The picture here was taken February 2, during an invitational live painting demo for the Art League North in Mt. Vernon, Washington, with about 25 artist members in attendance. I re-visited the “Molino” (waterwheel) where I had painted “en plein air” on the Arno River at Rovezzano, Italy from our recent trip.

I was also honored to do a live simulated “plein air” demo for 50 artists at the Olympia Art League, in Olympia, WA, last month. That demo painting “Along the road to Volterra” is on their web site: www.olympiaartleague.com

Demos like these are an integral part of the workshops I teach, as the paintings are done with the same amount of time and energy that goes into working on-site, even though from reference photos and my own memory of light and weather conditions. It is also how I work in my studio, after returning from a long painting trip; editing through the thousands of reference photos we take during our travels, and selecting the best to use for paintings.

On April 20-22, I will be teaching a 3 day pastel workshop at Ocean Shores, WA, as part of the 43rd annual Associated Arts of Ocean Shores National Juried Fine Art Competition. There are still a few spots left in that workshop – email Linda Parisi at: ParisiArt@msn.com for information.

One year ago, I was honored to be selected by the Associated Artists of Ocean Shores, as the Fine Arts Juror for this juried fine art competition, and have already picked about 90 pieces from over 170 entries nationwide, which will be displayed at their beautiful new convention center, April 20-22. The quality of the artwork submitted was outstanding and it will be difficult to choose among the best for cash awards, which total over $10,000. www.associatedarts.org for exhibit schedule and events.

This summer, I am teaching another 4 day plein air painting workshop in Northwest Georgia, June 28-July 1, near Rome, about 75 miles northwest of Atlanta and near Chattanooga, TN. It is limited to 10 students . . . we will be painting around historic Rome and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Some space is still available. Contact me or email Wanda Riggs: wanda.riggs@gmail.com for complete details.

My last Lopez Island Pastel workshop of 2012, will be August 10-12 and is full with a waiting list only. I plan to offer more workshops through Dakota Art Center, in Mt. Vernon, WA, (formerly La Conner Art Workshops) next fall and winter, as well. Watch for announcements of dates and details at info@dakotapastels.com