California on my mind... again.

"I prefer winter when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Although a compelling quote by Andrew Wyeth, it's not something you would hear me say. I prefer a warmer climate so with winter fast approaching I decided to fly out to Santa Barbara for Waterhouse Gallery's, "Great American Figurative Show." I had two new paintings for the show and artists from across the country gathered for the opening reception. After the show, over 60 guests, collectors and artists strolled down State Street in the chilly night air for a lively dinner at Cafe Buenos Aires. On Sunday morning the artists were treated to a cruise around the harbor. I had a chance to get to know some outstanding painters who's work I admire. Many thanks to Ralph and Diane Waterhouse for thier wonderful hospitality and hard work. I'd also like to thank the folks at the Franciscan Inn for taking great care of us!

Plein Air Workshops 2009

Art, Culture & Travel... the plein air workshop is an exciting way to combine all three. My goal is to provide outstanding instruction and a stress-free, travel experience. Contact Eli Cedrone Fine Art at 781-443-4014 or visit www.elicedrone.com for more info.

The Santa Fe Workshop
May 2 & 3, 2009
Follow in the footsteps of Georgia O'Keefe... this new workshop location will be sure to inspire! Santa Fe is an enchanting travel destination rich in heritage, arts and culture. You'll be nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the foothills of the Rockies, immersed in natural beauty, with an average of 325 days of sunshine and blue sky. Join us as we explore the environs of this historic high desert town while learning the fundamentals of painting en plein air. Fee for two days of instruction is $200. Still space available if you want to join us.

The Bermuda Workshop
November 20-22, 2009
Join award winning artist, Eli Cedrone for a unique experience in Bermuda! Follow in the footsteps of Winslow Homer, from the breathtaking, beaches of the South Shore to the winding alleyways of St. George’s. Explore the island, “en plein aire” while learning to paint in the alla prima tradition; from life and in one sitting. This 3 day workshop includes a demo and lecture each day and is scheduled for November, when the climate in Bermuda is perfect for painting outdoors. This workshop is designed to be a stress-free, fun experience.

Fee for three days of instruction is $300. A deposit of $150 is required by October, 15th to hold your place. Please contact Bermuda specialist, Linda Mitchell at 781-354-1102 to coordinate your travel arrangements with the group. She has selected several hotel options to choose from in Hamilton.A valid passport is required for travel to Bermuda. Space is limited to 15 people, book early to take advantage of special rates. Contact Eli at artfulhand@comcast.net or call 781-443-4014 for a supply list.

The Summer of '08

"One must always be prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation". This quote, from the book, "Eat, Pray, Love" pretty much describes the whirlwind of activity this summer!
My friends Robin (from the Laguna College of Art & Design) and Heidi a fellow designer from my publishing days) were in town. We caught a Red Sox game, cruised to Nantucket and toured from Boston to Provincetown. All in one week!
Speaking of the Cape, Mercedes Hall gave a dynamic performance at the Wequasett Inn. She's an award winning singer who's son happens to be Anthony Michael Hall of Breakfast Club and more recently Batman fame. I've known Mercedes for a couple of years and she's as beautiful as she is talented. Inspired by her performance I created several paintings of her on stage.
And lastly, I took part in a group show the "Art of Dining" on August 23rd at Wynne Falconer Gallery in Chatham. Kenny & Allison (the owners) invited me to their annual "Tailight Party" - a farewell to the hoards of visitors that inhabit the Cape in July & August. It marks a return to the peace and tranquility of summers end.

The Guild of Boston Artists

The Opening Reception and Awards Presentation for the Annual New England Representational Painting Competition was held last night in Boston. The competition was open to all New England artists, both member and non-members of The Guild. From 200 entries by 70 artists, thrity-five paintings were chosen by the jurors: Robert Douglas Hunter, Pamela Pindell, and Frank Strazzulla, Jr.

The show will run from August 7 - 31, 2008. To view the entire exhibition visit: http://www.guildofbostonartists.org/RegionalJuriedCompetition.htm. 162 Newbury Street - Boston, Massachusetts 02116, 617-536-7660.

California Dreamin'

Well summer is winding down and I'm not looking forward to the winter. I'll be heading for warmer climates every chance I get. I plan to attend the Annual Plein Air Invitational in Laguna Beach this October. Having lived in Laguna for over 10 years, I return often to visit friends and fellow artists. I'm an active member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters and look forward to another successful year with them. Two paintings were recently juried into the Best of Plein Air show at the Laguna College of Art & Design in June. Visit the LPAPA website at: www.lpapa.org.

A great place to visit and enjoy a casual lunch is Crystal Cove, an old artists haunt dating back to the 1920's which continues to be a favorite en plein air site. My pal, Heidi was able to reserve one of the vintage cottages for my visit. Located directly on the beach or overlooking it from a bluff top, each cottage has been painstakingly restored and furnished to recreate Crystal Cove's unique historic beach culture and ambience. First developed as a 1920's movie set due to its seclusion and tropical aura, the community thrived and became beloved for its relaxed, atmosphere and picturesque landscape.

Artists Turn Up the Heat

Earlier this summer I took part in a group exhibition called "Heat" at the Oceanside 17 Gallery in Hull, MA. The article below, by Correspondent Robert Knox appeared in the Boston Globe on August 7, 2008.

An invitation to artists to take part in a summer art show on the theme of "heat" elicited a variety of images: from beach scenes of dark blue water, and children looking for shells, to studies of hot chili peppers, glass representations of wave patterns, and a few nudes.

"Heat could mean many things," said gallery owner and painter Franny Andahazy of the summer show at Oceanside 17 Studio and Gallery in Hull. She titled her own image of hot peppers "Hot Lovers."

Oceanside 17 takes advantage of its setting in beach-hugging Hull to hold a summer-themed show each year. Andahazy invites artists whose works she admires, many of them from nearby towns, to participate. They are "artists that I knew would do a good job with a summer image," she says.

The offerings this year include vertical oil by Eli Cedrone of Stoughton ("Shellseekers") depicting the classic seaside image of children staring carefully at the water's edge, which reflects impressionistic colors back to the viewer.

"The Fine Art of Dining"

Wynne Falconer Gallery presents new paintings of interior dining scenes by Boston artist Eli Cedrone.
The opening reception will be held on August 23rd, 6-8 pm.

This series of bars and restaurants began with my participation in the Annual Copley Society's Fresh Paint event in May 2008. It was raining that day so I decided to duck into a bar near Newbury Street in Boston called Paparazzi. Once inside I was invited to set up my easel. It was a great opportunity to paint a difficult subject, on location and I was able to capture the wonderful light and energy of the scene.

Representing contemporary well established and emerging artists from around the country, the Wynne Falconer Gallery provides quality artwork to museums, some of the top collectors in the country, and clients just beginning to explore the world of collecting art. Wynne Falconer Gallery, 492 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633, 508-945-2867, fineart@wynne-falconergallery.com