Knowing September has the best weather it should be no surprise that most of the plein air painting events are in the autumn. The season started for me with an event that arrived rather spontaneously through the genius of Matt Beard (look him up if this name is new). Created by way of a road trip with far reaching destinations, four of his south state art partners decided on the rather comfortable trip to Humboldt county after considering the long reaching options of an East coast trek. A meager 14 hour drive from San Diego to the Redwood coast seemed the best second choice. They agreed to the invite to paint with some of Matt's north  state art partners and they became 'them' as we were dubbed 'us' and the Us and Them annual plein air paint out began. We painted together at different locations each day and many compositions were similar as we set up purposely side by side to pursue common goals with different outcomes. At weeks end Matt's gallery at Eureka Art & Frame Shop opened to an impressive showing of enthusiastic people. Being able to see artwork that depicted the same scene side by side on a wall that clearly presented differing styles and stories was a clear favorite for all those in attendance. A wonderful success and I am looking forward to being Them next year as the reciprocal burden shifts to the south for us (Them). Within  a couple weeks I joined another group of plein air artists on their annul trip to the Mendocino Open Paint Out. This proved to be a very gratifying adventure, meeting a large gathering of artists from around the world who choose this location to engage in the beauty of Mendocino county by painting every day for a week. Yes, this was intimidating but the art community disarmed my fears and the rigorous daily schedule set the trepidation's aside....sort of. A very encouraging boost came midweek with the 'Early Bird' judging. This being a judged event of the first hundred paintings hung by midweek. I was shocked to receive the award and the recognition inspired the rest of the event ending up with best architecture and peoples choice award. Another two weeks and our very own Redwood Art Association hosted it's first annual Humboldt Open Paint Out. A week of painting using the Mendocino paint out as a model. The volunteers who organized this event were amazing. I know a lot of effort and time went into planning this event as the weeks schedule went off flawlessly.  40 artists filled their section of wall space and by the conclusion the gallery was filled with the accomplishments of all. I was again shocked to be recognized by receiving the best overall body of work award and humbled by being in such a gathering of artists and the incredible display of their works. I am out painting at a different pace these days and focusing on being a grampa and a husband more regularly.