Update for 2025-26, better late than never
I wasn't able to get to my annual update for the start of 2026, but it wasn't because of snow. We had a light winter but we still traveled to warmer climates. We spent several weeks in Hawaii in January and later in the spring also in Baja Sur, Loreto. Each location provided art making opportunities and here are my efforts. Enjoy
In October, here at home in the glorious Eastern Sierra, I participated in my first ever "Plein Air Paint Out". This was sponsored by the Mono Arts Council and 43 artists attended. It was a 4 day event starting with our materials being dated, then 3 days of painting anywhere in Mono County. the fall color was on target and we had some snow flurries, gusty winds and rain to keep us all on our toes. At noon on the 4th day, we turned in 2 of our paintings ready to hang for the judges and to be exhibit for a one night show. I really enjoyed meeting several artists and plan to participate in the event this Sept.
The next day of the paint out, it snowed and I spilled the whole box of pastels
on the ground! I persevered and kept going, and completed this one of
Mt Morgan from Rock Creek Lake
SOLD
McGee Canyon during the Paint out, where I met the amazing
duo of Jessica and Becky who took prizes in the judging.
Fabulous Fall Foliage
Feeling empowered by the paint out event energy, I pulled out my pastels
easel etc and did this one from our driveway.
Mixed media of the brilliant aspens in our
Even quick watercolor sketches at a local campground brought
me joy and I was dazzled by the brilliant warm colors.
SOLD
Sherman Grove visitors center, both were displayed, one sold.
The gallery is at 10,000 ft elevation and only open in summer.
Wet Dog
Our dear friend’s beloved dog Luke passed and I did my best to portray his youthful energy and loyalty. Challenging but rewarding experience.
HAWAII January on the Big Island
Definitely my happy place and I love painting Plein air anywhere on the island. Sand and distractions from people watching me, are tolerated because it’s such a magical place. I experimented with gouache in a tiny sketchbook with mixed results, It was a delight to be playful making postcards and in my sketchbook.
gouache study of the State of Hawaii flower, yellow hibiscus
9x12 Plein air at Hapuna Beach.
My feet were in the sand and the surf was my background music
My favorite from this trip on an overcast day on the north shore, Keokea Beach Park.
Black Sand Beach, in the morning light. Always a fav spot to paint,
love the sound of the palm fronds in the breeze.
I in February I joined a new online pastel group and we were challenged to do 15 that month. Here are a few of my efforts. I had fun and was brave in my choice of subject.
Zabriskie Point, Death Valley
Photo reference Susie Johnson
Owens River Valley, Fall
Photo reference Laure lee Kimmel
Sunset, Holoholokai Beach
Big Island Hawaii
my photo reference
Maynard Dixon was my inspiration for this one. Captured the
shadows on my phone from the car driving home from Bishop.
Pinon Juniper with snow from my studio window
Blowing snow off the Bishop range looking west from the Buttermilks
A golf trip to Carefree Arizona, provided me with time paint and to listen
to the desert birds at dawn. Sculptural cactus were growing everywhere.
Phoenix AZ Botanical Garden
Pineapple Barrel Cactus, Plein air
Returned home to another atmospheric river of moisture; this was reference photo capture by a friend at Buckley Ponds, south of Bishop. Tule Grasses, water reflection, and weather drama inspired me.
I am honored to be the featured artist at the Mono Arts Council this summer. I hope to video tape the show and add it here. If you are in the eastern Sierra June 20 - Sept 17, 2026
I hope you will stop at MAC in Mammoth Lakes and see the show in person.
Please contact me for sizes and prices
debbcampbell@gmail.com
