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

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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.
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