Our featured artist page is a celebration of the talented and visionary artists who have captured the beauty and essence of the world around us through their artwork. Each featured artist has been carefully selected for their unique style, mastery of technique, and their ability to bring their subjects to life on the canvas. Whether they are seasoned professionals or up-and-coming artists, our featured artists represent the best of the best in the world of plein air painting. We are proud to showcase their work and provide a platform for them to share their artistic vision with the world. Each artist brings their own perspective and interpretation of the world, creating a diverse and dynamic collection of artwork that is sure to inspire and captivate viewers. We invite you to explore our featured artist page and discover the beauty and creativity of plein air painting.

Sangeetha is a self-taught artist, an engineer and an avid outdoor adventurer. After 20 years of designing and problem-solving in the electrical engineering field, she has recently discovered a deep connection to art, transforming it from a newfound hobby into a central practice.

Sangeetha grew up in India and moved to the US in 2007 for her graduate studies in engineering, and her upbringing in that lush tropical part of the world has played a major role in her affinity for nature. An ardent hiker, backpacker and an enthusiast for all activities outdoors, Sangeetha draws profound inspiration from landscapes, seascapes, people and animals encountered on her hikes and expeditions. Her dog Ginger is a loyal companion on all her adventures and often finds a special place on her canvases.

In addition to painting, Sangeetha is dedicated to encouraging, enabling and guiding others to explore and enjoy nature. In 2019, she founded an outdoors and wilderness group for women, a project that has since blossomed into a thriving community of over 1,000 participants. This initiative reflects her commitment to empowering others to connect with nature, fostering a supportive space for adventure and exploration.

Al Carlson

I can remember doing this crayon drawing as if it were yesterday. I was on the playground of my elementary school. Our teacher told us to go outside and draw what we saw. So I did. This was my first Plein Air experience. I was 5 at the time. The drawing shows Mt. Baldy with its snow capped peak and the crows flying in a clear blue sky. The feeling of drawing out of doors has always been a delight for me.

Now, after working for forty years indoors, I finally have a chance to paint outside again. It's like being a kid all over again. SOCALPAPA became a good opportunity to expand that experience for me again. I always look forward to painting out doors and wonder why anyone would want to pass up that chance. I hope my work has improved over the last 70 years.

Tashia Peterman

I was fortunate enough to grow up in the beautiful state of Utah and to have a Mother that taught me to see the beauty in everything around me. There are so many things that I find beautiful in life and I like to create images that bring people happiness and joy. I feel that there is too much darkness in this world so I choose to create from beauty.

Tashia's artistic journey began with photography, which she uses to capture the essence of her subjects. She will choose the best medium such as watercolor, pastel, inks, encaustic wax, organic materials, or colored pencils to create her mixed media works of art.

Tashia's use of materials is masterful, with each medium bringing its own unique qualities to her pieces. The delicate and ethereal nature of watercolor provides a dreamy quality to her floral compositions, while pastel adds a soft and subtle touch to her still life scenes. Inks and encaustic, on the other hand, give her work depth and richness, creating a sense of movement and energy. 

With an eye for detail and a passion for the natural world, Tashia's art captures the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Whether it's the delicate petals of a flower, the intricate patterns of leaves on a favorite tree, or the simple elegance of a still life arrangement, Tashia's art is a celebration of life in all its forms. Her artworks are a reflection of her deep appreciation of nature.

Anne Kupillas

Anne Kupillas is a Long Beach, California-based watercolor artist and instructor. Anne’s love of art began as a child growing up with a family of artists and musicians on Long Island, NY, who encouraged her creativity. Her artwork is informed by freedom and movement, a love of nature and the human form. Anne’s works have been showcased in group and solo exhibitions in California, New York and Florida. As an avid plein air painter, Anne leads small-group art retreats and workshops for Eat Paint Live and teaches classes in and around Long Beach. She also participates in SOCALPAPA's board as a Member-at-Large, coordinating the Monthly Bulletin and other member announcements. 

@annekupillasfineart on Instagram

www.AnneQPdraws.com

www.eatpaintlive.com