Solo Exhibition

A bit of exciting news to share with you today. I have been asked to exhibit my Plein Air work and some Pet Portraits at the Riverside Visitors Center in Riverside starting July 1, 2008 through Aug. 31, 2008. Here is a sample of a press release that is being circulated throughout the community, in local newspapers, Inland Arts.com, Inland Regional Arts Forum and more. I am very excited and honored to have been chosen for this opportunity.

“Impressions” - Paintings by Terry d. Chacon
SOLO EXHIBITION
This exhibit will include recent Plein Air paintings of Riverside & Pet Portraits by a National Award Winning Artist.
July 1, 2008 through Aug. 31, 2008
Riverside Visitors Center (across from UCR Photography Museum)
3750 University Ave. Suite 175, Riverside, Ca. 92501
(8am – 5pm Mon. –Fri, 9 a.m. – 6pm Sat-Sun)
Receptions: July 3, 2008 and August 7 from 6-9pm
Exhibit is organized by the RCAA.


Of course, since the show in is in Riverside they have asked for at least 1 painting of the famous Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. I have painted the Mission Inn several times but I wanted to have some fresh new works for the show. Yesterday, Joan Coffey and I met to paint the Mission. I had gone to the Mission Inn last week to scope out some new views for some paintings and was especially excited about the Jacaranda's in full bloom. It was so cold last weekend that I could not bring myself to paint and wanted to actually paint when the sun was shining to get an interesting painting with some nice contrasts. I went back to the spot yesterday and yes, the Jacaranda was still in full bloom and the lighting on the tower at the Northwest end of the Mission was just as I had imagined. The sun lit tower was my focal point and the building below was all in shadow from my point of view. It turned out to be quite a busy painting with all the trees in front of the building, but I think it gives it a bit of mystery and you have to look closer to see all that is going on. Several people who stopped to chat said they were glad someone was painting those beautiful purple trees as they were only in bloom for such a short period of time and really added to the setting. It is so interesting painting at the Mission Inn. They have so much going on. The place where I set up is actually part of the mall area west of the hotel. There are lot of little boutiques, little restaurants, bakery's and the Mission Inn, with all of its glamour! Here is a link to read about this very famous landmark. Mission Inn Hotel - Riverside California Of course no painting day in Riverside is never complete without lunch at Las Campanas a lovely little outdoor restaurant in the middle of the Mission Inn Hotel. Joan and I enjoyed ourselves immensely and look forward to another painting date at the Mission Inn. If you have not been to see this hotel, make sure you put it on your list of things to do in Southern California. What a treasure.




JUNE is a busy month for me. Thursday June 5, is the opening reception of our Au Naturel a PAAR exhibit in Riverside at RCAA (I have 2 Plein Air works in this show), Sat. June 7 is the opening reception for the Riverside Art Museum Members Exhibit, "Home Alone" will be on display, please keep your fingers crossed that we win an award. This coming weekend starting June 6, 7 & 8 and for the next 3 weekends after, I will be at the Lavender Festival in Highland Springs. Please stop by my booth. I will have fresh paintings of the lavender fields, plus some of my other artwork. Until next time, ENJOY THE ART. Terry

A. K. Smiley Library & Art in the Park

This weekend I participated in the annual Art in the Park in Red lands, Ca. The event is sponsored by the Redlands Art Association and this is the 2nd time I have participated. It is a fun event in the downtown area of Redlands and adjacent to the historical A. K. Smiley Library. This library is one of the most beautiful buildings you will ever see. In years past the library had been painted a cream color to go with the Lincoln Shrine that was built on the property. In 2001 funds were obtained and the library was painted it's original color. Here is a link to see some photos of the building as it was many years ago and a little history of the building and some other famous buildings in our community. California Historian I just love this building and part of my participation in the event is to set up in an area that I have view of the library so I can make use of my time there by painting this beautiful site. The event was not as well attended this year as last and sells were very slow. Again we were on the same day as the annual Quilt Show which was behind the library and the Annual Car Show which was on State Street. Unfortunately the heat probably kept a lot of people inside. We had temperatures of 106 and 103. It probably didn't matter where you set up in this beautiful tree lined park as one point of the day you would probably be in full sun. Where I set up this year was in the shade until about 2 p.m. At this point I put up a side panel on my tent and kept the direct sun away but it still was pretty warm. The event was fun as I had some artist friends who also participate in the show and it is always fun to see them and see their new works. I also met some artists who came in from other areas and we had a nice time sharing ideas. I had sent out postcards to some of my clients and they came by to see me which was a lot of fun to get their feedback on my recent paintings. Since I painted in 2 events this past year in Redlands I have quite a few paintings of the area. The feedback was very good. Hopefully a couple contacts that I got will go through in the next coming months which will make for a very good weekend. More on that as time goes by. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry

PS: The first photo at the beginning is the painting I did this year the photo at the end is the painting I did last year 2007. Both are complete different views of the building. I think I captured the color of the building better this year, however, last year the part of the building I could see from where my tent was positioned was in full sun. I prefer the painting from this year with the deep contrasts between shadow and light. What are your thoughts? Terry

Frank the Afghan Hound

Just wanted to share with you a new commissioned watch that I finished today. Frank the Afghan Hound belongs to RoseMary Zednick, Beth Collins & Kathryn Carr. RoseMary used to live in the US many years ago and was the breeder of many top winning Afghan Hounds under the kennel name of Persia. Frank is the result of a frozen semen litter from his very famous father Ch. Persia's Sandrift who was being shown in the late 70's early 80's and mother Ch. Taza Kaimar Element of Truth. What a beautiful young boy he is and I was so very happy when RoseMary asked me to paint her beloved on a watch for her. RoseMary now resides in Guadalajara, Mexico. I hope she will enjoy her new watch with her favorite young dog Franks portrait on it. Until next time,

ENJOY THE ART! Terry

Be sure to contact me if you would like one of your dogs hand painted on a watch. The watches come with either a black leather band or a white leather band. They make great gifts. shacone@aol.com

From Rosemary Zednick: "Terry it is beautiful thank you so much, Hugs see you soon"
Rose Mary

Black Gallery Cat revisits

They say a cat has 9 lives. Well gallery cat has been sitting in my studio for a few months now so she now has a new do. I originally painted her one day while sitting the co-op gallery in Banning, Ca. She hangs around the gallery and they feed her so she is quite smart in arriving when you do and staying most of the day, except on the day I wanted to paint her. The minute I sat up my easel and started to paint she took off. I found myself walking around and getting a glimpse of her and going back to paint, finding her again and going back to paint. Last week when I was once again sitting the gallery I took some photos of her with my cell phone, you know the one I had to return to the warranty office again yesterday and as I was leaving the warranty office I remembered oh no, the gallery cat photos! Well feeling bad about this today on Mother's Day I decided to paint over her as I remember her this past week. I used my palate knife. I am really loving my palate knife these days and hoping to do more studio works in the future. I am now working on a new piece (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier), I will put that up on my blog as soon as I am finished. Gallery cat needs a home. If you are interested in this little 6 x 8 on canvas board to add to your collection, she is $125.00 unframed plus shipping. Contact me for details. Until next time ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Susan's Day of Painting at Maloof's

Yesterday I was back at Sam Maloof's for another great day of painting. On my way there I again had to drop off at the warranty store for my cell phone and exchange for another phone. I am hoping this one will last longer than a week. Seems they want big bucks and 2 year contracts for their phones, but unfortunately when the phone doesn't last longer than 6 months you start getting refurbished phones. I think the one I got yesterday seems to be in pretty good shape. So hopefully it will last out my warranty. With the price of gas, I won't be going there just to exchange a phone, but if I can make it a day to go back to Sam Maloof's garden, it is well worth the pain! I arrived at the garden around 10:30, so trying to find some interest when the shadows are slim to none was a difficult task. I arrived down in the pastel garden to find Pat Ford and Susan De'Armond painting away. Susan's set up including her umbrella, was in such a great place with the path of white flowers leading up to her and the huge Eucalyptus trees in the background making for some lovely shaded areas for a nice backdrop. I quickly scanned the area and saw just a tip of the patio cover from behind Sam's home so that would tie in nicely with the setting. The white flowers, of which I have forgotten the name and Beverly Maloof told me twice what they were, were not in bloom just a week ago. They were such a beautiful shade of creamy white that bordered the one side of the path and a few were starting to bloom on the left side also. Boy it was a brilliant site to see and I hope I captured this in the painting.

Another beautiful spot was right in front of me which prompted the little gem of a 5 x 7 with the "Moonshine Yarrow" surrounded by the "Cleveland Sage". The little Moonshines were so brilliant against all the purple flowers. I think it is interesting that I can remember Moonshine and Agave plants but can't remember most of the other names. Wonder if it has to do with alcohol! The little gem "Moonshine" is available for sale. It is 5 x 7 on canvas board, done with a palate knife so the paint is very thick. I will hold onto "Susan's Day of Painting" and it will be available for sale during the Sam Maloof's exhibit in Sept. Please contact me for details. That's it for today, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

On a side note, the winner of the title contest for the Nosey Afghan painting is Caroline Alleman from Switzerland. "HOME ALONE" was her choice and a great choice indeed. I have always wanted to put up a nanny cam and just see what my doggies do when I am not at home. I think Elise, the dog in the painting was doing more than wrecking the blinds, what do you think? Congratulations Caroline, you will be receiving your note cards in the mail. I also want to thank all of you who submitted a name, it was such a hard choice as there were some great names!

Florals for MOM

Since it is close to Mother's day I thought I would brighten your day with a few of my floral paintings, most recent and one from last year. These original paintings are for sale and would make a great Mother's day gift. Prints, ceramic tiles and notes will be added to my collection so be sure to keep a watch on my plein air works on my website (http://www.terrydchacon.com/) or contact me directly by email for prices and orders. Enjoy the florals! Happy Mother's day to all!

I have been working on some florals in my garden and in my friend Louise's garden for the past couple of years. It is very hard as a Plein Air Artist to turn down a beautiful day in the garden, especially when I look outside and the light is just right. I have to drop everything and go paint. The first painting is a painting of one of my rose bushes that I did a couple weeks ago. These roses are so beautiful and such a sight to see let alone paint. This is a 5 x 7 oil on canvas and done completely with a palate knife on location (my garden).

The next painting is a recent painting I did at my friends Louise Smith's garden. She has the best collection of blue agave plants in all shapes and sizes. I did one of these paintings last year in her garden and Caroline Alleman of Switzerland purchased it. She loves the painting. I actually love the blue agave for more than one reason. It is a beautiful plant, puts off great shadows and makes great tequila. This painting is a 6 x 8 on canvas board done with a palate knife.

This painting was done in my garden in winter. These Hibiscus plants bloom after Christmas and stay until it starts getting warm. I really enjoy them when it is cold outside. One thing is they do not like rain, so this year I had to paint them on a cold sunny day because we had so much rain I was afraid they would turn brown. Completed on a 5 x 7 canvas with a palate knife.

The Sunflower painting is one I did on location but is considered still life as I painted it inside at a recent exhibition at the Riverside Art Museum call "Art Alive". Painting at art alive was a great experience for me as I learned I can do still lifes and it is much, much easier than painting on location outside. Your subject never changes and you can really take your time, however, I am so used to my subject changing with the position of the sun that I had a hard time realizing I could take my time. This painting is 5 x 7.

This last painting I wanted to include with this blog post was finished last year at Louise's Garden and I found in my collection this morning. I painted this with a brush as there were so many plants involved along with the brick wall and the steps that lead up to Louise's daughters house on the hill, I was afraid of making a mess with my knife. Great pathway and they have beautifully designed it with florals that bloom most of the year here in S. Cal. This is a 5 x 7 on canvas board. I wanted you to see the difference between my brush work in the garden and the palate knife. The brush work to me is light and fluffy, the palate knife is bold and beautiful and makes a statement not matter if it is done outside or inside. What is your opinion. As always your comments are welcome. Until the next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry

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I am getting reports that some of you are not receiving my blog and have tried to contact me with your emails being returned. I am hoping this is now fixed. Thanks for your time and efforts in getting my blog. Terry

Sam Maloof's Home

Yesterday I went back out to Sam Maloof's garden for a wonderful sunny S. Cal. day of painting. I started out around 8:30 as I needed to go to the warranty store for AT&T and return my razor phone which had decided to stop working the day before. We took it into the local store and they suggested that since it was under warranty that if I took it to the warranty store which was in Rancho Cucamonga they would probably give me a new phone. Well I don't think it is a new phone, probably refurbished. Sadly because my other phone died, they could not get my phone book numbers out for me so now I have to spend the day doing that. I would rather be creating artwork! I got to Sam Maloof's around 10 a.m. The parking lot was already about full with tour groups and some of the PAAR (Plein Air Artists of Riverside) artists. Katherine Lungren a new member was already set up and painting away. It is always nice to see new members so excited about finally having a group to paint with. Later Joan Coffey, Rudy Estanque and Pat Ford arrived. Unfortunately Pat forgot her pastels and was unable to paint. She took some photos, hung around for a while enjoying the day and then decided to go on home. I can't tell you how many times I have done this. It is so maddening. You take your paints out of your Plein Air gear to touch up something at home and then forget to put them back. I have forgotten my palate knives, my brushes, my paints and my canvas's on different occasions. Now I am just leaving them in my car and only adding. Unfortunately for Pat, her pastels are not as easy to replace on site from other artists as oil paints are, so she was out of luck for the day. Today I wanted to get some of the structures in a painting, all the structures on the site are very similar architecture. This structure is Sam's home and sits up from the pastel garden below where I was painting. From what one of the tour guides was saying this garden only blooms pastel flowers. The lemon tree which is the first tree in the fore ground of the painting was full of lemons, which made for a nice contrast to the lavender that was blooming below. There were still some beautiful iris's in bloom, but not many. I was within an ears length of listening to the tour guides as they went by and was going to try and remember some of the names of the different plants, but of course the only thing I can remember are the things that are already in my vocabulary. Lavender and lemon! I really like this painting and will probably submit this as one of my works at the upcoming show in Sept. at Maloof's Gardens.

The second painting I did is a 5 x 7 little gem of one of the walkways around the garden. I loved the way the shadows were passing over the path and I am quite pleased with this little painting. If you are interested in purchasing this 5 x 7 oil on canvas board original titled "Shadows on the Path" the price is $125.00 unframed. It is a little jewel and framed will make a great asset to your collection. Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Thanks for all the submissions of titles for The Nosey Afghan! I will choose a title next week and let you know who the winner will be. I will send out a set of Note Cards to the lucky winner. You still have time to email me with your submission. On another note. Comments. If you have tried to leave a comment and you do not see it posted under the post you commented about, I probably never got it. I hope I have this feature fixed so comment away. You can also go back and comment on previous works if you like. It's always fun to read the comments......

Nosey Afghan Hound

One day I came across this photo of an Afghan Hound peeping out of the blinds. I was really moved by the whole composition, the extreme lights and darks of the photo and sent an email off right away to the owners of this photo who are the actual owners of the Afghan Hound. It turns out they live in Sweden and are one of the top Afghan Hound kennels in the area. I have met both Louise and Camilla in the US at the Afghan Hound Nationals since I received the photo. I had put the photo in my file and had forgotten about it. I was in need of an Afghan Hound painting for some upcoming art shows and as I am going through my file I found this one. First to figure out the type of canvas that would do it justice and decide just how much of the photo I would want to use to make a nice painting. I am thrilled with the results and I crack up every time I walk into my studio. I hope it brings a smile to your face. Anyone who knows this breed I am sure can relate. They are very curious creatures and quite nosey.

I need a title for this piece. Please submit by email shacone@aol.com, your idea for the name. if I use your title, I will send you a set of note cards for free of this piece of work. The name of the dog is "Elise". Looking forward to your submissions.

Until Next Time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry

Yes, note cards & prints are available.

After going through the many submissions for the name of the above works, I have decided on "Home Alone". Caroline Alleman of Switzerland is the winner! Congratulations Caroline. Thanks to all of you who took the time to submit, I am relieved she now has a name!