Painting at Oso Flaco Lake

Just recently, as I mentioned in my recent email newsletter, I was on the boardwalk at the lake, working on a painting for the Land Conservancy Show (May 2009). It was a beautiful balmy day for November! I had the wonderful opportunity to see a flock of White Pelicans visiting the lake, and watching them take off as well. A friendly Raccoon came right up to me on the boardwalk. He was foraging in the reeds near the boardwalk. The picture shows him checking out my equipment and tripod. One of the perks of painting on location! I love it!

If you have not been to Oso Flaco Lake, or if it has been a long time, I highly recommended it. The wildlife is plentiful and spectacular. The colors are subtle but relaxing, and it is so quiet.

Join My Mailing List!

What a Wonderful Summer

This is a proud Eucalyptus tree across from the Old Edna townsite, south of San Luis Obispo. I was working on this painting during a demonstration for a great audience at Trilogy of the Central Coast, in Nipomo, and this is the finished oil painting, "Eucalyptus, Old Edna" 12" x 16".

I've been so enjoying the summer days, we have the cool and moody fog in the morning and the sun breaks out and warms everything up before noon. I love going out painting in the late afternoon during summer, it stays light so long and gives me a chance to catch those elegant shadows. The other evening I was set up alongside Lopez Drive, looking toward the hills by Talley Vineyard. I have a good start on a 10" x 30" (very long) painting, and I can't wait to get back out to work on it some more!

Plein Air Painting in Big Sur

What a beautiful day in Big Sur! On this day, it was really hot everywhere on the Central Coast, and we headed North for Big Sur, where the breezes were balmy, and I found a perfect spot to paint!

Notice the brilliant aquamarine colors of the water behind me! Just amazing. I started this sketch, can't wait to work some more on this painting.

Oh, search for my name (Laurel Sherrie) on eBay, I'm posting some very special original oil paintings for amazing prices!

Saturday Plein Air Oil Painting Class Added

Starting June 21, 2008. Deadline to register is June 7th.

SUMMER SERIES of PERSONALIZED "PLEIN AIR" OIL PAINTING CLASSES

Have you wanted to try painting "plein air" but felt intimidated, or didn't know what to bring, or where to go, or what to do once you arrived? Learn how to get set up for success and paint "plein air" in oils or improve your "plein air" oil painting.

Take Part in this Summer Series of classes, geared toward those who want to try painting on location, or who want to improve their skills. The Classroom: Will be on location in South San Luis Obispo County areas. A location for each class will be selected, and everyone will meet there.

Young adults, adults and seniors are welcome. Plein air classes are for students already somewhat familiar with oils and the basics of painting; values, color theory, color mixing and composition. (For students who don’t have this background, I recommend my indoor class first.) A checklist of essential items to bring for plein air painting will be passed out, and a general materials list.

Classes are limited to ten students, once each week, three hours long, a series of four lessons over four weeks. There must be a minimum of three students for the class to run. Fee: $160.00. A deposit of $80.00 is required to reserve your spot, and upon receipt of this a materials list will be sent to you. Contact me for the registration form. laurel@laurelsherrie.com

I would be happy to meet with prospective students (and their parents, if the student is a young person) to help determine what the student needs and wants, so call and schedule a free interview with me to see which of my classes are right for you! Feel free to contact me with any questions at 805-473-4640.

Laurel Sherrie
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

SUMMER SERIES, PERSONALIZED OIL PAINTING CLASSES

Increase your Oil Painting Skills or learn from scratch in Personalized classes. A comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, nurturing the artist within. Affordable. Limited to 10 students, allowing each student close attention and guidance. Lessons are 3-hours long once a week, for a four-week series, held in a well-lit, spacious hall near the historic Village of Arroyo Grande, with projects given to work on at home, to help you maximize your learning experience. Reserve your spot; the class is filling up fast!

Schedule: Thursdays: June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, from 2 - 5 P.M. - $160.00

A deposit of $80.00 is required to reserve your spot. Remainder of payment is due before the first lesson and get your materials list. Payment accepted with cash, check or credit card, or through PayPal. Email Laurel with any questions. laurel@laurelsherrie.com

(if you are interested in Saturday afternoon classes, please let me know as arrangements are underway for this as well.)

Laurel Sherrie http://www.laurelsherrie.com/

Painting the Wildflowers

I just completed a painting of the Wildflowers at a place called Shell Creek, off of Highway 58, East of Santa Margarita, in San Luis Obispo County. A fellow artist and I went there a week ago. The many wildflowers were carpeting the ground, covering it in color. The wildflowers in this spot are Goldfields, Tidytips, and Baby Blue-Eyes. This painting is done with thick strokes of oil paint. As I painted, the colors and the textures of the paint became more interesting to me than any details.