Bella Trattoria (Mission Inn Festival of Lights)
9 x 12 oil on canvas done in plein air by Terry d. Chacon

This festive spot of the Mission Inn Festival of Lights is on the north west corner of the Mission Inn. Bella Trattoria Mission Inn Hotel - Riverside California The new Bella Trattoria will tempt the palate with delicious Southern Italian Cuisine including brick oven baked pizzas, build your own pasta and pressed Panini sandwiches. Experience the flavors of Italy on their lovely patio dining.

We have eaten here many times and I can say the salads and pizza are some of the best around. I chose this area because of all the interaction with the people on the mall plaza, coming and going taking in the beautiful lights, plus one of my favorite places to eat. The entrance to the restaurant got brighter and brighter as the sky darkened. I especially love the huge nutcracker statues in each of the windows and the array of lights making up the outlines of nutcrackers that go all the way down the side wall. Every where you look is another painting, I now have 6 paintings of the festival of lights and hope to add more to the collection before the seasons end.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

(notes and giclee prints are available of the Mission Inn Festival of Lights collections, contact Terry for more info)

Season's Greetings

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From: Terry d. Chacon

Night Painting Mission Inn Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights 2009 by Terry d. Chacon
(9 x 12 palate knife plein air painting in oil)

Wed. afternoon we gathered up our night time painting gear and off to the Mission Inn Festival of Lights for a night time painting session. This is becoming a tradition for our group, Plein Air Artists of Riverside. PAAR! Last year I really wanted to paint the horse drawn carriages so Pat and I set up around the back side of the magnificent Mission Inn. Mission Inn Hotel - Riverside California (press on the link to read more about this National Historic building in downtown Riverside, CA.)

We arrived early enough to sketch our scenes onto the canvas, then to wait for the darkness to appear and over 350 million lights to light up the Mission Inn. It is incredible to watch the light move into darkness and the fabulous light display develop right in front of you. I knew I wanted to paint the horses but they were no where to be found during my set up time. They started arriving around 6 pm so I decided to quickly add one in moving across in front of me while I painted.

After painting we took a walk to find our friend Geeta who was painting on the other side of the building. This place was just packed and very difficult to walk around. All the restaurants in the immediate area had 1 1/2 hours wait time. There were children in large groups, ice skaters at the ice rink, carolers lined the streets, cars jammed (they really do need some sort of police control for the cars), vendors with gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, popcorn and all sorts of delights to keep you comforted as you walked the streets of Riverside and took in this glorious event. We decided to walk to a local Mexican Restaurant as finding another parking space would have been difficult. After our meal we treated ourselves to gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate before calling it a night. What a great evening and the weather was fabulous. I am hoping to go back this coming Sunday if our beautiful weather holds.

Stay tuned for another painting from the wonderful Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights at the Historic Mission Inn in Riverside

Terry and PAAR group painting Mission Inn before dark in 2008. Hopefully I can get some photos for 2009.........

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon



Notes and prints from all of my Mission Inn paintings are available. You can look back to last year in Dec. to see the paintings from last year.

Palm Canyon Painting "Pathway to Another Time"

On Thursday a few of us from the Plein Air Artists of Riverside Plein Air Artists of Riverside - Members Gallery went to Palm Desert to visit a sick friend J. Jordan and to paint at Palm Canyon. On our arrival to J. Jordan's we were greeted by her care taker to find out that Jordan had passed away the night before. It was a very somber time to know we should have made the trip sooner. As a memorial to Jordan we continued our journey to paint in Palm Canyon and to say our good bye's to her.

This painting is in memory of J. Jordan. "Pathway to Another Time".


My two friends Joan Coffey and Pat Ford in Palm Canyon.
A beautiful restful place that everyone should see.
Indian Canyons - PalmSprings.com


Rest in peace J. Jordan.

Until next time, Enjoy the ART! Terry d. Chacon

Commissioned Pet Portraits

"Tyson" 24 x 30 Portrait Oil on Canvas by Terry d. Chacon



"Tyson and Debbie" 16 x 20 oil on canvas by Terry d. Chacon

Debbie contacted me at the Afghan Hound Nationals in Lancaster, PA to commission me to do some paintings of her Afghan Hounds. These are the first 2 completions in a series of paintings. "Tyson" was the #1 Afghan Hound in the USA last year, as you can see, he is not only a wonderful subject for an artist, but also a very beautiful representative of the Afghan Hound.

Congratulations Debbie and JW on his accomplishments and thank you for allowing me to immortalize your beautiful afghan hounds.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

PS: You too can have your wonderful pets immortalized by Terry. See more on my website under portraits. http://www.terrydchacon.com/ Contact her for information. shacone@aol.com Makes great Christmas gifts.

comments by email: Julie Bartley writes: "Love your new paintings...Tyson & Debbie are captured so perfectly!"

ada m. passaro writes: "For a gal that feels a little under the weather, you are certainly going great on all your new paintings"....ada

Rita Hendrix writes: "Just Beautiful Terry!!!"

Redlands Conservancy Award

9 x 12 oil on canvas "Zanja at Walnut" by Terry d. Chacon

Winner of the Redlands Conservancy Award at the Open Air Show at Redlands Art Association.

Redlands Art Association Art Center & Sales Gallery

9 x 12 oil on canvas board "Overlooking the Crowd" by Terry d. Chacon

Juried into the prestigious "Points of View/Modern Landscape" an exhibit of 2 dimensional paintings. The Southern California Artists Association exhibit opens Sat. Dec. 5, 2009 in Laguna Beach. Reception from 6 to 9 pm. 3251 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Open dates to view the exhibit through Dec. Check calendar on their website to make sure they are open. SCAA

Both of the paintings above were done in plein air using a palate knife. Plein air (painting on location capturing the light in a short amount of time)

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Painting Newport Back Bay

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve represent approximately 1,000 acres of open space. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve surrounds the Ecological Reserve. The park includes the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve totals approximately 140 acres. The Nature Preserve is made up of the bluffs surrounding the Bay. Here is a link with history of this Nature Preserve which I think you will find very interesting. Upper Newport Bay Intro

PAAR's locations chair found this wonderful place for us to paint and after meeting up with some other artists we have found out about more hidden treasures in the area that we will be returning to paint in the near future.

We left out around 8:30 from my house and met up with Lisa McDill at King of Frame. King of Frame is famous for their wonderful plein air frames. Pat Ford and I had each placed orders and thought we would stop by and pick them up on our way to Newport to paint. We each took some paintings to have Terri and Randy Higbee give us some help in framing. If you are in the need for frames this is the place to go. kingofframe.com - Custom and Ready Made Frames, Plein Air Frames They will make the frames up while you wait. Since we had each placed such a large order, Randy suggested that we go out and paint and stop back by after to pick up our orders and he would have some wine and cheese for us to celebrate the day! Now this is the way to treat your customers. Pat, Kathi Scarpace and myself went out for lunch at a fabulous deli recommended by Randy, then headed out to the site to meet up with Lisa for an afternoon of painting.

I chose the above view because I loved the way the light reflections from the sun hit the water. It was amazing how when the tide went out, how different the whole location changed. That's when I knew it was time to call it a day. I am very happy with this little 9 x 12 painting, oil on canvas board. I feel I really captured the mood and the rhythm of the scene. Your comments are always welcomed.

A bit of exciting news. My painting "Overlooking the Crowd" Weekly Paintings by Terry d. Chacon: September 2009 which I painted at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium has juried in to the SoCal Artists Asso. exhibit in Laguna Beach, CA. The reception is Dec. 5, 2009.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Christmas Painting 2009

"Guess Who's Coming to Christmas Dinner"

24 x 20" oil on wrap around canvas (Terry d. Chacon)

Every year I paint a Christmas painting to add to my collection. You can view past paintings on my website under giclee prints/seasonal. This painting will also be available in giclee and notes. This year I used a photo submitted by Debbie Rogers from Texas. Thank you Debbie!

When I received the photo from Debbie, I took one look at it and my mind starting racing. I had been trying to come up with a theme for my yearly Christmas painting and knew this would be the one. After getting permission from Debbie I drew my ideas out on a sketch pad and then on the canvas

and proceeded after with a wash.

There were 5 puppies in the original photo, I took the puppy out in the middle of the back seat (a black and blue) to add the Christmas present. The Santa is Debbies husband who was helping to keep the puppies in the convertible so Debbie could take their photo. I loved the innocence of the puppies. Each puppy has a different look; curious, precious, mischievous, perfect for any Holiday painting. I have no idea how they managed to keep them in the car, but the photo was priceless and I knew it would make a very special Christmas painting.

After letting the wash dry I painted the complete painting using my palate knife. I love the effects of the palate knife. The palate knife is what I use to paint my plein air paintings and have done a couple studio pieces too. I am liking this effect more and more. Working with the palate knife leaves a lot of paint on the canvas, you can move it around with ease, like buttering toast. It was also a challenge working with all the whites in the photo. Each white has a different color mixed in so it separates them from each other. Actually was a challenge but a lot of fun and I really like the end result.

Looking forward to your comments.

Until next time enjoy the ART! Terry d. Chacon

Painting the Zanja #3

"Zanja at Grove" 9 x 12 on canvas panel

So sorry for the lapse in my weekly blog. 23 days ago I came down with a cold which escalated into a sinus infection. Boy has this taken a toll on me. I have been busy with some studio works and have managed to get a little something done each day.

Painting the Zanja as you may recall from a previous blog is a paint out event put on by the Redlands Art Association and the Redlands Conservancy Redlands Conservancy CITRUS HERITAGE COMMITTEE. This is my 3rd painting. I had hoped to paint more but with being sick that put quite a damper on my getting out and painting on location the past few weeks. Yesterday a group of us met at one location out near Mentone. After looking it over we all decided it was not a location that we were interested in painting. We moved onto another location to find that it really wasn't something any of us wanted to paint. Well third time is a charm. I suggested we go down by the University of Redlands. The Zanja runs south of the University and the tree lined streets in themselves are always a painting waiting to happen. I took off after we parked our cars and walked quite a ways. As I turned back to start walking towards my car I noticed this lovely scene. The way the light was hitting the large Eucalyptus, the old broken down bridge that goes over the Zanja and I loved the hole that gave way to the vista that included some beautiful palms with mountains in the distance.

After painting the area we all joined for a wonderful lunch at Macaroni Grill. What a way to spend the day!

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Giclee prints, notes and some of the paintings on my blog are available. Just contact me for prices and availability.

National Cemetery Paint Out 2009

"Foggy Morning" National Cemetery


Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside National Cemetery
Thirty Five PAAR artists have signed up to paint the Riverside National Cemetery during 3 weekends of Oct. 2009. Jim Ruester had a vision and contacted me last Spring. He said it is such a beautiful place and he wanted the artist to paint and exhibit their artwork at the cemetery. After many phone calls, a visit with a tour of the grounds, my locations chair Ada M. Passaro and I agreed this would be a fabulous opportunity for PAAR and an honor to be involved in the project. An exhibit of the paintings will be unveiled at the Riverside National Cemetery Administration Building on Veteran's Day Nov. 11. The show will be up until June 2, 2010.

Upon arrival at our first location in the cemetery was The Amphitheater on Oct. 10, 2009, the weather in the area had turned cold over night with fog. This is always a challenge living in Southern Ca. Inland Empire as most of our days are bright and sunny. So we were thrown a ringer and at first thought we would wait it out, but after looking at the beauty we decided to give it a try. "Foggy Morning" the first painting at the top of this blog is a small 6 x 8 painting in Plein Air. While painting this location the geese were in abundance. At one point as I was painting about 10 of them walked up very close behind me and started to squawk. I quickly ran around the front of my easel. My friend Pat Ford who was painting near to me, said bark back at them. She started squawking, they looked at her squaked back and then proceeded to walk away. I think most of the people who come out to this area bring them something to eat, and they were not happy that we did not do this.

"Front Entrance Waterfall Pond" National Cemetery

After the sun came out we moved to the entrance of the cemetery for another painting. We were especially drawn to this area because of the waterfall, but after arriving the beautiful play on lights and dark was very exciting. Linda Harmon later joined us at this fabulous spot. After completing our paintings we headed out for the day.
"Misty Morning" National Cemetery

On our second day of painting we decided to go back to the Amphitheater. This morning it was not only foggy but misty rain too. The weather was interesting as it was much lighter but still overcast and the sun would go in and out the better part of the morning. The reflections in the water changed constantly as well as the distant trees.



This is a photo taken by Pat Ford. The ducks and geese in the foreground were always the talk of the day. It was fun to watch how they intermingled with each other, the big white goose seemed to have control over all of them. I am the artist standing in the distance with the cowboy hat on. In shorts and freezing my butt off......Several artists were in this area that morning painting.

"Waterfall" 2nd day National Cemetery

I really wanted to go back to this same place and capture this scene again. I had studied the painting the day before and wanted to get more distance. In changing the size of the tree trunks, darkening the shadows in the water around the waterfall and throwing back the distant trees I think I accomplished a much better painting. I don't usually paint the same place twice, but I am glad I did paint this one twice. It really helped me correct some issues I have developed that I was not happy with.

Well there you have it, my first 2 days of the paint out. I won't be going back this next weekend because of a previous engagement with my husband, (2 nights in Palm Springs). YAY a weekend getaway! But I will be back on the last weekend to paint. There are so many beautiful spots to try and capture, I think it is just crazy trying to choose.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog as much as I enjoy sharing it with you. Please share with family and friends who you think will enjoy it as well.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Painting Torrey Pines

This past Wed., my plein air artist friends Pat Ford and Rita Pacheco who recently moved to Carlsbad traveled to Torrey Pines. Torrey pines is known for its beautiful paths for hiking, walking, running, biking, the beautiful beaches and the Torrey Pine. I guess if you are a golfer you recognize the name from the beautiful Torrey Pine Golf Course with its beautiful ocean views from several holes. The Torrey pine grows only in this area just inside the San Diego city limits and up around Santa Barbara. Please follow this link for more information about this 8 mile little wonder on the west coast. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Upon our arrival to Torrey Pines we paid the $10.00 fee and traveled up the road through the pine trees to the Torrey Pines Lodge. From there the paths to the beach are in several locations. It is about .8 of a mile down to the point where we hiked down to paint our first painting. My painting that I did was not very good so when I got home I scraped all the paint off and will use the canvas for another painting at another time. Sometime you capture the scene and sometimes you don't. It is always such a learning experience.

After painting the bluffs and ocean we hiked back up to paint near the parking lot where we had parked the cars. When we arrived earlier in the day we had met another plein air artist from San Diego painting in this area and did not want to intrude on her space. By this time she was gone and the pathways were just beautiful with the light and shadows. I chose this pathway as it overlooked the ocean and I liked the line of Torrey Pines on the left and when the late afternoon sun hit the foliage on the right they just sparkled with color. In the far distance is La Jolla across the ocean from this point. I was happy with this painting and even more happy when I saw it when I got home.

Another wonderful day painting on location. Until next time, ENJOY THE ART!
Terry d. Chacon

Your comments are always welcomed. If you enjoy reading my blog, please share with family and friends.

Don't forget the month of Oct. I am having a sale on my website. For details please email me. shacone@aol.com

Painting the Zanja (2nd day)

"Painting the Zanja" Following Citrus Ave to the East of Redlands is a little road named "Walnut". Walnut sits out among the beautiful rows and rows of orange trees that have not been uprooted as yet and hopefully will remain untouched.

This is the 2nd time I have painted this wonderful little spot in the past 2 years and I was very excited to go back. Today I chose the wooden bridge which had the most contrast in color leading out to the beautiful vista of the San Bernardino Mountains. This part of the Zanja which means ditch or trench has some water flowing through. The owner of the property says it is actually run off from the orange groves that surround the property. Also in talking with one of the owners that live on this magnificent property we learned there was a sighting of a bob cat just a couple days prior to us being there. In saying that we all made sure not to venture too far out and stay relatively close to one another for the painting session. Although he reassured us that we were safe, we just didn't want to be sorry.
Until next time, ENJOY THE ART. Terry d. Chacon

Giclee prints and notes are available from this original plein air painting. shacone@aol.com

New York City Union Square

While in New York City to see the ArtLive 2009 Exhibit at Gallery 225, I wanted to go by Central Park to try and get some photos for a painting. I wanted to paint a street scene and I wanted the Empire State Building to be part of the scene. We had thought about trying Central Park, but because of the UN meetings with President Obama on that very day, there was no way we would get even close to that area.
On our way to the Gallery we passed another famous park (Union Square) Union Square (New York City) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and low and behold, there peaking through the trees was the Empire State Building. It was amazing how the trees made a V shape just for the Empire State Building to peak it's way through. What a perfect place to take my photos. If I had me painting gear I would have loved to have done a plein air painting, but that was not the case. After finding a place to park (one that was no easy task in NYC), we walked up to the park. Fran and Honi took off in one direction and Abbe and I took off another. I walked across the street so I could get the best view of the park with the ESB in the background. I was excited to find in one of my photos a bright yellow cab in the scene. Well that could not have been better. Everyone talks about the yellow cabs in New York City, and this one was going across the cross walk while the pedestrians had the right of way. So typical of the yellow cabs. But you have to admit it adds a certain amount of color to the scene. The backdrop of the trees that were in full color, the people, the vendors, oh and I loved the white large bulb park lights that lined the park.
Anyway as you can see I was excited to paint this photograph, I added the afghan hound in the foreground and the little dog in the crosswalk, well because I can and it would not be a painting of my creation without a dog. "Leaving Union Square" available in giclee prints and notes.

Until Next Time, ENJOY THE ART!

Terry d. Chacon

Painting the Zanja

The Redlands Conservancy is partnering with the Redlands Art Association for an upcoming Plein Air Exhibit. "Along the Banks of the Zanja" is the theme for the show this year. There are 8 sites in all and the work must be turned in by Nov. 21 with a reception on Nov. 22. I have painted in this Plein Air event the last 3 years. It is always fun to paint the wonderful nature and historic buildings in Redlands so I look forward to this event each year.

Yesterday a group of Plein Air Artists from PAAR met up at Sylvan Park in Redlands, CA. I spotted this lovely scene as we walked the Zanja that runs through the park. The beautiful stone walkway bridges and the lovely foliage that line the banks of the Zanja are so beautiful. This particular scene grabbed me by the profuse light behind the bridge and the speckled light all around peaking through the huge trees that surround this beautiful Redlands Park.

To read more about the Zanja please press on this link: Historical Society plans tour of Mill Creek Zanja North America > United States from AllBusiness.com

Until Next Time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

My Newsletter

The following is a Newsletter that was sent out by email. I am not sure all of my bloggers are on my email list. If yes, sorry for the repeat, if no please read on.

Newsletter Oct. 1, 2009
Artistic Impressions
by Terry d. Chacon
October 1, 2009
Volume 1, Number 1

Christmas is right around the corner!
SALE: through Oct. 31, 2009
Holiday Notes 10 for $20.00
($30.00 value)

(A complete list will be emailed upon request. Several designs to choose from) shacone@aol.com

Artistic Impressions
811 Elise Drive
Redlands, Ca. 92374
(909) 798-0567
shacone@aol.com
We’re on the Web!
http://www.terrydchacon.com/

The summer heat has come and gone and now the holiday season is on its way.
Terry has some wonderful keepsakes available and of course commissioned pet portraits are always a favorite not only for your friends and family buy for you also. Whatever your needs for the animal or nature lover in your life, Terry has a little something for everyone.

“Precious Metal Jewelry”

This past year Terry has added to her collection “Precious Metal Jewelry”. Although the 8 new designs are of Afghan Hounds she recommends that you contact her about your particular breeds. She is always eager to add more designs. Go to http://www.terrydchacon.com/ and press on the keepsake link to see the new line.

“Bronze Sculptures”

Another new addition to the bronze collection was the debut of “Lolita”. “Lolita” is a limited edition bronze of 20 and #9 is the next number available at the time of this writing. Just click on the link to Terry’s website and click on the button for bronze on the right side of the page.

Terry is working on a greyhound and a saluki bronze to add to the collection. If you are interested in either of these please contact Terry to reserve your piece.
Both pieces are in playing positions, Terry would be happy to send photos.

“Plein Air Paintings”

Terry continues to paint on location at least once a week. This past year she has traveled and painted at the following locations: Laguna Beach and surrounding areas, Napa Valley, Ca, Catalina Island, Palm Springs, Ca. Lake Arrowhead, Ca. and many locations around Redlands and Riverside, Ca. See some of these beautiful paintings which are available on her website under “Plein Air”. Some are available in giclee prints (signed and dated by the artist), ceramic tiles and note cards. The perfect gift for the non doggy person in your life.

“Pet Portraits”

Commission portraits on box canvas were also added this year. These wonderful new canvas shapes can be hung with or without a frame. They are a great addition to any room. The 8 x 8 inch squares start at $300.00. A few are on my website under Portraits along with pricing for other sizes. Commissioned portraits need to be ordered ASAP if they are for Christmas. I need at least 6 weeks for completion on a first come, first serve basis and some drying time especially for those that need to be shipped. Prices do not include frames or shipping, but I would be happy to give you pointers on how to frame your new piece of art. I work from photographs. Please send me a few photographs and remember the eyes are the most important to capture your animals charisma.

Terry’s recent exhibit in New York City. Unfortunately Terry was unable to make the reception for the ArtLive 2009 exhibit. Gallery 225 joined Chair and the Maiden Gallery to bring in a group of international artists. Chair and the Maiden started the event in 2008. Harv Toback owner of Gallery 225 chose 2 of Terry’s plein air paintings for the show. It is a fantastic exhibit and you still have time to go. The show has been extended until Oct. 25, 2009.

Please contact me with any questions you may have. I hope you have enjoyed my first attempt at a newsletter to bring you updates on my artwork. Special orders can take up to 6 weeks, so order now. As always, I thank you for your consideration in my artwork.
Until next time, enjoy the ART!
Terry d. Chacon

Sign up for Terry’s blog for the latest in updates:
Receive 10% off on your next order of everything on my website except Bronze Sculptures and get free shipping for US orders for the holidays. Five percent off on all Bronze Sculptures. These discounts will be available through Oct. http://www.terrydchacon.com/

What’s the catch, tell me you read the newsletter either through email or on my blog and you have signed up to receive updates on my artwork through my blog. That’s it, now order away.
http://www.weeklypaintingsbyterrydchacon.blogspot.com/

(If you enjoy the updates and the newsletter, please share with friends and family)

FINE DINING OF RIVERSIDE-"watching the party crowd"

Last night FINE DINING OF RIVERSIDE started restaurant week at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. You can read more about this group here: Riverside Greater Downtown Fine Dining Group The Art's were the theme of the evening and Tom Donahue invited some artists from the Plein Air Artists of Riverside to paint the event. Pat Ford, Luz Perez and myself arrived around 4:30 to set up. It was really hot upon our arrival. Luz said she would like to paint inside, but Pat and I thought as long as we were in the shade we could handle the heat. The light was so beautiful as it was hitting the building that I knew I would have to suffer until the night arrived, but I much prefer painting outside under natural light.

I quickly drew in the building and blocked in some warm and cool colors to capture my scene before the light changed. After 4 p.m. the light changes very fast and this was now closer to 5. Before long the people started to arrive. The band was playing and the mood was set. After finishing the building I put in the impressions of all the people standing around before the sun had fully set. The band was on the second floor and boy were they terrific, I don't remember their name, but they were really good and so enjoyable to listen to. I would say the food, the wine and the art was very well supported and the evening could not have been more perfect. Well, it could have cooled down, but all in all it was a wonderful day/night of painting. I would like to thank Tom Donahue for inviting us to paint at his GALA and I wish the restaurants who were there great success as the week continues.

If interested in this painting please contact me at shacone@aol.com "Watching The Party Crowd" is available also in notes and giclee's.

Until Next Time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Below are a couple photos taken at Gallery 225 where a couple pieces of my plein air works are on display until Oct. 4, 2009. Thanks to everyone who took the time while visiting NYC to go by and see the exhibit.

Also, my new jewelry line of precious metal jewelry is now on my website. The jewelry was debuted at the Afghan Hound Club of America in Lancaster, PA and the results were great. Now you can order direct from my website. http://www.terrydchacon.com/ Just press on the Keepsakes button on the right side of the home page. Any questions, please contact me personally. shacone@aol.com

Art Live 2009

"Monument Point" Laguna Beach

"Beringer Winery" Napa Valley

The above 2 paintings were chosen by curator Harv Toback from Gallery 225 http://www.harvtobackgallery.com/shows.html in New York City to be part of the upcoming exhibit ArtLive 2009. Gallery 225 has joined Chair and the Maiden Gallery to present to you a group of International artists. This is the second year for this exhibit and Gallery 225 is very excited to join the group of galleries in NYC promoting artists from around the world. You do not want to miss this huge event. Sept. 3 through Oct. 4. Reception at Chair and the Maiden is Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 and at Gallery 225 Sept. 9 from 6 to 8.

Here is a list of artists exhibiting at Gallery 225.
Luis Alves, Estelle Levy, Larry Catanzaro, Keven Lock, Nick Cerulli, Kenneth Parris III,
Terry d. Chacon, Jerome Podwil, Mary Folliet, Guy Powers, James Patrick Gazlay, Emily Rich,
Gladys Hanft, Lester Richter, Anton Kandinsky, Robin Glasser Sacknoff, Yudel Kyler,
Beatrice Scaccia, Jose Gonzalez Leonardi, W. Douglas Topper, Yukako.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make the reception of this exhibit, however, I will be going in to see the show on Sept. 20. I will take photos and have a full report on my blog after this.

Another promotion online for this exhibit. artliveworld.com - HOME Press on the link for Gallery 225 to see one of my paintings for the promotion of this show.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART. Terry d. Chacon

The Horse Trainer

This is my submission for the Aug. Virtual Party Forum. The original photo for this months painting was taken by Linda Shantz (http://www.lindashantz.com/). Linda and Kimberly Santini started this wonderful forum a few months ago. This is the second time I have been able to participate and I love doing this. Every artists who is in the group paints from the same photo. It is so great to see the many different views that each artists come up with. Thanks again to Linda and Kim for this opportunity.



I have had so many of you ask me to demo again on my blog that I am choosing this opportunity to show you my approach. Please enjoy and any questions or comments are welcomed.
This is the original photo that was presented. We had 3 days to do the painting, but you are to give yourself only 24 hours. Since I like to work with a palate knife my submission took maybe 1 1/2 hours top to complete. Remember I like to suggest not describe.

I quickly drew on my canvas board with charcoal to get my horse and rider in position. I noticed that I had the horses head tilted a bit more than the photo, but because it is my painting I decided to give the horse a bit more movement. You can do this with any photo or even when you are painting on location. Exaggerate to make the composition more about you as an artist.


The next step is to put some color down on the canvas. I chose warm colors where the horse and rider are in the sun and cool colors where there is shade or shadows. Before filling up the different masses I always start out with a speck of each color in each mass. From here I can start determining my values in the painting before adding so much paint and then realizing it is wrong. After evaluating the values and tweaking the colors depending on where they are, I then paint in the different shapes. Painting with a palate knife allows you to put color into color without making the colors muddy. You lay the paint right on top of the other color, if you want to blend you press a little harder, if not you use a very light touch. You might notice that I do not paint in all the edges during this step. As I add more colors on top of more color the shapes get larger and will eventually grow into each other.
After adding color into color and paying attention to keep my values and my drawing correct, I try to stop before adding details that do not mean anything to the painting. Remember suggest not describe. I hope you have enjoyed this small demo and you enjoy the painting. Now to submit it to the forum. I will ask how you can see all the other paintings from the forum and put it up on my post. Until next time, ENJOY THE ART.
Terry d. Chacon

PS: I am in the middle of two very important shows coming up. I have been working very hard and unfortunately my blog will not get the attention it normally does. Please bare with me. I promise to get back on track after the following.

Art Live 2009 at Gallery 225. You can read more about this exhibit of international artists here: Harvard Toback's Gallery 225 I am very proud to have been asked to be in this exhibit. Abbe and I will be going to see the exhibit at Gallery 225, after the Afghan Hound Club of America National Specialty in Lancaster, PA. I will have an artist booth at AHCA during the 5 days of the show. Bronze Sculptures, my new jewelry cast in sterling silver and bronze, hand painted jewelry, giclee prints and note cards will all be available. Be sure to stop by.


COMMENTS via email:
Another great painting! Thanks for sharing the steps with pictures.Very interesting. I am so glad there are a few wonderful artists and I don't have to ever try to be one. Leave it to the pros!kathy

Painting Avalon, Catalina Island

Painting Avalon, Catalina Island. Fellow artist Joan Coffey and I started going to Catalina 3 years ago to do some plein air paintings. Each year a group of different artist have joined us for the 3 day event. This year the artists on the list were Patricia Rose Ford, Judy Schroeder, Louise Smith and Susan De'Armond.


"Casino Glow at Catalina"

(photo by Patricia Rose Ford)

We boarded the Catalina Express at Long Beach around noon on Tuesday and headed out to Catalina Island. Once there, the hotel driver came to pick up our luggage and painting gear to take to the hotel for us. Six people were way too many for the van so some of us opted to walk to the hotel. The Glenmore Plaza Hotel Glenmore Plaza Hotel, Avalon hotels, CA, USA is the 2nd oldest hotel in California. The oldest being the "Coronado" in San Diego. It is so charming and a delightful place to stay. Walk out the front door and you are literally 50 feet from the water.


Joan and Susan at the Glenmore Plaza Hotel

After putting our luggage in our room we went to Busy Bee's Cafe for a bite to eat and our traditional Margarita toast to celebrate our time on the island.

My first painting of the day (above) was from main street looking across the water to the very famous Catalina Casino. Casino Theatre and Ballroom - Visit Avalon, Catalina Island No, not a true casino but a gathering place with lots of action going on all the time. A movie theatre, a museum, a stage, a dance floor. A wonderful place to visit with loads of history about the island.


"Night at the Green Pier/Catalina"

(photo by Patricia Rose Ford)

Another tradition the group has really liked is night painting. The first night I painted the Green Premiere Pier. The lights are fantastic against the dark sky in the distance. Everything just shimmers. It is a delight to paint at night along main street with the entertainment from bands in the night clubs to karaoke. So many people are out and about, it is truly a lot of fun.

After painting we all met in my room and had an art critique and gab session of all the events from our first afternoon and evening on the island. Then off to bed as we wanted to get an early start the next morning, and put in a full day of painting.


"Morning at the Yacht Club-Catalina"

Painting in the morning is always a challenge at Avalon. The clouds are very low over the distant mountains with the sun peaking in and out of the morning fog. Very beautiful but certainly a challenge. I chose to do a small 6 x 8 of the Yacht Club. Catalina Island Yacht Club

I really liked the tower in the front of the misty distant mountains, which became my subject for the painting.


"Buena Vista View-Catalina"

View from Buena Vista Point. We quickly grabbed a sandwich from the deli and got a cab ride up to Buena Vista Point on top of Mt. Ada. The Inn on Mt. Ada Santa Catalina Island, CA

The view was spectacular and it was so hard to decide on a choice for my painting. I decided to do the view of the harbor leading into the casino. The breeze was fabulous, although it was tough to find a level spot for my easel. I had to paint on a slant and each time I tried to walk away from my painting it was straight up. Slipping and sliding I did fall and skinned up my fingers and toes. But all in all it was worth every minute to see this spectacular view. I definitely want to go back to this place.


"Casino Night-Catalina"

After a wonderful dinner with my artists friends and more margaritas to celebrate the occasion we set off for another night time painting session. I chose to do the walk way to the casino. It is just brilliant all lit up at night with the different color lights and reflections on the water. A few of the people who stopped to watch me paint asked if I was Van Gogh as they thought my painting was a resemblance of Starry, Starry Night. I laughed, but was shamefully excited to be talked about in the same breath as Van Gogh.

After the night session which was around 11 pm, we thought we would get a cup of hot tea and discuss the day. Unfortunately the only thing open on main street at this hour were the bars. We decided to go back to our room for a critique session and get to bed for the next day.

The next morning we arouse early to go have a nice breakfast before starting the day. Susan and Judy had spotted a little restaurant that was serving fresh peaches, that seemed like a great idea. We all loved the peaches with our breakfast. After packing up our belongings and storing them downstairs until our departure we headed to Descanso Beach.

"Descanso Beach-Catalina"

The reflections in the water that late morning were so colorful, I new this would be my spot. One of the happenings of the morning was when fellow artist Joan Coffey was stung by a bee. The bee's this trip were so bothersome. I found I had more paint on myself from trying to swish them away from my face. Luckily Joan was not hurt too bad by the sting and was able to continue painting.

"Catalina Wall Street"

My last painting of the day is the view from the walkway from the Catalina Express looking towards Catalina Street. The umbrella's are plentiful as people are having a wonderful time on the beach. I loved the way the light was so brilliant as it came down Catalina Street and across the water in the forefront.

We all met up around 3 pm for a wonderful late lunch early dinner, and one last margarita for the trip at Mi Casita. We found they truly had the best margaritas, one we cannot wait to have on our next trip.

It was a wonderful trip with my painting friends. It has now become a tradition and we are already planning our next trip.

Sad and exhausted artists leaving Catalina. Pat, Susan and Joan on their way to the Catalina Express.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

PS: More photos of the trip will be added as I receive them from my fellow artists friends. Joan and Pat are great at taking photos. I know you will surely enjoy them. So please check back. As always paintings are for sale and are available in note cards and giclee's.

Pss: For those of you who are asking, the paintings are 9 x 12 oil on canvas board and painted completely with a palate knife. Thanks for asking.