The Pelican Brief March 1, 2012

Birds of a Feather

 In the last few days there's been a flying phenomenon of feathery friends gliding in formation up the coast. Weather it is part of a winged migration due to a mild winter in Southern California, or an aviary  invasion, these prehistoric looking pterodactyl are a sight to behold. 


Transcending time; linking millenniums, teaching through metaphor. 


One gets it if they listen...

Flock together

www.thomasvanstein.net

Plein Air Painting, View from Rincon February 27, 2012

Afternoon Light, Rincon  12x16  oil/canvas

A nice sunny day along the bluff top, I painted this for my art class as a demonstration painting, capturing the Southern California Light.


The painting will be on exhibit at the upcoming Winter Quarters Exhibition at the Chris Dentzel Gallery, in Santa Barbara. Opening Wednesday February 29, 2012

www.thomasvanstein.net 

Atmospheric Perspective, Santa Barbara February 26, 2012

View from Vedanta 12x17  oil/board  2012

View from Vedanta
The Vedanta Temple in Montecito offers a commanding vista toward Santa Barbara, as well as a mellow space for meditation.


Demonstration painting for my plein air painting class "Light and Shadow in Art". This painting will be on exhibit for the upcoming show, Winter Quarters at the Chris Dentzel Gallery
Santa Barbara; opening February 29, 2012

www.thomasvanstein.net

Winter Quarters Art Exhibition February 25, 2012

Clarence Hinkle's View  9x12

National Academy member Clarence Hinkle (1880-1860) lived in Santa Barbara
from 1935-1960. He taught at the Art Center in Los Angeles, and influenced many contemporary artists such as Santa Barbara OAK GROUP member, Meredeth Abbott.  

Last November I was invited to take my class to his former home/studio,  by it's current resident; artist, Priscilla Fossek, to view his studio (which is now her studio) and yard where he'd painted many a masterpiece. I wanted to give the class the opportunity to get close to the "spirit of a master," and paint from a perspective rarely seen by the general public and/or those who appreciate art history.



Winter Quarters Art Exhibition

February 29-June 29
Chris Dentzel Gallery
828 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara

(805) 962-5030

Preview Evening Wednesday February 29, 2012 5-8pm

First Thursday Opening: Thursday March 1, 2012 5-8 pm

Winter Quarters Art Exhibition February 24, 2012

Winter Light,  Butterfly Beach 9x12 oil

Butterfly Beach Demonstration Painting.


I love painting at Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara, especially because it is so popular; everyone considers it to be, "Their Beach".


This is the finished Demo from (see my Blog from Ground Hogs Day: February 2, 2012

It will be on exhibit next week at the Chris Dentzel Gallery,  in the Winter Quarters Art Exhibition.

Winter Quarters Art Exhibition

February 29-June 29
Chris Dentzel Gallery
828 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara

(805) 962-5030

Preview Evening Wednesday February 29, 2012 5-8pm

First Thursday Opening: Thursday March 1, 2012 5-8 pm

Winter Quarters Art Exhibition February 19, 2012

Winter Surf 6x9  oil/board

Quick gestural sketch of the California Surf off Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara


It was my demonstration painting for my class "Light and Shadow in Art"
Painted February 8, 2012.

I dedicate this post to my long time buddy Steve Taraldsen, who is battling enormous  waves of adversity; get well soon my friend. Hold Fast!



Winter Quarters Art Exhibition

February 29-June 29
Chris Dentzel Gallery
828 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara

(805) 962-5030

Preview Evening Wednesday February 29, 2012 5-8pm

First Thursday Opening: Thursday March 1, 2012 5-8 pm

Winter Quarters Art Exhibition February 22, 2012

Winter Sunset 9x12  oil/board 2012

Winter Sunset from above Tunnel Road.
The Sun sets incredibly fast in the winter; one must paint quickly to capture the fleeting light over Santa Barbara.