I am thrilled to have been one of the 25 artists participating in the 22nd annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. In light of this year’s precautions the Invitational was a virtual event. Most artists painted scenes from Laguna Beach from their studios but I chose to paint on site in Laguna. While missing the interaction with other artists and collectors it was a great time to focus on painting the spectacular coastal beauty around Laguna. The week ended with a virtual gala gathering and sale. In addition to several sales I was honored to receive the ”Architectural Award” for my plein air painting of Mission San Juan Capistrano. A big hats off to LPAPA’s Rosemary Swimm and Toni Kellenberg for orchestrating an amazing event!

I was thrilled and honored to find out I just received the "Best of Show" award for "Mustard Fields" at Driggs Plein Air 2020! There were many outstanding entries. It was especially meaningful to hear the judges comments:

Everything comes together perfectly in this painting to give us a story of the beauty, the expansiveness and the awesome power of the landscape. We are immediately struck with the strong design of the foreground fields. The sharply controlled edges of the yellow suggest the influence of humanity. This is not a wild place, yet as we move up the painting, the brushstrokes become ever more spontaneous. Once our eyes reach the sky, the chaotic impasto paint of the clouds suggest the unpredictability of nature, even in the face of the familiar fields. This juxtaposition creates a tension that keeps us moving through and exploring the scene. Congratulations on a fabulous painting.
– Patrick Saunders
 
I find the foreground of the piece to be fascinating.  Diagonals, colors, light and shadow is all complimented by a solid backdrop (with just the right amount of complimenting colors) and immense sky.  The total package combined in one excellent plein air painting.
– Scott Jones

David was thrilled to once again be one of the Club Artists in this exceptional exhibit of contemporary realism. The Red Carpet Reception was an amazing event with 5 of David’s 6 painting selling! The Coors Western Art Gallery kicks off the Denver National Western Stock Show and continues during the event. The Coors Art Show is unique because it is such a fresh twist on the Western theme. Rose Fredrick had done  an incredible job curating the show. Here are a couple of David's pieces.  coorswesternart.com/index.php/club-artists

The year started off in a big way. David was invited to participate in the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale in Denver, Colorado, one of the finest exhibitions of contemporary realism of the Western United States.  It is a real honor to be included in this amazing show! A preview night, followed by the dinner and sale the next evening kicked off the two-week National Western Stock Show. The exhibit and sale benefits the National Western Scholarship Trust, which provides college financial support to the next generation of agribusiness and rural medical leaders. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new collectors and incredible artists. David thrilled to report that 5 of his 6 painting sold!  www.coorswesternart.com

I am honored to have Rising Up selected for the The Russell Auction in March 2018.  The painting depicts the Tetons Mountains, taken from a hike this summer.  The auction to benefit the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT includes world-class art from both living and deceased artists.  As a part of the "western art week" I will have a display room at The Outwest Art Show & Sale at the Heritage Inn, March 14 - 17.  If you have never attended, it is well worth a trip, both to surround yourself with some incredible art, as well as have a great time! 

Rising Up, 40x30" oil

I was excited to learn I received the Mayor’s Award at this year’s Edmonds Arts Festival for my painting “Sveti Vlaho, Dubrovnik”.  The painting depicts the aging cathedral illumined by the morning sunshine in the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik.  I was struck by the play of light and shadows and tried to capture its essence.  Thanks to all of those who work so tirelessly to put on a great show and preview party.

Edison is a very small town off the beaten tracks in northwestern Washington.  If you blink a couple of times you might miss it.  It’s well worth stopping though for its bakery, gallery, small shops and restaurants.  I tried to capture its charm in this 12x16" oil. I loved how the afternoon shadows fell across the road.  “Downtown Edison” will be part of AIS’s inaugural show in Costa Mesa, California.  March 11 – 26 at the Randy Higbee Gallery.