Artist of the Month - March 2016
by Judie Apablaza

Our blue ribbon winner was Joseph (Pepe) Apablaza, with a watercolor titled “View From The Pier.” The setting for this painting was the California central coast. This area has always held a magical place in people’s hearts for its artist colony history and small town appeal. Our families have deep roots in this area. When we mention Cambria, Morro Bay and the surrounding area people’s eyes light up with their own fond memories of vacations in Big Sur and remembering the unique combination of seashore, rolling hills, oak trees and vineyards. The Native Americans called this country sacred ground.
On the way back from Cambria, stopping for lunch in Cayucos, Pepe took a stroll to the the end of the newly refurbished pier with a view looking back towards the beach. The light and composition caught his eye. As always, he had his Canon camera with him. Pepe snapped the shot that was the reference for this painting. At the time, he was experimenting with some new techniques and applied some of the knowledge that he has been acquiring from classes that he is currently attending with Fealing Lin.
His formal art training and commercial art background lends itself to a natural transition to watercolor painting. He is working at “loosening up” from the familiar photorealistic style to a more impressionistic format. The Verdugo Hills Art Association has been a wonderful opportunity to be part of a larger fine art community.
On the way back from Cambria, stopping for lunch in Cayucos, Pepe took a stroll to the the end of the newly refurbished pier with a view looking back towards the beach. The light and composition caught his eye. As always, he had his Canon camera with him. Pepe snapped the shot that was the reference for this painting. At the time, he was experimenting with some new techniques and applied some of the knowledge that he has been acquiring from classes that he is currently attending with Fealing Lin.
His formal art training and commercial art background lends itself to a natural transition to watercolor painting. He is working at “loosening up” from the familiar photorealistic style to a more impressionistic format. The Verdugo Hills Art Association has been a wonderful opportunity to be part of a larger fine art community.