What makes a plein air party you may ask?

A gorgeous day, a stunning location, a mess of easels, paints, mediums, gloves and canvases or boards and you’re good to go – oh yes, and most importantly a whole whack of talented artists!

What makes it festive is a hot barbecue, a cold beer and a mountain of mouth watering desserts. Add in a painting and gift exchange, some lava soap and hand lotion all is merry and bright!

Artist Diana Leone and her husband Ed hosted the LGAA -PA holiday party this year and it was time for me to break out of the studio and brush up on my plein air skills. Most artists chose to paint a view of the meandering Calero Creek but I went with the Leone’s magnificent persimmon tree. I must say, I so enjoyed sitting underneath that canopy of impossibly orange fruit set against that brilliant blue sky, watching the flock of marauding starlings and listening to the croaking of bullfrogs – I didn’t really care how my painting was turning out! So when artist Kevin Kasik came to climb the tree and harvest what he could reach, I was only to happy to get out of the way. Not before a plump, ripe persimmon practically fell into my lap – and my, it was sweet!

Calero Creek meandering along in the morning light of a Californian winter.

Plein air artists setting up to paint along the creek.

Artist Hershel Abelman blocking in his values with a persimmon underpainting.

Artist Rebecca White ready with her palette knife!

Artist Kathy Carlquist adding the last touches to her view of the Calero Creek.

Artist Diana Leone laying in her color. Visit her website at www.dianaleone.com

Artist Cynthia DeBenedetti  capturing the moment.  www.cdebenedettistudio.com.

Artist Ellen Howard setting up her easel. Visit her website www.ellenhowardart.com.

Artist Will Maller setting up for plein air.  His website is willmaller.com.

Will Maller has sketched in the work with persimmon orange, start with a spark!

Will Maller’s paints could be a great painting too.

The Leone’s Hachiya Persimmon tree was dripping with ripe fruit.

Flocks of marauding starlings liked them too!

Working on my persimmon painting under that big beautiful tree.

This view was the inspiration for my painting.

And the result before I let Kevin have the tree.

Artist Kevin Kasik harvesting persimmons on high.

Kevin Kasik out on a limb.  See his work at www.kevinkasikart.com

Kevin Kasik tossing persimmons to artists below.

This is my favorite one of Kevin Kasik in the persimmon tree with the tub ready below.

One of two tubs filled with very ripe fruit – someone is going to be busy!

Keep it clean party favor – best soap ever! Thanks Diana!