So I was supposed to meet some artists at a park in Pasadena. I had no idea who they were because the invite was through Facebook. I figured, "what the heck? Go someplace new, see a new landscape and meet some new artists." When I got to the park, no one was to be found. I asked some nearby women if I was at the right place. Turns out I was, but still no other artists to be found. When I mentioned to them why I was there, one said that she saw a whole bunch of people down the road with easels. I took a chance and sure enough there were a whole bunch of artist there with a bunch of easels. But they weren't painting. They were exhibiting their work right outside. They weren't the people I was supposed to meet, instead these people comprised some the the members of the California Art club, a club I had intended to join at some point but simply never got around to it. This outdoor exhibit that I had fortuitously ran into only shows once a year. It was beshert, (yiddish for fate) that I was here on this day and this place. Some of the work showing was quite good. I joined the club that very day actually!
Since I had my paints with me already, I decided not to pass up some painting time, so I set up down in a valley with a view of this bridge in Pasadena. Turns out another painter had the same idea, and his name was Richard Gallego. We got to talking and he was a totally nice guy, very outgoing and passionate about en plein air work too. We exchanged info and have already went painting at an amazing location.
While I was painting the bridge, I noticed a hole in the ground by my right foot. Throughout the course of the day, an inquisitive ground hog kept on sticking his head out and inspecting my painting. It was pretty funny. I wonder if he saw my shadow...Overall, a very good day!!
