I attended a WSLP paint out today. I am member of this prestigious club exclusive to 40 members and very hard to get in. I believe I was juried in 10 years ago, maybe more. It's been around since the early 20th century. One of the oldest plein air organizations in the US. Check the website out if you like. www.wslp.org. There are some awesome members.

I didn't have much time this morning since Tristan was with me, I think an hour or so, but this is what I managed to do by pushing some paint around. First time out in plein air since last spring, I think. It was crazy cold for May, windy and threatening to rain at any time, but me and 6 others managed to endure the weather and painted some of the scenes around Green Spring Gardens. I used a brush, and it was a nice change. I think I'll stick to it for a while. This is an 8 x 8 and I started with a number 8 flat brush and didn't use anything smaller till the very end.

Studies

Here are a two of the studies I accomplished in Rob Liberace's class in December. The one on left is a 10 minute and the one below is a 30 minute. We did at least 15, many I had no choice but to wipe off as I only had about 10 canvasses. We did a male and a female portrait. I never painted the figure or portrait before here. There are obvious mistakes, I cringe looking at them now but I had fun! None of them are completed pieces. We had only 10 to 30 minutes poses.

Guess who?

Recognize this guy! First time I actually decide to paint a portrait for more then 20 minutes! Not totally convincing, but it does look somewhat like Gavin so I figured that must be some talent. He was looking down and reading a book, although it looks more like he was sleeping! I tweeked with it a few days later and I think I messed up a few passages. Oh well!

I took a 3 day workshop with Liberace in December. It was a humbling experience to say the least. We rally only focused on quick 10 to 20 minutes studies, dark and lights. More important it was an honor to be able to watch and listen to Robert Liberace. I'll post next some of the work I did during those classes. It was the first time I ever attempted to paint people, and actually the last time till this one.