April 2025

Block Party!!

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For the third year in a row, the Monterey Museum of Art invited the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters to paint and exhibit during their annual Block Party—and for the third year, I was thrilled to be part of it!

The day started with check-in and setup around 8:30 a.m., where we had our canvases stamped and pulled our painting locations from a hat. For the third time, I randomly drew the Casa de Oro Garden! When asked if I wanted to swap for a different spot, I happily declined. The garden offers plenty of variety—and let’s be honest, having a nearby parking garage and restroom is great when painting downtown Monterey!

Here we are at check-in–

After check-in, the artists fanned out across historic Old Monterey, setting up at charming historic old adobes, lush gardens, and bustling street scenes. We had until 3 p.m. to create at least one painting for the afternoon exhibit during the Block Party.

I chose to paint the iconic bell at the Casa de Oro Garden—a replica of the 1906 Mission Bells that once lined El Camino Real. These were cast from the original molds, and the bell’s frame, draped in wisteria and glowing in the morning light, made for an irresistible subject.

By noon I was about 80% finished and took a lunch break in my car and a mini rest.  After framing the piece, I took it back to the easel and added a few final touches.

Here are a few snapshots of the show–

To my surprise and delight, I was awarded Second Place—First Place went to the very talented Debra Nichols, and it was well deserved! Here’s a shot of our pieces–

Here’s the finished painting—it feels complete, but I’ll let it sit for a bit. Maybe a touch more sunlight in the foreground… or maybe not. It’s definitely a keeper!

The Bell, 9×12, oil on panel, plein air

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My New Direction in Plein Air Painting

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After years—no, decades—of pouring my heart and soul into my art, refining my craft, marketing endlessly, chasing gallery deals, and struggling to sell my work, I sometimes wonder… Am I doing this all wrong?

I mean, I watch someone duct-tape a banana to a wall and sell it for $6 million. I see paintings featuring a single dot, a lonely square, or a barely-there brushstroke go for tens of millions. Meanwhile, fresh-faced artists—who’ve barely unwrapped their first canvas—are raking in millions selling political connections.

Well, folks, today marks a turning point. Looking to turn plein air painting into minimalist art, I am revolutionizing my plein air painting with an entirely new genre: Stucco Art en Plein Air

That’s right—while others paint landscapes and seascapes, I paint the beauty of stucco walls. My first masterpiece? A stunning, textural tribute to gray stucco. It is shown below. But this is just the beginning! Imagine the endless possibilities:  My next work will probably be white stucco, then blue, green, red stucco.  Maybe even avant-garde multi-tone stucco!  I can paint stucco in sunlight.  I can paint stucco when cloudy.  I can paint stucco in the fog.  I can paint stucco in the rain.  I can do a nocturne stucco!  The possibilities are almost endless!

And when I’ve mastered stucco? I’ll push the boundaries even further—introducing Siding Art! Wood siding, metal siding, vinyl siding—I’ll capture it all, in every shade and every season. And then might come brick walls! How exciting!

The best part? No travel necessary. My canvas is everywhere. My neighborhood is my gallery. My backyard is a goldmine. No more trips to the seaside, ventures to the mountains, sitting by rivers, or watching thunderous waterfalls for me!!

Here I am in my first outing enjoying the sublime side of my house. Notice all the subtle variations of gray on my subject matter. An artists dream!

Art world, brace yourself. Suddenly, the future has brightened up and I am so excited!  Forget the beauty of nature!  The Stucco Art Movement has begun!  

Gray Stucco, 12×12, oil on board, plein air, available

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