"Andreas Canyon" 9 x 12 oil on canvas plein air by Terry d. Chacon
Painting Andreas Canyon
To prepare for my demo for YVAA, Patricia Rose Ford and myself took a ride out to Palm Canyon near Palm Springs, Ca. The wind was really blowing through the passes and we were afraid it might be bad in the canyon. It was perfect. We hiked about a 1/4 to 1/2 mile up stream and found this fabulous spot to paint. We arrived a little late and the lady at the entrance gate said we would need to leave by 5 pm. which only gave us about 1 1/2 hours to paint.
The next day as I was preparing for my demo (they only give you 45 minutes), I thought about what I really wanted to show them and that was painting water. So I started the painting in my studio and took photos as I went so I could explain to the group my approach to a plein air painting.
Starting from the right side I drew in my composition. Laying in some ground colors to get a visual of light and dark pattern areas in the scene. Next I started working on values, I then stopped at this point and waited until the demo at the Sherrer Center in Yucaipa to continue painting.
Explaining to the group my approach.
Continuing with the values and adding variation of color. The group was large but they could all see as they have a great monitor system that reflects my painting on a big screen. (to the left)
At this point I was telling them about the different people you run into while painting on location and some of their remarks to my style of painting.
Not sure what I was saying here, probably answering a question or two. They were a great audience.
I must have been praying here......hahahaha
As you can see here the values are coming together with variations of color.
Starting to add the water in the foreground.
Contemplating the question I presume.
My painting on the big screen.
More talking. They only give you 45 minutes for the demo. I was wondering if any of them if any of the board members who came up with that timeline have ever given a demo. It is hard enough to do a painting in 45 minutes, let alone talk and answer questions at the same time. I did my best.
This is what I finished at the demo.
And this is the finished piece. I had about 45 minutes more at home to finish the painting. I was quite pleased with the finished piece.
9 x 12 oil on canvas board, palette knife painting by Terry d. Chacon
Thank you YVAA, you were a great group of artist with great questions. After the demo I was there another hour or more to answer questions. I hope they enjoyed the evening as much as I did.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, PLEASE enjoy the ART! Terry d. Chacon
(thank you Louise Smith for taking the photos at the demo)
My upcoming oil painting plein air workshop on Catalina Island is filling up fast, I have a couple spots open. Contact me ASAP to reserve your space. Hotels are filling up fast on the island as well, July is very busy there.
