger version --- which will take a bit longer, of course.

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