Skyscape Escapes by Southern California Artist Marian Fortunati

Heading Home© Marian Fortunati 11" x 14" Oil on RayMar Canvas Panel

A change of pace
I needed to take a break from the San Fernando series.  For a while now I've been intrigued by the ever-changing skyscapes.  From the front and back yard of my home I've been entertained by many gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.  

In fact on Christmas morning I woke up and rolled over to see one of the most gorgeous sunrises I've seen (aside from the Channel Islands trip) in ages.  I jumped out of bed and took a photo (which I will put in this post).

The scene in "Heading Home" was of the gathering storm clouds that greeted all of us as we headed home from our sunny and warm September trip to the Channel Islands.  Weary and ready to be home after a fabulous week-long adventure, I looked ahead as I drove south toward Ventura and saw that the setting sun was making the cloudy sky light up beautifully!   It was memorable.  In fact, I think that several of the artists were inspired by this beautiful display.  They probably have painted it as well.

	From my bedroom window Christmas Morning 2010

Looking at other artists' work
I think I'll try doing some more skyscapes.   .... I'll think of them as sky scape escapes....  They intrigue me.  I have painted some in the past and have enjoyed doing them, but they are not as easy to paint as one might imagine.  While researching, I looked at other artists' work for inspiration.   I've enjoyed seeing Becky Joy's series of skyscapes or cloudscapes.  Another wonderful artist that I met on our Channel Islands trip is Jennifer Moses.  She has done some gorgeous skyscapes.

Enjoy the last of 2010
We had a wonderful family get together for Christmas and now we are all looking forward to enjoying the last of 2010.  I'll be reviewing the year to see if I met my goal and trying to decide where I'd like my journey to take me in the coming year.  I hope your adventure is wonderful as well.  Carpe diem.