A Picture Perfect Day -- Plein Air Painting -- Malibu, CA by Marian Fortunati

A Picture Perfect Day © Marian Fortunati 9"x12" Oil on RayMar Panel
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Sometimes when life is full of worries and stresses, it's a good thing to just set it all aside and escape to a beautiful place to paint.   That is what I did when I painted this scene.   I dropped off my guy at school and headed straight out to the beach.  I just went alone as I wasn't sure what the day had in store and whether I would have to return suddenly or not.  Although I like to paint with friends, I didn't want to worry about inconveniencing a friend.  And I enjoy being alone sometimes.

I decided to go to El Matador State Beach Park in Malibu.   I figured that walking down and then back up the hideously steep cliff with my paint pack on my back would be great exercise.   At the top of the cliff I was a bit worried because the wind was blowing and blowing wind and sand does NOT make for a great painting.   However, by the time I hiked to the beach and walked all around the wonderful rocky outcroppings to choose my spot, I found the place sheltered enough to enjoy a picture perfect day.   The sky was clear except for a few wispy clouds, and it wasn't too cool.  The beach was gorgeous.

I found the time just flew by as I tried to weave the magic before me into the painting.  I am so glad I was there.

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