shhhh It's a surprise! Happy Birthday Matthew Chacon

This is a painting that I just finished. It is for my son Matthew's upcoming 23rd birthday, June 17, 2009. I don't think he reads my blog, so I think I am pretty safe in sharing it with the world. Matthew if you do read my blog "Happy Birthday Son, I love you!" He is a certified coach for The First Tee Foundation in Monterey, California. He also is an apprentice in the PGA program and pursuing his Golf Pro status. The First Tee Home Page (You can read more about the First Tee here, it is a fabulous program and I am so proud of my son for his participation)

Matthew's all time favorite golfer was Bobby Jones. Several paintings done over the years of Bobby Jones show different courses from around the world in the back ground. When we were at Pebble Beach this past Labor Day weekend for the Walmart First Tee Open, I had taken several photos of the course and the beautiful scenery. I am proud to say that Matthew was one of the Co-Chairs of the event in charge of the scorekeepers and the First Tee kids. We had a great time at the event along with my brother and sister n law who came along to help out. How good is that to spend 4 days in Monterey on Pebble Beach. My brother liked it so much he can't wait to go back this year.

When Matthew was home at Christmas I took several photos of him swinging his golf club. I had a vision of this painting I wanted to do for him. I have done 2 other golf paintings of him, so it was time for an update. The paintings will be very special to him, even more later in life, as all have great significance to a special time in his life.

I first drew out the Pebble Beach golf course scene from the 18th hole looking toward Carmel onto the canvas and added Matthew in the forefront. I chose this particular photo of him as a reference to the painting because of the beautiful light on the side of Matthew's face, particularly the way the golf club line shows up on his lower jaw. I also love his eyes as if he is looking into the distance watching his ball and they way the light hit his bottom lip. I am always particularly interested in sharp contrasts as you can see from the types of paintings I paint. Now to make the Pebble Beach course look like it was truly the background of the scene.

I started with a wash of some very vibrant colors, warm colors for the parts in sun and cool colors for the part in shade. This gives me a good start to any painting whether it is studio or plein air, if I can get it right from the beginning the painting just flows. When I started applying paint yesterday, because the canvas is a lot bigger than I normally work, it felt like it was taking forever to get enough paint on the canvas. I decided to give it a try with my palate knife. It was working so well that I did the whole painting in palate knife. Having the underground colors done well, made it easier for me to complete the painting. I have never done a painting this large all with palate knife and I have never done the human figure with a palate knife. So I overcame two obstacles with this painting.

I cannot wait for Matthew to see the painting. I hope you have enjoyed seeing it. Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Rusty James writes: You have an amazing talent!!! I did not know anyone in our familywas that gifted! Love you Rusty

Eddie Chacon writes: Terry,Very Nice!!!!!!!!! You should be proud of yourself and your son.Well stated and a great painting.LoveEddie