I started my art career as a still life painter, but once I discovered that I could combine my two favorite things in life - art and the outdoors - I knew I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my days. Plein air painting has given me the excuse to visit some of the most beautiful areas of the country and to explore places I'd never otherwise go. On Tuesday of this week, I had the opportunity to kayak the Mokulomne River in Lodi - Robin Knowlton from Knowlton Gallery set up the evening event for the artists who are participating in her Delta show (opening October '09). About a dozen artists, including Ray and Peggi Roberts, Gil Dellinger, Terry Miura, Randall Sexton, Clark Mitchell, and Kim Lordier, all grabbed paddles and headed out as the sun set on the water. I've never seen the river from this perspective, and it was spectacular! I wish I could have set up an easel and painted right on the spot, but just juggling the paddle and my camera was enough of a challenge. I'm sure there will be many paintings that come from this trip, and Robin has several other excursions planned for us. I never dreamed when I switched careers to be an artist that I'd have "work days" like this!