Sunshien Palette Mexico Part 2: The actual artwork on our trip

Barb, from Ottawa, captures the deep rich jungle background, with light interspersed, prayer flags keeping it playful, along with the purples and yellows on the ground. 

 I want to say a word or two about plein air painting. In this current art world, where many people are tracing photos, and many of us are even using photo reference, my hat goes off to the brave men and women who go outside on location, and paint what is in front of them. It's the most challenging thing any artist can do. Not only does it challenge your drawing skills in ways that studio work can't, my students are also learning to employ good compositonal skills at the same time. Lots of process work, while many subjects are experimented with. This ensures that even beginners make paintings with solid compositions. 

                                           

                Gail, from Angus, Ont., paints ocean views, with fence and the fullness of the gardens. 

There's nothing like several days of just waking up, having a lovely breakfast you did not make, having no excuse, no distractions, just time to paint, satisfy ones' curiousity on many ideas. 

                                                   

Miriam, from Ottawa defies the rules of composition with interesting split of the picture plane, and expresses herself with wild colour. 

As the teacher, what was really nice for me, was knowing where everyone was, with not too much distance between. It made it easy for me to keep on top of what everyone was doing, when they'd need my help.

Barb, from Shanty Bay, Ont. worked an a dark ochre pastel paper, and played with values, and how to create depth through values. The flower is more detailed, the back varies between some leaves and some soft vagueness. 

Another great thing about being a group, was sharing ideas, seeing different interpretations of the same subject material, appreciating unique viewpoints. As a teacher it is amazing to see so many different ideas culminating in many paintings. 

           Judy, from Clinton Ont., expresses depth, light, and subtle colour change in the ocean and sky. 

Many people who ask about my trips think you have to be an expert to go on a painting trip. Not on my trips! This trip to Mexico had some people who had taken my basic intro to pastel class, but had other art classes, knew how to draw and use other mediums. One person came from B.C. who had never studied with me before but had pastel experience. Many had several years of pastel work, and some had been on many of my trips. So the students level runs the gammet from beginner to advanced.

                                                   

                             Lynn, from Vancouver Island captures a delicate light on this Welcome plant. 

My job, is to guide everyone to start off simple, challenge yourself with realistic goals, build your portfolio of works, be on top of who needs lessons on whatever, and to have in depth discussions on confidence, future ideas, developing your voice and anythign under the sun. 

Bev from Toronto brings a solid drawing, bold colour and a unique idea of what constitutes a solid composition. 

Time is spent on photo management, and making in the moment decisions about what can be painted plein air, and what may be painted in the future from a photo. After all, even if 10 days seems like a lot of painting time, there's no way you can try out all your ideas while there. How to make the most of all the images you see?

Margo from Newmarket knew to isolate herself and sink into a delicious drawing that will remind her of our wonderful trip together. 

The thing to do, is to write a journal, take photos, and let the most exciting ideas rise naturally to the surface. Trust that process. In this way, the trip can last a lot longer than 10 days or two weeks!

Koreen, from Langley B.C., started off the trip with a solid painting of sky, ocean and the gorgeous Bougainvilleas that abounded.

On a painting trip where you are not spending tons of time on the road, one sinks in, warms up, gets a few pieces done, and falls into a groove. Things start to flow, compositions improve with every painting, ease replaces angst, and you remember why you love art. 

Nancy, from Ottawa, created this seemingly simple work, which would take time, skill and care to observe each leaf, it's particular shape and place within the design. In our busy world, it is a luxury to take the time to do nature justice. 

Margaret, teaching in a very relaxed atmosphere. 

We had many presentations on thumbnails, composition, drawing, still life, slide shows, and colour. In between, when breaks were needed, we'd swim in the ocean, laugh, talk a lot, swim in the pool, enjoy happy hour and relaxation time as much as the painting time. 

Stay tuned for Part three, where I talk about my own work on our trip, drawing, thumbnails, field sketch and pastel painting, start to finish.  See you then!