Work Begins. Umbria, 2023

Much has happened in the 4 months we've been away from Umbria. The big change is the closing of the gallery back in California. We had planned to make this move for some time, and we are happy about the decision. Being here without the extra stress is wonderful. For both of us.

Johnny has been really looking forward to working here, both in his studio and out in the country side. He is planning on shipping home both large abstract paintings and a bunch of smaller plein-air pieces. We have a couple of side trips planned, so there may even be some plein-air work from Venice and Paris...fingers crossed.

On arrival, Johnny always takes stock of what he left here in the studio, and what he'll need to buy in the next week or so. He loves those first moments here...checking it all out...

The painting on the wall never made it back last trip.

Checking stuff out.

When we arrived last week, the weather wasn't the best, but it's March, so we;'re used to grey skies and cooler temps. Still, Johnny started sketching, and the sun has popped out here and there.

Stopping to sketch on a recent morning walk.

Taking photos for reference.

Usually, he'll do several sketches that get color later. These will have either watercolor or gouache added, or maybe not. Sometimes the sketches remain 'black & white'. They will be nice matted and framed at some point.

Adding color on a sunnier afternoon.

Sunday was lovely, so we planned on a drive around the area to set up for oil painting. The amount of stuff needed to paint plein-air takes up the entire trunk of the car!

Admittedly, it's not a huge trunk...but still.

Set up and ready to paint. 

These are very old stone walls that once surrounded this small village.
Johnny loves the history in this area.

A perfect day to paint outdoors.

A good start.

When we came back to the studio, Johnny continued working on this piece. He decided to take out the olive tree. He feels this makes a more dramatic composition.

He thinks it's done now.

 

That large oil painting that was never sent back last year...he's already reworking it...

Johnny's larger abstract paintings are now represented by Westbrook Modern in Carmel, CA.

The smaller plein-air paintings will be represented through us, as well as The Carmel Art Association in Carmel, CA

Follow Johnny on Instagram: #johnnymackapodaca

2023...Time For The Next Chapter

As many of you know, we have closed our "brick and mortar" gallery in Carmel. We had planned for some time to retire the gallery. It was a wonderful chapter in our lives, and we're so happy to have experienced it. We can't thank you all for your friendship and support over the years! I (Janelle here) will really miss being in the gallery and spending time with so many of you on a regular basis...it was a true pleasure that I will treasure.

Johnny will continue to paint, of course. He is planning to do more plein-air paintings while we are in Italy, and we will be promoting and selling these pieces through this blog and our normal website. He will continue to show his work at Carmel Art Association, as well.

He will be painting his larger abstracts that will now be represented by Westbrook Modern in Carmel. Johnny is proud to be showing his work in this wonderful gallery.

We wanted to start the year with a look back at the time we've spent traveling to Umbria, Italy, and all the work that has come home from there...over a decade of painting and being inspired by this magical place has been a joy, a dream and a love and will continue to be a major part of our lives. Johnny has said it over and over...he will never get tired of painting this beautiful landscape.

It's tough work. He hauls so much equiptment with him when he's out painting, but that is the painter's happy chore.

He may not work everyday, but he's always looking, looking, looking...

 

Painting in a pal's garden....

Or even in the snow!

Johnny always carries a few sketch pads of various sizes. Some are just for sketching a moment, others are for drawing to add color to later ...

We often drive out into the farmlands and countryside to find a spot to pull the car over for a work session.

Taking our daily walks is always inspiring.

There are so many memories in these paintings, and the paintings have found their way all over the world. It's quite moving to think about, you know?

The Italian studio will also be a busy place. We plan to ship back many larger works on canvas, as we've been doing now for years. Johnny loves his studio in Umbria!

So, let's stay in touch. Plan to check out the blog from time to time, and keep an eye out for emails that will be featuring the pieces that will soon be available. We're heading back to Umbria soon, so stay tuned!

Gallery Apodaca 

Westbrook Modern Gallery

Carmel Art Association

Work Begins In Umbria/September 2022

Janelle writing this one....

After a long couple of days flying and getting settled here in Umbria, Johnny had a few chances to get out and do some drawing and watercolors before we headed to Venice to see some exhibitions.

The weather here was great when we arrived, but as of late, it has been warm, and lots of major rain.

I'm just glad he was able to get out and get started. We go out to find a place for him to work, and I'll take a few pictures and then walk or sit and read. It works well for both of us.

The rental car/outdoor studio.

When the light is good and the weather is also, we'll head out...

A favorite spot to visit and draw or paint...

Sometimes the trunk is all he needs.

Catching the late afternoon light.

Drawing on a panel to paint later, this is in our garden.

Our landlord, Carlo, put this bench in for Johnny to paint from.

Another great spot with good views...

I'm so glad to see Johnny working here. He loves going out to the fields as much as working in the studio here. We feel so grateful.

Capturing a moment.

After making a few drawings, it's always nice to take a break and paint...with a glass of wine, if possible.

We took a day trip to Florence for art supplies, and got in some art viewing as well..

Break time for coffee is always a good idea.

Last week we headed back up to Venice to take in some exhibitions we missed in the spring.

We were super happy to come upon a show that just opened. Oscar Murillo, a favorite of Johnny's, was actually in town for this opening and Johnny got to meet him and shake his hand. We were able to be there for a lecture, as well. A real special treat, to be sure.

These are some shots from the show...

Murillo's take on Monet...sublime!

One of the shows we missed in the spring was by Daniel Richter. I'm just so glad we were able to see it before it closed! These exhibitions are just so important for Johnny to view. I really enjoyed this one, too...

Really vibrant color.

We always try to pop into any venue that is showing something interesting. I was more into the contemporary exhibition here, while Johnny checked out the classic art in this church in Venice.

Back home in Umbria, work has begun in the studio...Let's see what happens next.

Here's a short video to enjoy...
 

We saw another wonderful show in Venice that we missed in the spring. I wrote about it on my blog, "Live Pronto". You can read about it here.