Palms study
10 x 10
oil on doorskin
Much has happened since the January 30 day challenge. Not long after we were headed for Maui and after many fruitless searches for art supplies I gave up and took a break from painting. However I was very lucky to be in Lahaina for the Maui Plein Air Invitational and was able to watch 25 very accomplished artists from across the United States paint outdoors all week long. Every where I went I was coming across an easel set up and a painter catching the moment, sometimes several painters. Much was learned about many aspects of the process and I really enjoyed chatting with those that would take the time and with other art lovers. Any chance to purchase a favourite piece was minimal as even though I was lined up for the opening all my favourites had sold signs before I got to them. One artist I was particularly impressed with and whose work I liked very much was Colin Page from Maine. He showed up at the first paint out almost 2 hours into the 3 hour time limit with borrowed paints and a cardboard palette. It seems his supplies didn't arrive but no worries he sat down on the sand to start painting the model but his palette was soon picked up by a wave. Moving further up the beach and now with a borrowed easel he dealt with wind, spilled turps, inquisitive school children and us onlookers all the while cheerfully chatting away and actually stopping to answer questions. And knocked off a great painting! A truly great role model and one who I would consider taking a workshop from. All the painters seemed to have their own style and approach and all worked in oils with the exception of a pastel artist or two. I did find out too late that the local hardware store carries artists supplies so will remember that on our next trip there.
