Tuesday, October 09, 2012

"Monarch Grove" © San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival



Early in the morning I was hunting a painting spot, turned around and spotted this view.  I ran back to my car and gathered up my gear.  Then standing with the ocean singing to me from behind I painted the distant trees where the Monarch butterfly's hang in golden clumps on their journey south.  


My original view long gone with the time passing here is an image of my little set up.  The umbrella is an addition to my standard gear.  For years I used John Cosby's advice of just turning your easel away from the sun, rather then dealing with an umbrella.  My friend Lorelle and I were discussing umbrellas and the advantages and so I thought the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival would be a super time to try out using an umbrella.  I think from now on it will be a a permanent addition to my gear.  I purchased this one from EasyL and it was a piece of cake to adjust as the sun shifted.  The vents on top help it resist blowing away and there is even a small leash to ty to the tripod leg so if it did start to fly away it wouldn't go far.  This was very comforting painting up on cliff edge tops.  


Oil on Linen,  11" X 14"

1 comment:

mwhitson said...

I really love the mood & colors of your Monarch Grove painting. Shortly after your visit, I stopped by the Grove following a early morning swim with the dogs at Pismo Beach...

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