Celebrating the Heritage and Practices of Traditional Fine Arts Worldwide
On Location in Malibu 2024 – Gallery
May 11 - July 28, 2024 Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University
Drawing inspiration from landscapes of one of the nation’s most picturesque regions, this exhibition marks the ninth installment in a triennial series beginning in 1999. Presented in collaboration with the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University, Malibu’s diverse topography, which stretches from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, sets a stunning backdrop. Amidst this natural splendor exists a vibrant community of residents and visitors, fueling the area’s artistic creativity. From the renowned surf culture to the rich array of wildlife, Malibu offers an endless wellspring of inspiration. Join us as we explore this dynamic locale, On Location in Malibu.
The guest judge for this exhibition is Rick Gibson, Senior Vice Chancellor at Pepperdine University.
The Malibu Creek State Park, and the Crags, one of the highlights in the Park is only 30 minutes from my studio, and if you have not been it should be on your bucket list!
While exploring El Matador State Beach, I was fascinated with the tall vertical cliffs, outcroppings, and the many rock formations both large and small on the beach. As I wandered through this maze of rock I was surprised by the towering giant Agave overhead, seemingly growing out of a small perch of solid rock midway up the cliff. The stalk appeared to be more than half the height of the cliff. I remember my father calling them century plants when I was young because, it was said, "They only bloom once every one hundred years." Years later I found out that this really wasn’t true, but that once they did bloom the plant died. The Giant American Agave can reach 30 feet in height. A beautiful day exploring and a wonderful small memory of my dad.
This winter Peter Strauss Ranch had lots of water in the stream and the sycamores had fully recovered from the recent fires. The luminescent color of the leaves are the most striking of the scene.
Storms were passing through the canyon of Malibu Creek State Park, when suddenly there was a break in the heavy blanket of clouds; blue skies and bright sunlight created a patchwork of patterns on the hills.
This painting, Late Autumn Malibu was painted on location at the King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. It was a perfect autumn day after the months of rain and I wanted to capture the light on the sycamore trees and the tile roof and stucco walls glowing before the mountains in the background. It was a fleeting moment and this is the joy of painting from life. I want to capture the feelings I had surrounded by nature’s beauty and share them with the viewer through direct paint application, expressive brush work, composition, design, color and value.
Malibu on My Mind captures the serene beauty of California's coastal landscape. Eucalyptus and sycamore trees sway amidst colorful hills, while a tranquil stream winds through the scene. Late-day lighting casts warm hues, illuminating impressionistic clouds in the blue sky. Light dances on the water's surface, highlighting the textured bark of a yellow sycamore. The painting's rich texture invites viewers to immerse themselves in the vibrant scenery, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. Malibu on My Mind serves as a reminder of the captivating allure of Malibu's natural beauty and the enduring inspiration it holds for artists and admirers alike.
When I was walking on the hilltop there, my eyes were caught by the atmospheric and shadow pattern from the trees against the beautiful distant hazy mountains. I could not help to take a lots of photos as reference for this painting done in my studio.
It was a spring afternoon when I looked for a subject to paint. I feel these oak trees are very appealing when they are backlit. The saturated foreground grass contrasting to the light purple grey backdrop becomes such an inviting spot to me.
These beautiful sycamores with their curving limbs appear to embrace each other in a dance under the golden canopy of leaves that shimmer in the afternoon light of the canyon.
An urban oasis, steps away from the ocean, attracting passersbyers and students alike. A distinctive Malibu landmark, steeped in phthalocyanine and ultramarine blues.
Malibu Creek Park is one of my favorite places to paint. It just has it all, the beautiful hills, the robust oak trees, the flowing streams with calm blue waters! All of it, a feast for the artist's eyes.
