"Quick Draw, Paint the Lakes 2013" ©

Here is my "Quick Draw" Painting from last weekend at the Paint the Lake 2013, plein air competition. During the quick draw the artists had 2 hours to complete their painting and turn it in.  I had picked this spot to paint out when I visited Lake Arrowhead with my Mom a few weeks before the actual event.  She can paint anything and loved the little boats and red roofed buildings, complete with a clock tower.  If she had painted in the event that would have been her subject which she could paint behind her back.  On the other hand, I am a landscape painter and am much more comfortable with nature.  So I chose the scene you see below.  In the early morning the light catches the little strip of sand brilliantly and that was my focus.  It worked!  The judge Helga Batman-Koplin awarded my painting First Place and Best Use of Color.

"San Luis Creek" © San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

Last week at the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival I participated in the "Quick Draw".  For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, artists are given a set amount of time in which to have their canvas stamped, set up an easel, paint a painting, frame it and deliver the finished piece to the staging site.  Talk about pressure, at first you feel as if you have "hours" to get the job done, then you glance at your watch to see only 20 minutes remaining to pull the painting together.  Meanwhile people are watching and chatting with you about your choice of paint, subject, what they are painting at home and about the process.  I enjoy the whole event and especially the people.  I painted in the creek beside the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art and in this image you will see my finished painting hanging on my EasyL Easel.  

Once all the artists were told to set down their brushes we all framed our paintings and brought them to the mission walkway for display.  People walked up and down looking at each one deciding on which paintings they would like to win at the auction.  At the same time a judge picked a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner of all 34 paintings.

This is my painting at the auction.  I was in the back sitting on a rock wall watching the action.  It was a real thrill to see several people bidding on my painting, trying to win it as the price kept climbing like crazy.  I felt giddy, grateful, excited and relieved when it was all over.  What a rush!

I won 3rd place and received a ribbon which I gave to the collector that purchased the painting, a King of Frames gift certificate and a bundle of SourceTek panels.  In case you are curious about the other winners my friend Raymond Harris won 1st place and a new friend John Guernesy from Georgia won 2nd place.  It was quite a day and nice way to end the week.  

Oil on Linen Panel, 12" X 9"