"Power And Grace" 11x14 Pastel

800.

 

This pastel was a recent demonstration for my pastel class. This was another wonderful session and when you have students as good as mine, teaching is easy. Another session begins in June. I am now preparing for next weeks Carmel Plein Air Festival. I am a bit nervous as it has been awhile since my last plein air event. I am looking forward to the challenge to paint the best pieces I can. No doubt there will be plenty of subject matter to paint. 

 

This pastel will be entered into The Segil fine Art Summer Show. No guarnteees it will get in but worth a try.

Mid Morning Palos Verdes Coast 9x12 Oil

 NFS.

 

I have been doing more plein air painting with oils recently and I want to continue this trend so last Friday I drove to Palos Verdes to paint. I did not have a lot of time to search for a new vantage point or discover a new location so I drove to a familiar place. This was merely about practicing and seeing if I could do more with a familiar subject. I like to go to places that I have painted before to test myself to see if I have grown and learned since the last time I painted there.

"Morning View Heisler Park" 11x14 Oil

 

I recently had the opportunity do some plein air work in Laguna Beach. 

This is a view from Heisler Park looking south.

 

This painting is available. Email me and I will be happy to provide you with more information.

"Light Gatherers Of Pismo Beach" 18x24 Pastel

 

This pastel was recently completed for the Pastel Society Of Southern California members exhibit.

The show opens Saturday April 6, with a reception from 6-9pm at the

Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center.

"Evening Fire" 6x8 Oil and Open Studio Today

 

This little painting is part of my studio exhibit happening today from 11am - 4pm. Come by and say hello if you are in the area.

 

756 36th st. Manhattan Beach Ca. 90266

 

310-796-0813

"Open Studio Exhibit" Saturday March 2, 11am - 4pm

"High Country Spring" 14x11 Pastel 

 

I am pleased to announce I will opening my studio for another

exhibit and sale of my paintings. Please come by for a visit.

Saturday March 2, 11am to 4pm.

Friday preview available by appt.

 

The above pastel painting was a recent

demonstration given at the Palos Verdes Art Center.

Salon International 2013

Late Autumn In Olancha 20x16 Oil

 

Remembering Sonoma 16x20 Oil

 

The two pieces above were chosen as part of the Salon International 2013 Art Show.  This show received over 1,000 entries and only 374 pieces were juried in.  This exhibit is held in San Antonio, Texas and hosted by The Greenhouse Gallery.

"Breaking Wave" 11x14 Pastel at Saturday Studio Sale

Sold

 

This is another piece that will be on display at my Saturday Year End Studio Sale.

The sale begins at 11:00am and will run until 4pm. Get here early for the best selection.



"Studio Sale" Saturday, December 22nd, 11am - 4pm

 

 "Summer Evening" 18x24 Oil Revised

 

 

This piece has been spruced up a bit to hopefully sell at my studio exhibit this weekend.  It really needed to be lightened up. I also added a bit more color in the clouds. It feels like a new painting now. My studio sale is Saturday Dec. 22 11am 4pm. Some of the proceeds will be donated to

The Sandy Hook Support Fund.

View From The Bluffs 12x20 Oil

 

800. Sold

 

In October some friends brought me to the Chalk Bluffs outside of Bishop, California. As we hiked up to the top, the view seemed to get better and better. I especially enjoyed seeing the Owens River  as it snaked its way through the valley. To see familiar mountains from a new perspective felt a bit like I was rekindling an old friendship.

High Country Willow 6x6 Oil

200.

 



"Surf At Sunset" 8x10 Oil

 

 300. framed

 

"Blue Ridge Autumn" 11x14 pastel

700. framed

This pastel is a recent demonstration given at Cannery Row Studios and then completed in studio. I'm still inspired by my trip back east last autumn and I look forward to returning.

 

Please contact me if interested in this piece.

"The Highest Peak - Mt Whitney" 8x10 Oil

Sold

 

On my way home from a recent trip to the sierras, I witnessed a wonderful sunrise on Mt.Whitney. The clouds behind the mountains were mostly still in shadow setting the stage for the highest peaks to show off even more. It was a fleeting moment that I was so pleased to experience.  This painting is available at my studio. Please contact me

directly for more information.

 

 



Carolina Autumn 11x14 Pastel

 600.

 

I'm pleased and relieved to finish this pastel because it has taken a year to get to it. I have several more potential paintings that I would like to work on from my trip to North Carolina last autumn. All in good timing as I'm sure that these ideas have needed to marinate for awhile

 before I begin working on them. This particular scene was used last weekend as a partial demonstration for a Saturday workshop.  

High Desert Autumn 14x11 Pastel

 700. framed

The weather has turned cool recently at least by our standards here at the beach and I'm certainly enjoying it. It feels more like autumn now.  I follow the seasons as much as possible in my work. They affect my mood very much and this in turn shows up in my paintings. That's not to say I won't paint a summer scene in winter but I certainly am aware of the slightest changes in the seasons especially because they are so slight here in Southern Cal.  It is a wonderful thing to be able to express how I feel visually and I have much more work

 to do that this season is inspiring so it's time to get busy.

 

This pastel is a recent demonstration for my pastel class.

"Expecting Snow" 6x6 Oil

200.

 

 

This painting was inspired by a recent trip to the High Sierras. When I arrived at this location near June Lake, it was cloudy and overcast with a bit of snow falling. I remained in the area long enough to have the sun come out for a short time but just long enough to be treated to aspens that were putting on a show with fall color.  



"November Evening" 5x7 Oil

 

125.00 + Tx.

This scene is from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina near Asheville.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"An Autumn Choir" 8x10 Oil

350. + Tx. unframed.

Last week I returned from a trip to the high sierras for some fall color. It was a great experience as I was treated to every kind of weather including hail storms and snow. This plein air painting was completed in Rock Creek canyon.

Please contact me if interested in purchasing this piece.

"The View From Above" 11x14 Pastel

 700. framed

This pastel is a view of the cliffs near Pismo Beach California and was a recent demonstration for my Wednesday morning pastel class. The current pastel session is already more than have way finished however a new four week session begins on November 14th. Please use the link below if interested in signing up and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

 

For those interested in one on one lessons, and when my schedule allows, I teach out of my studio as well. Contact me for more information on private classes.

 

 

 

310-796-0813

joe@mancusofineart.com

 

 

http://www.mancusofineart.com/PastelClasses.html

"Monday Morning In Manhattan Beach" 6x8 Oil

"Monday Morning In Manhattan Beach"

6x8 Oil on linen. 175. + Tx. Sold

This morning was perfect. Clouds gathering around with sunlight filtering through and and opportunity to visit with some folks taking their morning walk on the strand. I had about 2 hours and  on the parking meter so I worked quickly. Eventually it clouded over completely and all was in shade but with a few moments of sunlight peeking through I was able finish.

 A Monday morning well spent.



"Road Through The Vineyard" 6x6 oil

 Available at Solvang Antiques, Solvang California.

 

I have been anxious to get back to painting some smaller oils again.

This scene of California wine counrty is the first of a few I have in mind. Stay tuned. 

"Evening Light North Jetty" 11x14 Pastel

 

This pastel is another that I will be displaying at the Manhattan Beach City Hall Pastel Exhibition.

This is another local scene from the north end of Manhattan Beach. I have come to appreciate the jetties and breakwaters near my home. Each one seems to have its own character. Many have found their way into a painting or two and no doubt will again in the future.

 

This pastel is 800. framed. A payment plan is available.

"Winter Break" 11x14 Pastel

 

This pastel was a previous demonstration for my pastel class from about a year ago. I recently put some final touches on to finish it. It will be displayed at the Manhattan Beach City Hall as part of a pastel exhibit I am having with artist David Wolfram. We will each be displaying six pieces. If you are in the area please drop by to take a look.

 

Contact me directly for pricing and more information.

"As Nightfall Approaches" 20x16 Pastel

Sold 

Hi Folks. I hope you are enjoying the first days of Autumn. I am certainly ready for some cooler temps. A little over a week ago I performed a pastel demonstration for the Pastel Society Of Southern California. I was able to put the finishing touches on this weekend and now it's complete. The location is the North Fork Of Bishop Creek looking east at the White Mountains at sunset. It is a wonderful time to be there as the heat of the day subsides and the cool evening is approaching.

 

 

 

 

 

"Evening Below The Sierras" 16x20 Pastel

 

I was very pleased with "Worth The Wait" 6x8 Oil posted on August 31, and soon realized that I wanted to do a larger painting, and so I should strike while the iron is hot. I used the smaller oil as a reference for this pastel. I wanted to re-create the mood and feeling of the smaller painting and show the light just before the sun sets over the mountains. The long shadows and filtered light are two ingredients to make this happen so I embelish them a bit.

 

Contact me if you are interested in this painting.  

 

"Up At Rock Creek" 6x8 Oil

 

Available Through Mancuso Fine Art Studio. 300. framed

 

I painted this piece while I was up at Rock Creek a couple of weeks ago. This is the scene right before arriving at Rock Creek Lake. Before arriving, I had already planned on painting from this location so I was already thinking about values, colors and shapes etc. You could say I was already painting it before I arrived. I had thought about the granite on the mountains and the blue sky and how they related to eachother. I was also thinking about the apsens and if the greens used would be warm or cool or both? When I first arrived and setup my easel I noticed the shadows across the road and how they would be the first shapes to change, so I quicky made shape and color notes for those as well as the shadows on Mount Abbott. From that point on I roughed in the biggest shapes and then worked more on the details later. When I began painting, the sky was clear and when I finished it looked like it might rain. Experiences like this keep me excited

 and motivated to paint on location often.

"Worth The Wait" 6x8 Oil

 This painting is available through Mancuso Fine Art Studio. 300. framed.Sold

As a painter, I enjoy and study the light in the beginning and at the end of each day. It is always worth waiting for, especially when you are in a beautiful location like the Eastern Sierras. This is a scene from the west side of the the town of Bishop.

Other Business:

 My Thursday morning pastel class is filled but there are still a couple of spaces left

in the Wednesday morning class. Classes begin on Wednesday September 12th.

"Morning Storm" 6x8 Oil

This painting is available through Mancuso Fine Art Studio. 300. framed.

 

 

 I love the drama of an approaching storm and when I can paint a scene that represents this, it makes

the painting process that much more enjoyable. 

"Round Valley Ranchland" 6x8 Oil

 

Available Through Mancuso Fine Art Studio. 300. framed.

 

This is one of the pieces painted on location last week. The location is the picturesque "Round Valley" near the town of Bishop, California. This was a good lesson for me to in simplify what I was seeing. The cottonwood trees had much more detail and the fence line was way too complicated to try and capture. I decided to edit out alot of the details to hopefully make a stronger painting and still say what I wanted about the scene.

"Summer Evening Pasture" 8x10 Oil

This painting is available through my studio. 300. unframed

 

It is no secret to folks that know me that I love the Eastern Sierras. I have made three trips since the beginning of July and will plan another for autumn soon. So what is it about this area that is so striking? Besides the drama of being in a valley filled with cottonwoods and high mountain ranges on both sides, it is the light. It is the light and many moods it creates that keep me inspired. So why not just use the thousands of photos previously taken instead of making the these trips? The answer is primarily because the camera does not capture what my eyes can see while looking at my subject on location. It is a good reference but for me to learn and improve, I know I need to go outside and observe and work from God's creation. I can then bring my experiences back into the studio and I'll have a better chance of creating believable works of art. The above painting was painted in July in the town of Bishop.

"Summer Creek" 11x14 pastel

800. Sold

This was my practice painting for the Los Olivos Quick Draw. I am happy to announce that this was another successful event for me as my painting received one of the highest bids for the event. It was also successful because it gave me the opportunity to laugh, share ideas and have fun with some fellow artists, many who are giants in my field of work. I am truelly humbled

by their skill and grace.

Los Olivos Quick Draw and Newly Completed Pastels

Autumn Retreat 20x16 Pastel

The Cliffs Of Pismo Beach 16x20 Pastel

Greetings. I have been busy getting ready to participate in this years Los Olivos Quick Draw. I will have work displayed at St. Mark's In The Valley Church, one or two pieces for the silent auction at The Los Olivos Grange as well as some paintings at Judith Hale Gallery hosted by Solvang Antiques in Solvang. I am looking forward to this but for now I must jump back in to framing and other duties as my "To Do" list continues to grow.

Here is a link for you to check out:

http://www.losolivosca.com/events.html

Currently On The Easel 16x20 Pastel

Hi Folks - I started this one a little over a week ago.  It's not quite complete but getting close and it has been awhile since my last post so I thought it was time to give an update.  The location for this painting is the central coast of California near Pismo Beach.

Other Business:
On August 11th I will be teaching a one day pastel workshop at the Cannery Row Studios in Redondo Beach. Space is limited to 12 students so be sure to sign up early. Please contact Sue Kuuskmae if you are interested.
Her email is kuuskmae@verizon.net;

On August 18th I will once again be participating in The Los Olivos Quick Draw. Los Olivos is a small picturesque town located in the Santa Ynez valley, not far from Solvang.

It is a wonderful event to watch and certainly the fastest painting I do all year.

Click on the link below for more info.

http://www.losolivosca.com/events.html

Attig Ranch Paint-Out

I recently returned from a paint-out with some talented artists from the Southern California Pastel Society. The location was at The Attig Ranch in Central California. It was hosted by artist and

 good friend Lynn Attig. This was time well spent in a beautiful and undisturbed location. A perfect place to gain a fresh perspective and renew one's spirit. Thank You Lynn!

I wish for you all a Happy Fourth Of July. 

"California Country" 12x16 Pastel - 900.

"Summer Morning At The Ranch" 9x12 Pastel - 500.

"Ranchland Evening" 8x10 Oil - Sold

"Toia's Paradise" 11x14 Pastel

800. Sold

An appropriate painting for the one year anniversary of what was a wonderful family

 vacation spent with my family in Hawaii. It's hard to believe a year has gone by. We remember it like it was yesterday. I think we are ready for another visit.

"Beside Marsh Lake" 11x14 Pastel

700. Sold

I have been giving myself permission to take some down time so I haven't posted for awhile. As many of you know, an artist must wear many hats to manage a fine art business. But all work and no play makes me a bit grumpy. I realized I needed some perspective. So I've spent some time planting a vegetable garden, riding my bike, studying other artists work I admire. At times I enjoyed doing absolutely nothing. Ok so that really means I'm thinking about my next paintings as well as an upcoming workshop I'll be giving. 

May has been a good month. Another successful pastel session comes to an end this week. On June 20th I will begin another four week summer session on Wednesday mornings. I will also begin giving private painting lessons for those that might be interested. I'm looking forward to summer and some more time to work but also time for play.

This pastel was a recent demonstration from my Thursday morning pastel class.

"Sunday Morning Ballona Wetlands" 8x10 Oil

400.

Sunday morning I drove down to Ballona Wetlands to paint. I have had my eye on this scene for a long time but with a very busy highway just to my back and very few areas to park, it is not the easiest area to navigate.  Once I was settled in and painting, I was treated with a surprise visit from a mother duck and her week old ducklings. With my music drowning out the traffic noise, and the show being put on by the ducks, it was quite a fun morning.

"A Moment Beside The Pier" 18x24 Pastel

1600.

This pastel painting is of course about waves and the pier. For me it was my intention to say something a bit more about light and create a mood. I believe the best paintings are more than just copies of something but hopefully statements beyond that. Some of my favorite artists use everyday subjects but create beautiful work by making me look at things differently through there eyes. As I work at becoming a better painter, I hope that my work becomes even more abstract as the statements become stronger.

  I think I have a ways to go but it will be an interesting journey.

This painting received The First Place People Choice Award in the Seascape Category at the 2012 Pastel Society Of Southern California's Member Exhibition. 

"A Chill In The Air" 24x36 Pastel

Greetings everyone. After completing this pastel, I entered it into the Pastel Society of Southern California members exhibition. I am very pleased to announce it was honored

with the "Best Of Show" award.

This exhibit is open until May 3rd.

"The End Of The Road" 11x14 Pastel

700.

Hi Folks - This pastel is a demonstration from my Thursday morning pastel class. The location of this scene is northwest of Sacramento California near the town of Woodland. This evening is the reception for the Pastel Society of Southern California exhibition at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center. Hope you can stop by and say hello.

"November In The Blue Ridge Mountains" 16x20 Pastel

This painting is available

Hi Folks - This pastel was last Saturdays painting demonstration for the Pastel Society Of Southern California. This event marks the begining of the P.S.S.C. Annual Members Exhibition at the

 Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center. The reception, which will be this Saturday April, 21st

from 6-8pm, is a unique and fun event. Those who attend the reception are given the opportunity to participate by voting on their favorite piece. The painting that receives the most votes will be awarded that evening. Come by and say hello and cast your vote.  

For more information use this link. http://pastelsocal.com/main.html

Currently On The Easel 24x36 Pastel

So this one is getting close to being finished. A few more changes and adjustments here and there after I set it aside for a day or so.

"Across The Creek" 24x18 Pastel

1800. Sold

This pastel and the previous post are two larger pieces that have been keeping me busy in the studio these days. I have painted this cottonwood previously from the other side of the creek on location and in the studio. I thought I would give it a try from this vantage point using pastel which gives it its title. 

This painting has sold. It is available as a fine art print. If interested, please

use the "Prints" link

on my website at http://www.mancusofineart.com./