When Larry Quach returned to Los Angeles for a vacation with his wife and mother-in-law, he was eager to introduce her to the experience of attending a Dodgers game for the first time.
A devoted fan of Shohei Ohtani, Quach’s mother-in-law, who hails from Japan, was particularly thrilled to witness the star player in action.
The Dodgers emerged victorious against the Toronto Blue Jays with a score of 5-1, during which Ohtani impressed the crowd with three hits and two runs.
However, Quach himself was not focused on the game; instead, he was absorbed in his own passion — painting.
Having lived in Los Angeles for over three decades, he has attended numerous Dodgers games in the past.
Now residing in Osaka for about two years, Quach has continued this tradition, supported by his wife and mother-in-law, blending baseball with his artistic endeavors.
Rather than simply watching the game, Quach prefers to create small 4-by-6-inch plein air paintings of the stadium.
This impressionist technique centers around capturing the ever-changing light and atmosphere of a location within a limited timeframe.
Quach noted, “Basically, you paint what you see on site within a certain amount of time.
It’s a good training tool to become a better painter.
Because the light changes so quickly, it forces you to paint within a certain time — usually under two hours.”
His first plein air painting at Dodger Stadium nearly a decade ago was so well received by onlookers that people offered to buy it, a notion he typically declines as he prefers giving them away.
This artistic journey has provided him a unique excuse to join his family at events they cherish.
Not limited to stadiums, Quach has depicted various public landmarks and interesting buildings, although stadiums offer their own set of challenges.
Being mindful of his surroundings, he ensures that he paints respectfully and without creating a mess.
Using a watercolor block allows him to forgo the need for an easel, providing flexibility while he paints.
One of the more difficult aspects is maintaining a palette, which he cleverly manages with a customized business card holder that holds trays of paint.
Quach humorously shared, “I usually buy a beer early on and try to drink it and fill up with the water to use for my paint brushes.”
For him, painting is a more intimate and reflective activity compared to simply snapping photos.
He explained, “When you sit there at the same spot for an extended amount of time, you really, really absorb everything around you.”
Professionally, Quach works as a digital artist, allowing him to bring creativity to both his occupational and personal ventures.
Reflecting on their recent trip to Los Angeles, he noted that his mother-in-law thoroughly enjoyed her experience.
She relished the chance to indulge in In-N-Out Burger on two occasions and was seen dancing and cheering with the crowd at Dodger Stadium, displaying an exuberance he had never witnessed before.
As a memorable keepsake, Quach gifted her the plein air painting he created during the game.
“She was really, really excited,” Quach remarked, adding, “This was the main purpose of her trip, to see a Dodgers game and see Shohei Ohtani play.”
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