Oil Painters of America Plein air trip

Today was so cloudy that I could see dramatic lights, but I didn't need to be pressed by fast light change.
Every artist did a great job. Some artists look very familiar with me. Maybe there were famous artists.
The OPA chairman, Neil Patterson, was painting next to me, but I didn't recognize who he was before we talked.
One more thing I was excited about was meeting John Michael Carter, the OPA director, who I really like and Lori Woodward, a famous Fine Art View writer. Every artists were friendly and nice to each other.
I saw very lovely puppies, two English Springer Spaniels. One puppy kept coming to me as if he knew I really like them.

OPA chairman, Neil Patterson and me

Michael John Carter, OPA director and me

Fire fighter, Mic

When I was in New York, I was not happy when it rained, but here in New Mexico, rain is one of the most important resources for everybody including animals and natures because New Mexico is too dry before the Monsoon seasons come.

Few weeks ago, I took a trip with my wife and my son, Calvin, to Jemez mountain to paint and take photos. I saw that a lot of the mountain was covered with black charcoal caused by wildfire. In New Mexico, camp fire and using fire related equipment has been banned in the mountain because of potential fire hazards.

The model, Mic, a fire fighter, came to Santa Fe from Montana to help New Mexican fire fighters.

He likes art, especially Southwest arts because his girlfriend paints landscapes.

I painted him for a little over two hours. He looks unique and is a quiet young gentle man.

I spent most of time to see the reflected colors on the shadow sides with reddish background.

It is always exciting and a challenge to paint from life.

Pink Adobe Santa Fe

Pink Adobe, restaurant and bar, is located one block away from my studio. Every morning and evening, I pass by the restaurant, always crowded with tourists for dinner and wine. I don't know how beautiful it is whenever I see. I painted the winter scenery last winter covered in snow. Now it is arched with green leaves at the entrance. I was painting in the street across the restaurant with my dog, Leo and the receptionist ladies were so nice to provide Leo with water and made me happy with nice comments of my painting.