Artists of the Month - December 2017

by Judie Apablaza

Our December meeting and Artist of the Month selection featured only entries from the Premier category. David McCully was our blue ribbon winner with a “full sheet” watercolor titled, “Sycamores.” David is an enthusiastic participant and VHAA board member. You will not see David’s watercolors in the “Small Image” show, for he prefers to paint on very large sheets of watercolor paper.

He is a member of the Highland Park Art Club where fellow artists come together to work on their independent projects on Tuesday morning. David is a "morning person” and is one of the early arrivals. He can be found sketching at a local Starbuck’s coffee shop, observing and sketching fellow coffee shop regulars. David is also a member of Mid Valley Art Association and participates with other art groups painting Plein Air. Additionally he enjoys painting and sketching once a week with a group of artists that have live models with an emphasis on portraits.

David enjoys painting the local landmarks of bridges, government buildings, equestrian stables, remains of haciendas and parklands available in the Arroyo Seco area. Newcomers to the area may not even be aware of Sycamore Park and the surrounding vistas that have existed for hundreds of years. David enjoys the Pasadena Audubon Society at Debs Park and Eaton Canyon Nature Center areas, picturesque bits of nature preserved for the landscape artist. David is drawn to the beauty of landscapes that include the texture of bark, the sun and shadows on the oaks and sycamores that make his watercolors come alive for the observer.
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We are very fortunate to have David as a active VHAA member. If you want to 8ind a great out-of-the-way spot to paint and sketch, just ask David McCully.