Plein Air Tuesday - 7/4/23 - Tlaquepaque Day 2

 Although I wasn’t there last week, it’s my understanding that people do want a Day 2 at Tlaquepaque.  Hopefully, you’ll all show up at 8 am even though it’s the 4th of July!  You’ll find the photo of  THE Fountain that is the meet up spot under directions on the right.

So, since I wasn’t there, I only have photos that were provided to me, and Chris was kind enough to organize the group photos and send them along to me.  I will share them with you, but I do have a couple of things to share with you first.  There is more than one, so you have to keep reading!  And before you get to the days paintings, I’ll have one more fun thing to share with you.

Our Christine (NOT Chris who sent the photos) does a monthly newsletter that includes, among other things,  a recent painting that in most instances is in some competition, won an award or featured in a magazine.  This months issue actually contains 2 of the 3.  I’m going to share with you the 3rd

So, as you can see from that photo, it’s from Plein Air Magazine.  Here is what Christine had to say.

“Many of you are making road trips this summer. The current issue, June /July of PleinAir magazine has an article about "Hitting the Road", which features one of my paintings , which is above. I had fun painting the vintage beauty. And, I found the perfect frame for it, which echoes the triangular shapes throughout the composition. This is a 1959 chevy Impala, which resides at the Wig Wam hotel, along historic Rte. 66 in Holbrook, Arizona . The oil is 16x20, and is available. If interested, just send along an e-mail , christine@christinedebrosky.com”. Oh if you want to receive her Newsletter, you can contact  her too.

Pretty impressive and what a great painting!!!  Congratulations Christine!

Ok, for my little story.  Yesterday as we walked the path along the beach, we saw all the usual.  People walking and running, riding bikes with surfboards attached, running with surfboards. The hundreds of kids gathered for the “Junior Lifeguard” training program (not exaggerating on that number, after all Huntington Beach is “Surf City” and if you were wondering, the answer is NO, I don’t ), people walking dogs, etc.  Well, this one Golden was walking along on his leash just smiling away with his owner, a guy in his 20’s.  Now you know all the vests they have for pets designating they are some form of support.  Well this one was wearing a vest a rather unique one, it said “Best Friend”.      Now, doesn’t that just make you want to smile too.  I know it did me.

Alright, so here’s the “fun thing” I have to share with you.  Remember Don Juan?  You know, very handsome fellow that was caught playing with a big ball?  Well, here he is again with thanks to Art, Suzie’s husband.  Don Juan taught  himself how to do this, and I mean he really taught this to himself, a new pastime.

Isn’t he great!  Thanks for sharing Art, I know everyone enjoyed seeing this!

Ok, on to what those of you did this past week.  Oh wait, first I have to mention that we have another “New Girl” who joined the group.  Her name is Cynde and she found us through Chris who met her at the Plein Air Convention recently in Colorado.  Hi  Cynde and welcome!!

So, here is the gallery shot from last week, once again with thanks to Chris.

A lot of great paintings!!!

And then the group who, I’m certain, smiled on 2.

(L to R) Chris, Bob, Carolyn, Lisa, Tecla, LeAnne, Sandy, Betty, Cathy, and “New Girl” Cynde

Well, looks like I missed a good one, but I was with you in spirit, hope to see you next week at Tlaquepaque!

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 6/27/23 -- Tlaquepaque - Day 1

The next location is Tlaquepaque and the meet up time has been changed just a bit -- it'll be 8:00 am on the 27th.  Directions which SHOW the exact meet up location/fountain within Tlaquepaque can be found on the right.   

It should be noted that these directions DO NOT show you how to get to Tlaquepaque as that's sort of a given, but the photo of the fountain in the parking lot where we meet is unique to this one spot in case you haven't been there with us.

The reason for the slightly earlier time is it's Summer and it gets hot!  Tlaquepaque has been selected because of the many spots you can find in the shade.  

This past week:

Yes, as you can see, this past week was Day 2 in "Green land" and it came with all the wonderful challenges that a primarily GREEN with a little light brown dirt environment provides.  😕

But, several of us decided we were up to the challenge yet again!  Suzette & I arrived and found Lisa & Denise in the parking lot.

Suzette, Denise & Lisa

Interesting photo.  Ok, I understand what Suzette is doing, she's getting her pack out of the trunk and at the same time laughing at Lisa -- but what is Lisa doing?  Apparently, it's something that Denise also found amusing.  Alright, now we're all staring at Lisa as she's doing her "so big" thing.

Lisa did tell me that Bob rode with her, so I took a walk down the hill to Green Land and found Bob.

Bob studying his hands

Well, I guess it's possible it's his phone, but in any event, he found his way to the green.

Lisa deciding on her spot

Denise & Suzette both looking for a spot

Next, Tecla arrived and drove down to unload her stuff.  Glad I got this photo because I never did find her spot.

Tecla

Next Mike arrived and quickly found Lisa & Bob as they were both in their spots which happened to be near where they were initially standing.

Lisa, Mike & Bob

Mike wound up picking a spot that was just over from them.

Mike (as usual - covered by a tree), Bob & Lisa

Then Sandy showed up as did Cathy and then Carolyn.

Sandy

Cathy

Carolyn

Well, spots were eventually found by all -- even me, Sandy found me in my spot.

Me in my spot -- Photo by Sandy

Carolyn found a nice spot by a tree.  I'm surprised I'm not seeing Tecla in this photo, they usually can be spotted in spots together, but not this day.

Carolyn

This next one has it's own little story.

Baseball in it's Spot, Mike seated & Bob Standing

So, that baseball was hanging out on the table.  The fellow that comes along and picks up the trash saw it and asked if it belonged to any of us.   Since the answer was no, he picked it up and threw it in his bucket.  When I saw that, my first thought was that some kid was going to come back and hope that it was still there.  I told the guy that but that but it didn't sway him any, so, I then said "it's mine".  Well, I don't know if a kid came back for it or not - but, it was a left behind toy and I felt bad (gee, it even looks lonely).  Didn't want it to go into the bin of never checked stuff or garbage.  He even said no one ever comes to check lost and found.  So, hey kid, your baseball is out there!!!

Sandy found a spot near me, which I guess explains her finding me in my spot.

Sandy & in the background my black bag and tripod

Here's another angle that shows Sandy in her spot but you can also see Carolyn in hers, gives you a better idea of how close we all were.

Sandy and under the tree is Carolyn

I took a walk around the corner and found Barefoot Cathy wading in the water.

Cathy (photo by LeAnne)

Look at the smile on her face, that girl was having fun!!

That's also when I discovered that LeAnne was there.

LeAnne & Cathy

Oh, it turns out that LeAnne also did a little toe dipping too!  This took place just over from Suzette & Denise in their spots.

LeAnne, Cathy, Suzette & Denise

It turns out that Mike had a whole other perspective of Suzette in her spot.

"Suzette 'in her spot' ", Painting by Mike 

This next one is interesting too.

Denise & her Stuff on the shrub (reminds me of Lisa who tends to put all her stuff all over the ground around her), then next to that I'm guessing it's Barefoot Cathy's sneakers

Well, now we at least know exactly where Cathy's spot was!  I also found this next item interesting --

We'll just call this "Bob's Big Sponge"

Seriously, that sponge was almost the same size as his painting.  No wonder he had to use a clamp to hold his palette on.

And, although this was seen after the group photo.  I thought I'd share it with you now.  Sandy had a painting of a famous lighthouse in Maine on her website and although she had sold it previously, through an error on the website it still showed as available.  A person from a bank in Maine saw the painting and purchased it for the bank lobby (the bank also happens to be in her old hometown).  She contacted them to let them know of the error and offered to reimburse them or if they liked she could paint them another one.  They opted for the painting but asked for it to be made larger.  So, off she went to redo the painting on a full sheet of wc paper.  The end result is below.  The people from the bank have already received a photo of it and are pleased and anxiously await the original.  She brought it on this day to show a few of us the finished painting since we had seen it in a slightly earlier stage.

Sandy & the Lighthouse

Isn't it great!!!  Here's a little info about the Seguin Island Lighthouse:

The Seguin lighthouse is listed on the national register of historic sites. The second oldest light in Maine and ordered by George Washington in 1795, it is also in one of the foggiest locations on the coast. Located 2.5 miles offshore in an area of rough seas, it is often difficult to visit.  Needless to say, Sandy has a story to go along with the lighthouse itself too, as in she actually stayed overnight in it once.  Of course, she was 3 at the time and really doesn't remember it except for the story her mother told her. 

Ok, well, enough about tales from the past and onto the results from our Day 2 at Lower Tapco.

Our Gallery was built on the table where "THE Baseball" was calling home.  So, you'll see he made it into the photo too.

See the little guy, he's in the top row.  

Well, our Group photo required a little editing as Tecla didn't realize where we were shooting from, but have no fear, she made it into the photo.

Very Top to Bottom
Tecla sitting in her car in the parking lot
(L to R) LeAnne, Sandy, Cathy
Mike, Suzette, Denise, Lisa
Carolyn, Me, The Baseball, Bob

That's right, the little guy even made it into the photo and then left on the table.  Sure do hope the kid or at this point some kid finds it and gives it a friendly home.

Have fun next week everyone and I'll see you in 2.

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 6/20/23 - TAPCO Verde River Access Point - Day 2

The reason why it's a "RAP"

On 6/20 we'll be heading back for a Day 2 at the Lower TAPCO Verde River Access Point, still meeting at 8:15 but, of course, there are artists who like to arrive earlier.  The directions are the same as last week and are on the Right.    NOTE:  If you use the directions on the right you'll be given the mileage from point to point.   If relying on your phone, however, I  had a few people tell me that they were using their map/driving software on their phone and it was taking them to the wrong location on the other side of the river.  So, you're better off using the directions on the right.

Ok, the big news about last week is (drum roll here ...) it was a Record Breaker.  In fact it broke a record that I didn't find out about until we were doing the final group photo.  

It all started with Suzette & I arriving to find Lisa setting up near the parking lot.

Suzette & Lisa

Lisa, Betty & Bob all arrived together before 8:00.   After wandering around, Lisa decided her spot would be up by the parking lot because down by the river it was too green.  Yes, well, green being every artist's favorite color 🙄 I do understand.  It's funny, we don't feel that way about purple or orange.

 Oh well, back to getting there, etc.  So,  I went down to see all the green and hoped to find Betty & Bob, and I did even though Bob was hiding in the trees.  He wasn't going to let the shade get away from him.

Betty

Bob in the trees

Tecla arrived next and someone new along with Cathy (as in Barefoot Cathy).

Tecla

Someone "New" is Kirstin and Cathy 

So, it turns out that Tecla, Cathy & Kirstin are all "birders", I didn't know that and probably wouldn't have found out if Kristin didn't mention it.  My, my, the secret lives of our artists!

Next I spotted a familiar lady in pink heading down the one of many hill trails down from the parking lot.  It was LeAnne.

LeAnne

I then found out what spot Suzette decided to claim.

Suzette

And, in still looking for my spot I found Denise in her spot.

Denise

I knew that Sandy had arrived, but I'd yet to see her, so while still scouting around I saw Mike arrive after wandering down one of the hilly paths from the parking lot.

Mike

Then Carolyn wandered on down.  Tecla had told me she was there, but I hadn't caught sight of her till  this picture.

Carolyn

While still no sign of Sandy (except I saw her car in the lot), I discovered that the other Cathy (as in NOT barefoot Cathy) had also arrived and quite quickly found a spot near the water's edge.

Cathy & gee look at that, behind her is barefoot Cathy (but with her shoes on)

I'm guessing that this next photo is LeAnne in her spot, although I can't be sure because I never did get a picture of her actually situated.

LeAnne in possibly her spot

Oh, look at that - it appears that Mike also liked that location because here he is in his spot amongst the Cathys and needless to say, tucked up against a tree and also behind a shrub, but I didn't see The Mug!

(L to R) Cathy, Cathy, Mike

Finally, here she is!

Sandy & Betty by the water

Yes, that is pretty much the spot Sandy selected and as you can see on the left edge was my spot.  But not long after that, yet another artist showed up.  This time it was Nori.

On the edge is Sandy and then Nori at the water

After Nori showed up all the people in the very first photo in this post showed up (I'm talking about the rafters), you probably need to scroll up to the top to see what I mean.

Well, it turns out that I spent too much time actually trying to paint and didn't get around to finding everyone's spots.  Some of the artists have helped me out though because they actually painted some of the artists in their spots.  Once I headed back up to the parking lot and the picnic benches that would provide a nice spot for our gallery, I discovered that Nita had arrived at some point.  Boy, this is starting to sound like a LOT of people (hmmmm, could this be it??  Could this be the Record Breaker?)

Nita waving & Suzette

Now, since I didn't see Nita until wrap up time, we're just going to have to take her word for her arrival time.  She said she arrived at the same time as Tecla, hmmm, or was it Carolyn??  Not sure which but it was someone whose car she recognized in the parking lot 😉.

So, that's it, that's what made it the Record Breaker.  There were 16 of us!!!  I honestly didn't realize there were that many even though I managed to get pictures of almost all their arrivals.  I just wasn't counting as I took them.  We were all spread out, but boy, put us all together and we were quite the group as was our paintings.  Trying to get the gallery set up so that everything could be seen did require quite a bit of shuffling, not to mention backpacks and large rocks.

After taking this photo, the great debate about where to line the people up started.  And, we decided it would be good to make use of the other bench since we needed multiple rows.  So leaving our gallery set up for a few minutes we all gathered around, shuffled about, laughed at some antics and smiled and/or laughed on 2.

Back to  Front & Left to Right
Mike, LeAnne, Sandy, Kirsten, Lisa, Bob
Cathy, Carolyn, Nita, Tecla, Denise, Nori, Betty
Cathy, Me, Suzette

Wow!  Well, we'll see who shows up next week.  Hopefully this will entice you to join us.  But for now, have a good week and, hopefully, see you next Tuesday!

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 6/13/23 - TAPCO Verde River Access Point Day 1

A little view from TAPCO - Photo provided by Nita

We will meet at 8:15 am on Tuesday 6/13 at the TAPCO Verde River Access Point.  You'll find directions on the right.

Before I get started on last week which had it's own surprise, here are a few photos worth seeing and I will explain.

Ok, so maybe you don't know the wedding couple, but I can assure you that you know the woman's mother.  It's our Nita and she was right there paddling along.  As she put it "We had a flotilla of family & friends kayaking up the creek to Lisa & Brady’s special spot to share vows “en plein aire”! Beautiful day, beautiful weather, beautiful people! "  Knowing it's Nita's daughter, somehow it's not so surprising.  What a fun way to start your married life together.  I wish them a wonderful life together.

Now, for what happened last week.  Suzette and I were driving down the road when I realized there was a maroon Jeep in front of me, gee that looks familiar.  Well, we arrived at the parking lot right behind the Jeep and out came some bearded guy.   Hmmm, oh wait a second, I recognize that Mug

Mike

Oh come on, you know I meant the COFFEE  MUG!!  It belongs to Mike and it showed up right along with the bearded guy -- so that means "surprise" it has to be Mike.

Betty was there & Sandy arrived, then Tecla and Denise.

Suzette & Betty

Sandy

(L to R) Sandy & Tecla

Denise

I then heard some talking and it sounded like Lisa.  As it turns out Lisa and Bob arrived somewhere in the 7-8 timeframe.

Lisa & Betty

With their early arrival, you know they were already in their spots and it looks like Betty decided on a spot near Lisa.  Bob, however, was not in sight.  I'll have to find him later.  But, in the meantime it looks like Sandy found another arrival.

Sandy who found Cathy

Here is where I picked up on a little tid bit of info.  While Lisa was discussing a whole art value related thing with Betty about looking at a photo of the scene in black and white (nice and informative).  While Sandy on the other hand was discussing the fact that she wound up with blisters between her toes last week from going barefoot in that sand (also informative).  She said it was a bit enlightening when she had put her shoes back on last week as we were leaving -- like "Ouch, what's that?"  I'm thinking she was wiggling those toes too much in the sand as she had continually mentioned how fun it was.

While learning about the potential sand hazards, Carolyn wandered in.

Carolyn

And, she quickly decided on a nice spot in the shade.

Carolyn

Then, wow, she did it again~!!  It's Nita (yes, the mother of the bride above).  But, what I'm referring to is her arrival time.  Once again, she arrived right on time as this timestamp is 8:20, therefore, her arrival in the parking lot had to be 8:15 if not earlier.

Nita (Mother of the Bride)

Just in case you weren't counting - so far we're at 11.  See, I really can count beyond 2.

Meantime, I'm still wandering around undecided on a spot.  In case you were wondering, my bag isn't as light as it should be.

Well, let me go over to the other side where the river is deeper and is flowing on down to this little beach area.

If you had any doubts before, this pretty much solidifies it.  Who else would be ensconced among shrubs and trees.

Mike in his spot and behind him is Denise

Denise in her spot

Suzette

As you can see, Suzette, also opted for this same general area.  Her spot was a little bit beyond Denise.

Right about now Chris & Zoe showed up and she found a spot on that outcropping of land.

Chris & Zoe (as Tecla put it - "a girl and her dog")

By this point  you're probably wondering where the rest of the spots were and where the heck was Bob.

Spots beachside (L to R) Tecla, Nita Cathy, Lisa & Betty

Ok, the truth is, I took that picture coming back from finding Bob which is why you're getting the back of everyone's head.  But, let's face it, I couldn't get all their faces unless I went wading anyway.

So, Bob, well his spot turned out to be down near where Suzette had been the previous week.

Bob

In case you were wondering, it was hot in the sun and for some reason I seemed to have left the analytical side of my brain at home that day.  Because had I properly analyzed the situation, I would've quickly determined that I was putting myself out there in a spot that was FULL Sun with no chance of Shade.

Me in full sun along with Sandy in her spot (Photo thanks to Tecla)

Well, with Chris & Bob that brought our number up to 13 and no I didn't have to take my shoes off to count that high.  I do believe that Cathy did have her shoes off again though.

Yup, it took quite a bit of zooming, but that's Cathy, barefoot.

It was another great & very pretty morning on the Verde River and we all managed to put together something to show.  For some reason we had a harder time building our gallery as a lot more backpacks had to be put to use.  But we succeeded as you can see.

I actually snuck one in there, maybe the group photo will give you a clue whose it was.

Of course, you just won't be sure which painting it was.

Back to Front (L to R) Denise, Lisa & Me
Middle Row (L to R) Betty, Tecla, Sandy, Carolyn, Mike
Front Row (L to R) Bob, Cathy, Nita, Sandy's legs, Suzette, Zoe & Chris

Ok, so as I'm looking at the photo and naming names I saw Sandy in the middle row, but then I got to the front row and geez, I don't know was she in the middle row or the front row??   So, she's listed twice.

The person whose painting I had to sneak in was the same person & her dog that I had to squeeze in here.   She had to run off to work. Hope I got her height pretty close, but then the front row always appear larger.

Well, off to another section of the Verde River next week.  Hope to see you there!

Cecilia