Plein-Air Painting, May, 2023

Last week, we drove out to a favorite spot for Johnny to set up to paint. We are having to keep a close watch on the weather, as it's been so off and on. At least it hasn't been really windy, which makes it almost impossible to paint plein-air. What's been a pain... is the rain. So unusual for this time of year to have day after day of rain. 

Anyway, when it is a nice day or there are a few good hours of sun, we head out to the fields...

This is a spot with a view of Lago di Chiusi (Lake Chiusi).

Laying in some lines...

Note the oncoming clouds...

As always, I took a walk along the dirt road while Johnny did some painting.

This is an absolutely beautiful area, with amazing views and lots of interesting scenes. We like to come to this area to watch the sunset, too. It's all so green right now. A silver lining to all the rain, I guess.

Almost finished. 

In another area, on another day, We went to another favorite spot. There is a much loved row of "Umbrella Pines" just off of a side road. We call them "The Walking Trees". We've seen a few go down over the years, and it's sad to imagine more falling down, but it happens.

I'm so glad Johnny finally decided to paint this magical scene.

Sketching in the lines.

The orange farm house is such a nice contrast.

We've walked and driven up the road where the trees actually are. It's a great place to wander around. Years ago, I did a blog post about poking around an old empty house near the trees. Now, it would be impossible to do that sort of wandering around! There are signs to keep people like me out, which probably is a good thing.

Really out there in the weeds!

Another beauty.

On yet another day...a really nice sunny and warm day...we were lucky to join pals on their boat and go out to one of the islands on the big lake, Lago Trasimeno. There is a sweet little church there that Johnny stopped and painted.

I love this one.

 

More to come. Stay tuned!

For information on these small pieces:

email: johnnyapodaca@me.com

Instagram:

#galleryapodaca

#johnnymackapodaca

Plein-Air Painting in Umbria, Spring 2023

The weather has been very off and on this spring here in Umbria. We have had some really grey, wet, and windy days...too many of them to get out and paint plein-air. 

We try and get out between storms, though. Johnny has been painting in the local fields, when the weather is on our side. When it's a good day, he'll stop 3-4 times along a dirt road and get to work.

Taking advantage of o nice day.

Painting a scene nearby.

The finished piece.

Heading along another dirt road, for another painting. I usually take walks or bring a book to read. I try to take photos and videos to give you an idea of the process. It's a pleasure to be out in the country side on a nice day, for sure.

A very peaceful spot to enjoy.

I believe Johnny looks for a spot that has structures. He really likes to paint the local farm houses.

Beyond the too huge property in the foreground, there is an old church on the hill.
This is the subject he will paint.

We always look for a place to pull over so tractors can go by.

We walk by this church sometimes, and Johnny's fantasy is to have it as a studio someday. It's good to dream!

One more stop on this day, one more little gem...

 

As I write this, the weather has turned for the better, so I'm hoping we will have a few mor outings before heading back to California later this month.

Stay tuned, and if you are interested in the work, you can contact Johnny by email:

johnnyapodaca@me.com

Painting On Isola Polvese, May 2023

 

We are so fortunate to live here half the year in Umbria near a big lake, Lago Trasimeno... We love having this water element in our lives here, much like living near the Pacific Ocean in California. 

Johnny likes comeing out to one or two of the islands to paint, and we've been lucky with good weather this week.

Though the skies started out cloudy, it got better and better as the day went on...

Always nice to paint with a castle in the background, right?

Always dealing with hauling and setting up "the stuff" to paint.

Settling in to work.

Laying in the lines...

A wonderful view of a little village,
"Monte del Lago" , in the distance.

Done.

We walked all around the island, stopping for a glass of wine and a pic-nic...

Below, Johnny working on a second painting for the day...

He really got the sky just right.

Below, in the studio...several of the plein-air paintings done so far...

If you want to see more about our trip to Isola Polvese, check this link, below:

https://livepronto.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-day-on-island.html

First Oil Painting Umbria, 2017

  Out in the field again. It's been ten months since I've painted 'plein air'.
  It's beautiful here this year. The light is different, it's warmer-more clear. It's even richer views.
  It's exciting to me.

 
Still need to figure out my painting gear. It takes time to organize.

The blank canvas beckons. The first of the season.

  

   Must fill the canvas with color. A spontaneous approach, feeling the color as I go, full tilt; No questions.
  Just paint. From my gut.
  Spontaneity comes from forty-five years of experience. Nothing comes from a void.

Standing alone in the field.

Pure painting. Pure joy.

Work done.

   Now for refreshment.