Just got back from a wedding in Ojai. We had a great time and there was even a bit of time to paint. Last time I was in Ojai I was not plein air painting. Ojai is like taking a step back to the 50's and 60's of what California was when I first came as a child from New York. It was country. I remember all the lovely trees and back roads. The thing I was reminded of was the wonderful sound of silence and the sound of a car or airplane in the far distance. It was so peaceful and revitalizing.This painting was done on a back road near a ranch of fruit trees. I love roads. They just go until you can't see anymore. I have been thinking a lot about atmosphere. I struggle with values and color that push a scene into the distance. I want to understand what is going on back there and why it looks so far away. I know the academics, but I fight with it. Ojai offered major atmosphere without smog to gray everything down. The distant mountains were truly a dreamy blue. I was happy to have this wonderful California country side to practice. It was a nice relaxing weekend and my husband was a great sport. Actually he was very encouraging and made it so easy for me to do my thing. He brought his chair and book and snoozed from time to time on the side of the road.
