Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Spring On Wellesley Drive

This is the painting which is now part of the Seaside Building at the Ventura Community Hospital.
20 x 20" oil

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Ventura Dry Dock

I usually look for complimentary colors to stain the canvas. Here is was a burnt sienna which seems to work well with the overcast day. 12" x 12" oil

Olivas Adobe Rose Garden

Demonstration Painting  in oil  6" x 11".

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Something's Cookin'

I am dedicated to bringing something new to my paintings. Here is an example of how I am trying to tie plein air and imagination together in a pntg. Creativity is taking chances with your work.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Airport Hanger Sketch

Here's a sketch of a hanger at the Santa Paula Airport which was stopped when the owner decided to shutter the view. I must have had 35 minutes to work on it. I had the basics in place, so I only had to push some of the spots of color to make it work for me.  11x 14" oil on canvas board

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Circus Vargas Big Top


12 x 16 " Oil on canvas board done on an overcast day. There are allot of elements to control when there is so much information. I had to find a way to edit and eliminate some subjects.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Circus Vargas Flags

Painting on a cigar box. I was interested in the flags and tried to keep it loose so that your eye moves around the canvas. Went to the show that evening and enjoyed the performances!

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Wood T-Pee

16" x 20"oil on canvas ... The rains brought wood down the river and deposited it on the beaches. For a while there were dozens of these structures along the water's edge. Now only a couple remain.

Mission San Buenaventura

12x 12" oil demo from the May 19th class.... the light came out towards the end of the day and provided a chance to ad some stronger light to the subject.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

May 19th, 2018 Workshop... Mission Park, Ventura

Plein air workshop this May 19th is at the Mission Park, Ventura ....Demo starts at 8:59 am and you can also bring your supplies and paint with us. See Class Detail post below....

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

View Of City Hall, San Buena Ventura

View Of City Hall, Ventura  12 x 16" oil  is a quick painting I did this tuesday from the back of the city hall parking lot. The wind threatened to make havoc of the outing, so I finished it in quick order.

Marina Park

Marina Park is 12 x 16" oil painting in overcast conditions. The sun did peak through the clouds and make for a pleasant day. 

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Eucalyptus Tree, Olivas Adobe


This 16" x 20" oil painting was done with the light changing with fog and clouds covering the sun. It was a demonstration on the first day of the plein air workshop. 
It seems like I used the steelyard composition as demonstrated in the Edgar Payne page below.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Cinco De Mayo at the Olivas Adobe

Here is a painting of where we will be painting this Saturday morning. This is a view from outside the walls of the Olivas Adobe in Ventura. The walls and bell tower have been restored to original state, not like the version painted here. I hope to see you at the demonstration.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Ray Harris Plein Air Class Details


                                    photography - Gerald Zwers

Plein Air Workshops   
    • These workshop classes will teach you the basics on how to approach plein air painting
    so that you can go out into the field and do it on your own. This class covers composition, color,
    drawing, and styles of paintings.

      • You may use oil, watercolors, acrylics, water-based oils, pastels, or casein.
      • Plein Air Ventura will take you to beautiful locations where you’ll learn how to paint on the spot.
      • I have been painting plein air since 1980 and have been influenced by Joaquin Sorrolla and John Singer Sargeant works of art. I am a member of the CAC  and have exhibited nationally.
      • Plein Air uses outdoor lighting and has changing conditions. It enhances your travels and you see things with a "fresh eye."
      • It’s for students of all skill levels. I will teach you the basics of painting, as well as give you confidence in your work.


    Class Dates and Locations
    May 5 -   9 am 12 Olivas Adobe
    May 12-  9am 12  Marina Park
    May 19-  9 am 12 Mission Park
    May 26   9am 12  Ventura Pier

    Demo starts at 9:00 sharp


    Price - $160 for four classes
    $ 50 for individual classes

    Payments may be made through




    VENMO     https://venmo.com/




    Friday, April 20, 2018

    Plein Air Painting Supplies



    LIST OF PAINTING SUPPLIES FOR PLEIN AIR CLASSES

     OIL BRUSHES-  six different sizes  2,4,6 8,10, 12  I favor the bristle, which are rounded square in shape.
    WATERCOLOR BRUSHES - Flats, rounds and pointed brushes of several sizes.
    Sponges, water, and other items you are used to using.

    Easel of your choice,

    Palette of your choice, if it does not come with the Easel.

    Palette knives, and scrapers for laying in flat shapes and making lines.

    Soft charcoal or pencil.

    OIL PAINTS -Student grade works fine for most projects and it can save you some money.
    I like to have a warm and cool of each primary colors, with a few earth tone, black and white.

    Large Titanium White or Mixing White
    Ivory Black
    Yellow Ochre
    Burnt Sienna
    Burnt Umber
    Viridian Green
    Thalo Blue
    Cobalt Blue
    Alizarin Crimson
    Cad Red Medium
    Cad Yellow Light
    Thinner and jar to clean brushes
    Liquin Medium
    Paper towels
    Small trash bag

    Optional Equipment
       Clips to hold thinner container and medium jar in place
       Umbrella that attaches to easel
       TV tray
        Big Straw hat
        Apron
        surgical gloves
        camera
        water and snacks
        a third arm to carry everything :)

    Tuesday, April 17, 2018

    Brush Up On Your Plein Air Painting

    I am excited about starting a painting class in Ventura County for adults interested in working on their plein air painting. For more information follow me on this blog.