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The "Big" Painting Gets Its "Bling"

I finally finished my "big" painting and decided to take the advice offered by both David Gallup and Kathleen Dunphy.  Each has said in different ways that a quality frame is an important part of finishing a painting.  Although I've always used frames that I thought looked nice, most of the time they were less expensive than the recommended "10% of the selling price".   Of course, if nothing sells that point is always moot, but because I put a lot of effort into this painting which is the largest I've ever done, I decided to dress it the "right" way.  Kathleen says that a quality frame is like the jewelry which sets off your best outfit.

Anyway, I ordered the frame from my friend, Laura Wambsgans, who is an Omega frame dealer. When it came in, we decided that I'd come out her way to pick it up and then we'd go out painting.  Happily the frame fit into my car (barely).  (-Something to think seriously about if I ever decide to do big paintings again.)  David Gallup, who encouraged his students to create large paintings, paints many huge paintings, but I have rather different circumstances than he does.   I WILL write a post describing my thoughts about the "big" painting and show you the finished work in my next post.

East Walker Ranch Open Space

Off Laura and I went to East Walker Ranch Open Space near Placerita Canyon.  It was a perfect day - just gorgeous - and we chatted happily as we hiked around searching for our "spot".  Each of us found where we wanted to paint.  I hiked up a hill into a shady area under some oaks and looked out at a sloping ridge which was covered with dry grasses.  I loved the way the sun lit up the dried grass with the oaks and hills in the background.

Even though when we paint, we're usually not standing together or chatting away, I really enjoy going out with friends because when we take breaks we can see what one another is doing and there is a sense of companionship. 

When were were both finished, we went back to Laura's and ate our lunch together while pouring over magazines and books with beautiful paintings... like Clyde Aspevig's.   Wow that guy can paint!!

It was a great day.  And to top it off, I was pretty happy with my plein air piece...     "Sunlight On A Sunny Ridge"