Painting In The Patio -- Crain Art Gallery, San Marino with Marian Fortunati

	"Tidefalls - Nature's Hour Glass" © Marian Fortunati 12"x12" Oil on RayMar Panel
	Click on the above link for additional details.

When I was offered the opportunity to have a one woman show at Crain Art Gallery, I jumped on it.   They had a set of dates and although
there were many things happening at the time, I thought I could still do a good job with the show.   I tried to set the date of the reception as early as possible so that I could have the reception out of the way before the due date for my daughter's first child. 

"More Purply" © Marian Fortunati 10"x8" Oil on RayMar Linen
"Courtyard Flower Pot" 6"x6" Oil on Hardboard

As it turned out, everything and everyone came together to make a terrific opening reception for the show called "One Lucky Artist".    We all had fun, I sold several paintings and got to see and speak with so many wonderful people.   My plan was to come to the patio outside the gallery every Wednesday after that until the show closed.   I had hoped that that way people who might not visit the gallery would be encouraged to go in to see the paintings which were still hanging.

I have painted in the patio courtyard three Wednesdays now and am looking forward to each one before the show closes on April 19.    People come by to chat, to ask questions or, like one lady named Ana, to tell me what she'd like to see in my painting.  On that particular day I was painting the wisteria.  Ana spoke little English, but wanted me to know that she knew the wisteria plants.  She also wanted to tell me something else.  She and I struggled with words for a while until she pulled out her Chinese / English translator.   She then told me that she'd like to see the painting be "more purply".  We both had a good laugh.  The library staff has been exceptionally nice coming by to chat or to see what I'm trying to paint.  One even made me a sign with my name on it for when I'm painting in the patio describing what plein air painting is all about.  They call me their "artist in residence".

On the first day I expected cold, windy weather and wasn't sure what I could actually paint in the courtyard, so I took a photo and it was there I mostly completed "Tidefalls - Nature's Hour Glass".   The next Wednesday I painted the wisteria, although I think that I will try it again on a different Wednesday from the other side of the wall.   The shadows fall so beautifully on the outside of the courtyard.  However, inside the courtyard patio it has been sunny and delightful with the beautiful fragrance of wisteria whispering along on the breeze.  Last Wednesday I did a little 6x6 of one of the flower pots and then began another painting from a photo reference.

If you live anywhere nearby or have friends in the area, please send them by.   You could even forward this blog post to them and suggest that they might enjoy the show.  I'd sure appreciate it!!   They can come anytime the Crowell Library is open.   the Crain Art Gallery is within the gorgeous library complex.

ONE LUCKY ARTIST
February 27 - April 20

CRAIN ART GALLERY
Crowell Public Library, City of San Marino
1890 Huntington Dr.  San Marino, CA

HOURS:
M-Th 10am-9pm
Sat  10am-5pm
Sun  12-5pm

I would especially love it if anyone would like to come on Wednesdays between 10am-1:30pm when I'll be painting outside in the patio /courtyard.  I'd love to chat, or show anyone the show and talk about the paintings.  Hope to see you there!