The challenges are fading light, the elements, especially wind, and rattlesnakes and bugs that get in the paint, says artist Michael Obermeyer of Aliso Viejo. He successfully overcame them all last year during the art foundation's first plein air event, earning the honor of poster artist for the 2000 paint-in. Obermeyer painted in art foundation board member Diane Adolph's backyard. One of Southern California's fastest rising artists, he took first place in the Carmel Plein Air Painting Competition. His clients include Disney Studios, the Irvine Company, the Orange County Register, Warner Brothers, McDonnell Douglas and a host of private individuals.
Participation is by invitation only.
With the help of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, the La Quinta art group researched, selected and invited 75 contemporary artists. With that number of artists, we can showcase their work like we should at the unveiling in the hotel ballroom. At the Jan. 28 unveiling, each artist can show four paintings, three from locations throughout the Coachella Valley and one from the quickdraw at the Living Desert. Artists can present more of their paintings from the past week and from their private collections at the following two-day Fine Arts Under the Umbrella event at La Quinta Resort and Club. Works at both events will be offered for sale.