Dan Schultz Fine Art

My first painting workshop here in the Ojai Valley was a success! The participants and I started each day with a light breakfast at my gallery and a discussion about the fundamentals of painting. Afterwards we set out to paint for the rest of the day, each day in a different location. We ended up huddling in shady areas because of the 90-degree temperatures, but we still managed to paint some beautiful scenes and enjoy our time together. I demonstrated my painting technique in the mornings and then led the group in a step-by-step format as we painted during the afternoons. That way each person got to practice some good ways to “build” their paintings from start to finish. (My pictured painting Fertile Ground was one that I did along with the group during the workshop.) Thanks to each participant for joining me for the workshop! I’ll be planning more classes and workshops in the coming months.

Announcing my first plein air painting workshop in Ojai, October 10–12, 2011! Join me in painting the beautiful Ojai Valley in Southern California where October’s average high temperature is 82°F. Ojai offers many different types of terrain from meadows to mountains, rolling hills of oak and eucalyptus trees to palm trees and cactus, as well as the vast Lake Casitas where the 1984 Olympic rowing and canoeing events took place. The Ojai Valley’s Topa Topa Bluff dazzles us most evenings with its famous “Pink Moment” at sunset, and we’re only 15 miles from the Pacific coast where more beautiful scenes await.

The workshop fee is $325 per person and will include a light breakfast offering each day (bagels, coffee, etc.) followed by a full day of painting around the area. I will demonstrate my painting techniques and offer hands-on instruction as we capture the unique beauty of the Ojai landscape together.

I’ve lined up some different options for those of you who would require lodging in Ojai during the workshop. Two local hotels are offering special rates for workshop participants and there are also a few campgrounds nearby where you can experience nights under the stars. (Ojai’s hotels and campgrounds fill up quickly with October visitors, so don’t wait to book your room if you’re planning to attend.)

• Click here for more photos of the Ojai area and local hotels.

• Click here for the workshop description and links to the supply list and lodging and flight details.

• Click here to see some of my plein air paintings from the area.

Register now! Send an email to info@DanSchultzFineArt.com or call Dan at 805-317-9634.

The last month or so has brought several exciting announcements of awards for my work, so I wanted to share them with you. In July, my painting Looking Below was chosen as a Finalist in the BoldBrush Painting Competition. Also in July, the RayMar Painting Competition included my painting Along the Road as a Finalist. I just learned today that two of my pieces were chosen as Finalists in the Art Renewal Center 2010/2011 ARC Salon Competition: Schoolgirls and Park Bench. I’m also excited that my painting Journey (pictured) will be included in the upcoming American Impressionist Society National Show which will go on display October 21st, 2011 at Mountainsong Galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

I just wanted to share a link to a funny article that OutdoorPainter.com posted about plein air painting and how artists hold their paper towels. Especially since Liz Wiltzen gave me a hard time about this very thing during the workshop I taught in Canada last September!

Click here to see the article at OutdoorPainter.com!

This is a plein air painting event in which I participated as the award judge a few years ago. They are looking for artists to join them this year in painting the charming mountain town of Victor, Colorado.

You are cordially invited to participate in the judged 12th annual Victor Celebrates the Arts en plein air event where “En Plein Air” (open air) paintings are executed outdoors from real life. Both artist and subject must be outdoors. Our 2011 event runs from August 26 through Labor Day, September 5th, 2011. The City of Victor, Colorado and the surrounding area are rich in history and beauty. Expect a great week of working outdoors and meeting fellow artists from around the country. This year we will be assisting artists who need to find accommodations in Victor during our event. We are excited about our 12th annual arts event and we think you will be too. Each year between 50 – 60 percent of the entered paintings are sold during our Art Show and Sale. In addition, we offer over $3200 (see 2010 awards page for details) in cash prizes to paintings selected by our judge(s). Please come and join us. Send us your application soon to reserve your participation in this exceptional event. Click here for more information.