Introducing the Donald Neff Artist Action Figure—a must-have collectible for art lovers, fans of plein air painting, and creative spirits everywhere! This charming figure captures the essence of Donald Neff, complete with his signature cap, paint-splattered apron, and artist’s palette in hand. Packaged in a vibrant, art-inspired blister card, it includes miniature accessories like an easel and brush, perfect for sparking imagination or honoring your favorite painter. Whether displayed on a studio shelf or gifted to an admirer of fine art, this action figure brings the joy and passion of painting to life in a playful and inspiring way.
Look for it soon in toy and art supply stores everywhere!
The 32nd annual Carmel Art Festival took place this past weekend, and I was once again honored to be juried in. I’ve had the privilege of participating nearly every year since 2006, and each time brings new challenges, fresh inspiration, a chance to visit art friends, and hopefully a finished piece or two that really sings!
Unlike some plein air festivals where artists get a week or more, the Carmel Art Festival gives you just over two days to produce at least two show-worthy paintings. No pressure, right?
Living nearby for the past five years has definitely made things easier and less expensive—no scrambling for motel reservations, and I’ve got the comfort of my own studio to do final touch-ups and framing. That said, the intensity of painting under the clock never really changes.
The adventure began Wednesday morning with the official check-in. That’s where the back of your canvas gets stamped—proof that you’re painting live during the event and not sneaking in something from the archives.
I kicked things off at Point Lobos, revisiting a tucked-away cove I’d discovered years ago but never actually painted. The weather was doing its usual coastal tease: fog, sun, then clouds. But honestly, just sitting there with the crash of the surf and the chatter of gulls was enough to make me feel lucky to be alive and painting.
After about two to three hours, I had a solid piece I was pretty happy with. After eating a quick lunch on-site, I then packed up and made my way to Asilomar State Beach. The surf was up and the waves were putting on a show of their own. I again produced a piece I was happy with.
A few photos from the day so far are below.
Late that afternoon, instead of heading straight to another location to paint, I dropped by the artists’ reception. I’ve always skipped it in the past, since golden hour is just too precious to miss, but this time I stopped by for a quick visit to see what it was like and say hi to long term artist friends. Then, just before sunset, I made my way to the great sand dunes near my home—a place I walk or bicycle often. I knew just the spot I wanted to paint.
It was a long, full day, but by nightfall, I had two paintings finished and a third well underway.
The next day, Thursday, my lower back was making itself known, so I decided to take it easy and stay close to home. I focused on touching up and framing the three pieces—always a satisfying part of the process.
Friday morning, the paintings were delivered to the festival. Here are a few photos from the festival in downtown Carmel.
Sunday brought some unexpected drama. While still at home, I got a call from the festival saying a collector was interested in purchasing my Marina Beach Trail painting—but there was a problem. It had been damaged! What?! Oil paintings, of course, are often still wet when hung. Apparently, someone had backed into or touched it. By the time I got to the show, the potential buyer had changed their mind, and instead was going to check out my website.
Upon closer inspection, it looked like someone had dragged two fingers right down the surface of the painting. Later, another artist mentioned that a child had been touching some paintings the day before, and his piece had been smudged too—though not as badly.
So, my sale was foiled by a smudge!
Below are images of the finished works.
Asilomar Crash, 11×14, oil on panelLobos Cove, 12×12, oil on panelMarina Beach Trail, 12×24, oil on canvas
Here is another shot of Marina Beach Trail showing the smudges.
Despite the unexpected hiccup with the damaged painting, the week was deeply rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the thrill—and exhaustion—of chasing light, battling wind and waves, the camaraderie, and trying to capture fleeting moments on canvas!
