16 April 2013

Monterey Plein Air Convention 2013. Part 1

On the way to Monterey I stopped to sketch at San Miguel Mission.

After much debating with myself whether I should shell out  1K to attend the Plein Air Convention in Monterey I decided it was just what I needed after filing for unemployment. After all, this might be the proverbial push to become a full fledged painter... I told myself. As scary as it is to take that leap of faith, it is what I dream about every single day and how much longer can I postpone the fact that to become an artist one must leave security behind.  Thomas Kitts offered sharing a room which would bring the cost down a bit so why not.

Overwhelmed by nature's drama. My first study at Cypress Cove.
The Conference was organized in the following manner:  Daily lectures/demonstrations by different speakers and artists occupy most of the day.  Sometimes these demonstrations are simultaneous. I chose  to attend  those demos I was most interested in which meant I spent most of the day at the conference hall because the roster was very impressive. A  hall of sponsors/brands  offers their quality products at a discount during the thee days. Besides the demos and lectures there are also some paint-outs with the speakers . A great opportunity to see them in action for the benefit of everyone seeking advice or just learning.

 Glenn Dean, John Burton and Thomas Kitts in Point Lobos. All at once!.

When I arrived I immediately proceeded to spend most Wednesday painting in Point Lobos, a place I'm ashamed to say I had never seen. Incredible doesn't even cut it. I was so overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence that I went into frantic painting mode.  But it was more of a coping mechanism than real art making I suppose because nothing came out right.  I met Glenn Dean and John Burton in the beach painting a timed 20 minute sketch. I missed the first lecture by Joe Paquet (I regret that)  but caught the James Gurney one on composition (based on eye-movement mapping and bias) . At 7pm there was a reception for the attendees and the excitement build up was palpable.

"Crown ad Anchor English Pub" to calm the excitement with Scotch,friends and the trusty sketch book.


 One of the main events for me was the marketing boot camp that took place at 6:30 am every morning. During this times, lectures on branding and marketing for artists were given by different experts.  Among them, Eric Rhoads, Leslie Saeta, Ed Terpening and Elaine Adams. The main point I gleaned from them all is that artists tend to see the business side (selling) as crass and dirty but one doesn't need to perceive it that way or become someone else to do it. It takes a lot of work for sure and the lectures were a bit short on specifics but pointed in some directions that I might pursue. Not all of them. Magazine advertising, for example.  Consistent magazine advertising might be great  but I've heard both sides of the arguments for and against. Learning about  the elements of a good website and newsletter was interesting.  I would highlight Ed Terpening's clean presentation on how to maximize your online presence. Here  is his generously published  slide presentation.   

Peter Adams, President of the California Art Club. Talking about his commission to paint the  Stations of the Cross in the L.A. Cathedral.

 Among the lectures that were not strictly demos, Jean Stern from the Irvine Museum on Franz Bischoff , Peter Adams from the California Art Club on his Jerusalem trip and commission ,  John Stobart and Mian Situ on their careers.... All very interesting from a documentary  or aspirational  point of view.
My notes on Skip Whitcomb lecture.

So there is something to be said about seeing so many artists demonstrating and speaking. A "cloud" of information to be sure but one that brought some points home. It's impossible for me in this blog to  try to elaborate on everything so I will talk about what the highlights were for me personally.

Thursday, after our ungodly hour marketing bootcamp, we had the pleasure of attending a demo by Skip Whitcomb who is an amazing painter all around. My favorite quote of his, I paraphrase: "Everybody says you have to leave your first bad 7.000, 10,000 even, paintings behind. But in order to do that and become good you need to understand why they were bad. Otherwise it's like setting the toaster on one number forever and putting one slice of bread after another expecting they won't burn."

He emphasized the necessity to do a quick sketch first, to calm down and gather thoughts, not jumping into painting straight away.  "There is NO TIME  to work in a bad idea" when you are a professional painter and "baby needs some shoes". That makes prep work even more essential. You know when a painting has gone south because you start "futzing" with the little things. Noodling is a big red flag. Keep the big shapes clear, the main idea. Skip doesn't sell his studies, he uses them for reference.

I did really enjoy Skip's approach and professional attitude. His dismissal of those who brag about painting eight pieces a day "it's not a race, paint for yourself." His advice on looking at books and "filling up your well" before setting out as a way of finding a standard of excellence. Copying from the masters not as a repetitive task but as a way of discovering solutions.



Another impressive demo was that of Peggy Kroll-Roberts, painting from the model (Ali, daughter of Ray and Peggy). She talked about her use of the mirror as a means to look at paintings as if someone else had done them and thus allowing the space to find errors. She talked about the importance of decision making. Sounds trite but deciding on what color or shape is something I struggle with and Peggy's work can be regarded as a constant exercise on decision. Likeness in a portrait is about the big stuff, not the small details. So again, big shapes, clear ideas and excellent draftmanship. She recommended Loomis book on drawing. As it usually happens, now I see Peggy's work differently and appreciate the boldness of it.

Other demos I attended that day were offered by Michael Godfrey who brought a semi-finished piece and talked about composition, painting on foggy days and creating mystery. Alexey Steele did a drawing demo and Rosemary showed how she makes her famous brushes .

Of course most of the fun conversation happens in the lobbies, where does Rosemary get her mongoose hair, what is it about BYU Art school that produces such accomplished painters; did they really rent a mule to go to the Sierras; is Wordpress the most economical way to set a website or build it yourself from scratch.; etc, etc.. And making new friends. I did make a few new ones like Dave Tanner and meet up with some old ones like Michelle de Braganca.



No lack of subject matter in Monterey.




16 comments:

Sergio Lopez said...

Very cool! Really looking forward to the rest of your posts about the convention!

Richard Lindenberg said...

Glad you took the plunge and joined us. I know it's sensory overload… but what is meant to sink in… will over time. See you again soon I hope. R

Bill Cone said...

Thanks for writing this up Jose. I liked it when you posted your notes and sketches, but filling it out like this makes it even more inspiring and informative.

Making A Mark said...

Great post Jose - you'll find a link to it on my blog. See http://makingamark.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/15th-april-2013-whos-made-mark-this-week.html

Esther said...

Really very generous of you to share! Thank you~

Sherry Schmidt said...

Thank you Jose! Wish I could have been there!

lbdesignart said...

Loved how you documented this amazing event! Thank you! Your sketchbook is inspiring. :)

Ed Terpening said...

Jose, I hope you're glad you decided to go. Was it worthwhile? I hope my presentation was helpful. If you implement the tips I spoke about, please let me know how it goes.

Cheers,
-Ed

Jose Luis De Juan said...

Thank you! Wow, I think no other post of mine got so much response. Ed, to answer your question , it was worth it. I am not sure I'd spend the money again but it's off my list for now. I will definitely try to implement the tips you gave. It's kind of overwhelming actually. I think I might try to create a new website with Wordpress ( I am not too happy with the FASO one).

Jacqueline McAbery Art said...

Hi Jose,
I was at the convention as well and really enjoy your comments and sketches. Great to read another artist's perspective of the event.
I am wondering where you took the photo of the fence and lupins?
Many thanks again!
Jacqueline McAbery

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your experience.

This is year two of unemployment for me, so I was again not able to make the investment to attend the convention.

What a wonderful blessing it must be for anyone to have the privilege of being there!

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Lee McVey said...

Thank you so much for posting about the Plein Air Convnetion. I was registered to go but had to cancel and I was so very disappointed. To find your blog was a joy. I especially liked reading about Skip Whitcomb's presentation.

Candace Doub said...

Just discovered your convention notes and am so thrilled to read about the week I just experienced! Your sketches really added that personal touch, too! Thank you so much for allowing me to re-live one of the most exciting and informative events of my life!

Thomas Jefferson Kitts said...

And I just want to add that Jose is a wonderful artist to travel with: funny, witty, always up, and a pleasure to be around. I look forward to more trips together...

Brenda Boylan said...

HI Jose,
Thanks for the insider recap. I haven't had time to look over my notes yet, but your post here was a fresh reminder of the incredible talent and wisdom shared. Glad to have spent some time together with you and hoping a creative door opens wide for you soon.
All my best,
B

Emiliya Lane said...

Thank you Jose to give al of us, who was unable to attend, a great insight on the events, festivities and atmosphere of II convention !!!