RECHARGED WITH C.W.

PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHTHOUSE II

    C.W. Mundy is one of the finest American oil paintings working today.  He is also a former classmate and an old friend.  Recently he conducted a seminar and training program in THE AMERICAN MASTERS program in Southern California.  We were fortunate to spend time with C.W. and his wonderful wife Rebecca before he led the classes.  In fact I was able to benefit from a two day intensive workshop with C.W..
     He encouraged me to not "over work" my paintings.  He taught how to look for large forms and shapes and "set your values early."  He worked with me on my palette and how to mix my pots of color.  In a way it was intimidating because C.W. is such a talented and skilled artist who has had great commercial success. But it was also a recharging and renewing experience.
     Before the intensive workshop with C.W.  I would sometimes arrive at a plein aire site and find myself struggling and not enthusiastic about the piece I was working on.  During the two days, in his lectures and while on site at several locations, C.W. was able to ignite a new enthusiasm and passion.
    I am grateful to C.W. for sharing his expertise and recharging my work.

PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHTHOUSE STUDY

     This study was done from a slightly different setting than the piece above and in a changing morning light.  You can see that in the color of the water and in the way light values play off other objects.

MORRO BAY

     This painting presented other challenges.  Not only was the afternoon light changing quickly, but a thick fog began to move in as we painted.  Here again there was a great value in following C.W.'s guidance in having established my values and palette early.

GREEN VALLEY ROAD OVERLOOK

     This was painted mid morning while the sun was still in the east and rising.  This view looks toward the east, so the light value again was an important factor in the work.  This is a piece that C.W. was fond of.

C.W. MAKING A POINT AND SHARING HIS PEARLS OF WISDOM

C.W. MUNDY AN AMERICAN MASTER AND DEAR FRIEND

     The pieces featured above will be in my upcoming show at the Windward Vineyard in Paso Robles California beginning in January 2011.  The show will hang through March.  I hope you will be able to visit the beautiful Windward tasting room, which is also a perfect art gallery.  Art and world class wine-what a great combination!