~ Jason Li ~ “I painted Catching Sunset during the LPAPA Plein Air Invitational 2025. Newport Harbor, with the Balboa Pavilion in the background, is an iconic and historic scene. I wanted to capture it at the height of sunset’s brilliance while adding my own personal flair. Before beginning, I sat quietly and observed the scene for a while. I watched sailboats drifting by, birds flying freely overhead, and people walking their dogs along the beach. I wanted all of these elements to become
part of the painting, because the details help tell the story. I rarely include human figures in my landscapes, but the figure walking with an energetic, tail-wagging dog created a subtle sense of playfulness. Together with the sailboat chasing the fading light, these moments brought a lively dynamic to the composition. Plein air painting has always been my passion. It is the most direct way for me to connect with nature. The quick decisions, decisive brushstrokes, and challenge of capturing a fleeting moment are all part of the thrill. The more I paint outdoors, the more beauty I discover within the experience. Plein air is not simply about painting what is in front of me, but about expressing what resonates emotionally in that particular moment.”
2025 Invitational Best In Show ~ “Catching Sunset”
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