We decided as a group on the second day that we would take the day to paint at a nearby beach (about 20 miles from Ojai). The day was bright and clear for us to practice what we were learning together as we painted two scenes along the coast. The participants were eager to continue doing a step-by-step process that I suggested, so we all set up and painted the same scene together one step at a time. I did a step on my canvas while everyone watched, then each participant mixed their paint and did that step on their canvas. We continued like that until we each had a finished painting while being reminded of a useful procedure for executing a plein air piece. It also allowed each participant to compare their color mixing with mine and get a better idea of what to be thinking about during each part of the process.

The third day found us back in Ojai where we met up in a large open preserve where the Ventura River cuts through the Ojai Valley. We started the day with a painting exercise that helped us keep our shapes simple without adding any detail work onto the canvas. It was a helpful exercise for all of us and as each participant painted on their own afterwards, they were mindful to keep from becoming hindered with unnecessary detail in their work. We finished the workshop back at my gallery with a critique of our completed paintings, an exchange of contact information between participants and encouragement to utilize what we learned as we continue painting. It was an enjoyable time for all of us! Thanks to each of you who participated and I look forward to seeing your future artwork!

I just made an interesting discovery while looking through a book of mine on the artist Edgar Payne. Payne’s work has been influential to me for quite some time (we even named our cat “Edgar”) and while looking through the book for some inspiration for a painting of mine in progress I discovered an image of one of Payne’s paintings entitled, Vista through Sycamores, the Ojai Valley. Now that the Ojai Valley is our home, I really enjoyed finding that Payne was even attracted to the beauty here and was compelled to paint it.

Now to find the exact spot he painted and see if I can unearth a paint brush he dropped or a notebook of his painting secrets….

By the way, a new traveling exhibition organized by the Pasadena Museum of California Art featuring Payne’s work comes to Pasadena June 3 – October 14, 2012. Edgar Payne, the Scenic Journey, is currently on display in Sacramento at the Crocker Art Museum through May 6. I’m excited to see it when it comes to Pasadena!

Announcing my first plein air painting workshop in Ojai, October 10–12, 2011!

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.

Click here to see the article at OutdoorPainter.com!

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.

The Grand Opening will feature refreshments including wine, locally made fudge from Ojai Ice Cream and Fudge, as well as exciting door prizes. There will even be a chance to win a FREE night’s stay at Ojai’s Su Nido Inn (more than $200 value!). The gallery will also showcase handmade jewelry made by the artist’s wife and purses and aprons made by Cambodian women who have been rescued from human trafficking. Part of the proceeds from these sales goes directly to them.

The artist-owned gallery offers local landscape paintings and figure drawings as well as larger studio paintings, encompassing a broad price range from below $100 to more than $10,000. Also, having taught at an art school in Colorado for eight years, Schultz plans to teach local painting classes and workshops focusing on various topics including plein air landscape, portraits and figures.

Grand Opening details:
Location: 106 N. Signal St. Ojai, CA 93023
Hours: Friday, June 10, 5 – 8pm and Saturday, June 11, 10am – 7pm