Category Archives: Uncategorized

Catching up!

Posted on by Laura
11 Oct

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in here, so there’s a lot to catch up on! (Follow me on instagram @laurarosenkranz for more frequent posting.)  I’m going to break up the news over the course of several blog posts, so stay tuned for more updates in the weeks to come.

Last November, Scott and I had the chance to drive up the coast for a little getaway in the Carmel Highlands. I could’ve stood in one spot and just rotated indiscriminately and would have found ample beauty and inspiration for painting. As it was, I returned several times to Point Lobos and China Cove and also enjoyed the views from the town of Carmel. What a glorious place! Here are some of the results —

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Misty Morning at Point Lobos
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Carmel Afternoon
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China Cove Colors
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Action shot!

Coastal California {Solo Show at Vino Nostra}

Posted on by Laura
27 Oct

My upcoming solo show, “Coastal California,” will be held at Vino Nostra in Fullerton during the month of November. I’m excited to show a lot of new work produced this year as I’ve explored the cliffs and beaches of the SoCal coast.

The show opens on Friday, November 4th during the Fullerton Artwalk. Come see the paintings and enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer at Vino Nostra!

I will be hosting an artist’s reception on Thursday, November 17th–everyone is invited! It’s always fun to tell the stories behind plein air paintings–each moment is crystalized–the fall of light, the weather, the shape of the land and the water. I’d love to share these things with you! Join me November 17th from 7 to 9 pm at everyone’s favorite little spot for drinks in Fullerton.

Ventura Adventures {Plein Air Invitational Recap}

Posted on by Laura
26 Oct

In the middle of October I spent a full week painting in and around the beautiful city of Ventura. It took me a little while to recover after seven days of non-stop plein air fun and work! I spent the lead up to the Invitational packing up frames and canvases and making sure everything I needed would be easily accessible in my car. Scott and the kids wished me well and sent me off with lots of encouragement–“You’ll do great, Mom!” I was pretty nervous myself, but excited to get the opportunity to devote a full week to painting on location.

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The week began with record heat–temps over 100 degrees! The seventeen plein air painters schlepped our gear from the tops of the hills to the coast, back inland to farms and orchards, and around the beachy town of Ventura. It was great to share the camaraderie of painting with other enthusiastic plein air artists, and also wonderful for me to have many hours of uninterrupted focus all on my own.

“California Coda” painted from Emma Woods State Beach.

The weather returned to more normal 70s and 80s by the end of the week as we worked on finishing up and framing our paintings. Juror David Gallup awarded honors for the work we submitted from our Ventura adventures. Big congratulations to Anette Powers for her grand prize winning piece, “Sneaky Pete”! She also received the third place award. Pam D’Ambrosi was given the first place award, and (whoa!) I was awarded second place!

“Channel Islands View” was painted on one of those hot, clear days at the beginning of the week.

 

“The Red Bag” was painted during the quick draw.

On Saturday morning we participated in a “Quick Draw” event. We had two hours to complete a painting, frame it, and submit it for judging by the general public who streamed through Very Ventura’s Gallery V during Artwalk on Saturday and Sunday. Ray Harris’s quick draw painting was the winner!

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The final award given at the Ventura Invitational was the “Artist’s Choice” in which all the painters vote for one painter’s entire body of work being shown at the gallery as most deserving of recognition. I was shocked and incredibly honored to receive this award from my peers!

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Thank you to all the participants and supporters and collectors who made this week so amazing. And huge thanks to Kay Zetlmaier and Chris Beirne (and also Gereld Zwers) who planned and executed a wonderful plein air invitational!

Ventura Plein Air Invitational

Posted on by Laura
09 Sep

{recent plein air work at Crystal Cove State Beach}

I’m incredibly honored to have been invited to participate in the Venture Plein Air Invitational this month, September 25th through October 2nd. As I get prepared I’m starting to feel excited (and a little nervous too!).

One of the energizing things about painting outside is the intensity of focus and efficiency needed to capture one’s subject in a short amount of time (two to three hours, usually) and in ever-changing conditions (shifting light, wind and weather, passers-by).

A plein air painting invitational takes all these things and amplifies them. It’s partly an extended, sprawling paint-out where fellow painters encourage and sharpen one’s work. It’s partly a sporting event where everyone is “on,” working to produce the best body of work we can in the space of a few days.

I’m prepping my canvasses and packing my bags for an adventure exploring Ventura and pushing myself to produce the best work I can during the week. If you’re in the area come check it out! There will a number of events open to the public including the final show during ArtWalk on October 1st and 2nd. See the website for more details:

Ventura Plein Air Invitational

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Hope to see you there!