CAC Paintout at Cavallo Point Lodge

Yesterday was one of those perfect days by the San Francisco Bay.  It was time once again to gather the Northern California members of the California Art Club for their quarterly chapter paint-out.  

This time we met at the absolutely beautiful Cavallo Point Lodge where Rochelle Bernet (program manager) greeted us at one of their posh outdoor seating areas. Kay and Michelle, our CAC organizers served coffee and bagels as we basked in the sun and gazed at the bridge with a slight wisp of fog overhead.  Rochelle then gave us a personal tour of the converted former Fort Baker site on one of their six seater carts.  The views there are spectacular with some of the most iconic of the City, SF Bay and the Golden Gate.

Christin and I painted from seperate locations on the grounds but returned a couple of hours later to the outdoor seating area to relax and marvel once again.  We were even treated to a glass of Cabernet by some young couples gathered at the same spot with their young kids.  Life couldn't be any better. Christin had a gallery opening at Holton Studios in Emeryville from 4 to 7 pm, so sadly we had to leave a bit early while the other artists continued painting from their scattered locations.  A few of the painters took advantage of the adirondack chairs that were strategically placed on the fescue meadows. (see photo)  

What a great thing to be part of a historic club like the CAC and to have access to these kinds of situations with other artists.  My hope is that other events and gatherings in our northern part of the state will take place more often.

California Art Club - San Francisco Chapter Growth

Elaine Adams, Executive Director of the 100 year old California Art Club, came up to the bay area yesterday with Lisa Cavelier the Managing Director.  Their purpose was to discuss how the CAC could help with the growth and development of the SF chapter. Several bay area members met with them at The South Food & Wine Bar for a mixer and discussion of future goals.  

In attendance were Eric Rhoads (publisher of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine) and Chapter Chairs Michelle Jader and Kay Young.  Artists and members Christin Coy, Richard Lindenberg, Kim Lordier, Krystal Allen, Pam Powell, Chris Adessa and Carolyn Lord also participated.

Clearly the Bay Area is an enormous potential resource for the CAC.  Many of the Artist members and Associate members of the influential club live in the northern part of the State, but most of the activities, exhibits and gatherings take place in and around Pasadena in the South.  As a result of a recent grant for the purpose of chapter development, the club can contribute more of their time and resources to aid in the SF chapters growth.  Much excitement was generated by the gathering and there will be great things to come soon to the Bay Area. On June 6th, the SF chapter will hold their quarterly paint-out at Cavallo Point Lodge, just below the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the California Art Club or for further information on the quarterly paint-out, please follow this link to their site.   www.californiaartclub.org

MALT - an artist's journal continued

All of my paintings for this weekends "Ranches & Rolling Hills" show have been completed, titled, photographed and signed. My job is done now! Tomorrow the paintings will be delivered to the capable hands of Elisabeth Ptak and Cindy Jordan at the MALT offices where the next phase of the event continues.   Elisabeth and Cindy have had multiple responsibilities to coordinate over the past months and weeks that will come to an exciting finish this weekend.

For me, there is the Friday night MALT reception to enjoy, the Collector's brunch Saturday and the opening for the general public on Saturday and Sunday.  Having been a show admirer over the years, it should prove to be quite a different experience as a participating artist.

One of my goals since becoming a Marin painter has been to become a part of this show... now that it has happened, I am just thrilled and look forward to seeing each and every one of you there.

MALT New Artists Dinner

This past Tuesday evening... Krystal Allen - Kristen Garneau - Davis Perkins and Richard Lindenberg, the four MALT "Ranches & Rolling Hills" artists that were inducted for the 2009 show, met for dinner.  The purpose of the gathering was to forge a bond to carry forward into this years show and the future.

We asked each other such questions as "Are your paintings finished yet?", "how many paintings were you showing?", "How was you first experience of painting for MALT?", and even "What are you wearing at the opening?".  We had some wine, some laughs and some art conversation. 

There are only two more weeks until the show and we are all very excited and honored to be part of this years event that takes place on May 16 (2-5pm) and May 17 (10-4pm) and is free to the public. 

Travels with "ARTIE"

For the past few years, it was my dream to be able to travel further on painting trips and see more of our beautiful state and country. It seemed as though retirement was the logical time to consider adventuring out like this... but then one day I thought "why not now"?  

Suddenly this simple thought set into motion a series of events.  I started looking seriously on Craigslist in the RV section.  For more than a year became familiar with the types of vehicles and the prices by scouting on a regular basis.  Since my price range was in the lower echelon, we looked at some real clunkers until one day January of 2009 we came across a vehicle that was made in 1989 but only had 13,000 miles.  That day we set up a meeting and by nightfall it was ours. I guess it's true that having a goal can help one focus on achieving success.  

We named him ARTIE because he was our artmobile.  He needed the roof sealed, new tires, a new stereo (of course), but basically he only needed a cleaning. 

We planned our first trip in late January and headed to the Mendocino, Ft.Bragg area.  It was a beautiful week and we painted some real winners.  Artie performed admirably.  After a couple of weeks at home, we headed out again for a longer trip to Southern California to see the William Wendt show at the Laguna Beach Museum of Art and then due east to Arizona. It was a magical two week trip and we have thousands of photos and some paintings too.  We even connected with the Windrush Gallery in Sedona, AZ that now represents both of our work.

We now have a new dimension added to our lives... just because of a dream to travel more.

        

 

Winters "Paint the Town" - An unexpected joy!

At the beginning of April, I drove my RV (Artie) up to Winters, CA to take part in a plein air event that was sponsored by Briggs & Co. It was an unexpected joy to have seen this pristine historical farming area and to be welcomed so warmly by the kindhearted people.

The painting event was for seven days, with a reception on the following Saturday night. Since Winters is only an hour from my home, I decided to paint for the full week. This gave me a chance to settle in to the area and really explore a new region. 

The area sits just east of Lake Berryessa in Solano County. On the west were the rather large Vaca Mountains which lit up blue each night at dusk. Expansive plowed fields, all kinds of barns and farm equipment, as well as flowering orchards with prunes, almonds, walnuts, peaches, apricots and other varieties were everywhere. Putah Creek meanders through town and into the hills... it's a rather large creek in many areas with easy access. Solano Lake sits in the heart of the area and is not only gorgeous at dusk, but provides a sanctuary for birds, fish and kayakers. Steady Eddy's coffee house seemed to be the gathering point for everyone... Bicycle riders from Davis, townspeople and visitors alike. At some point each day during my stay I made a stop to check emails and have a brew.   

Shaunie Briggs was the energetic promoter of the event along with the aid of her wonderful family.  She provided us with some wonderful backyard meals and her gallery walls were cleared out for event so more than 100 paintings created by approximately 60 artists could be displayed. The show produced some extraordinary artwork and it was simply a pleasure to have taken part. Rick Purvis and Mary Kay Korn kindly provided a parking spot at their home and occasional showers. For sure next year "Paint the Town" will be on my calendar.

MALT - an artist's journal

 

It was an honor to have been been selected this year as one of four new MALT artists.  At first my acceptance filled me with joy, but since then I have discovered that there are really a list of considerations that accompany the honor.  Here are my reflections thus far.

I have decided to paint anywhere from 10-12 paintings of which an appropriate number of the best will be chosen for the event. It is suggested that all paintings should be rendered in and of Marin County with subject matter that relates to the ranches and rolling hills of the area.  Special relevance is given to MALT properties. Taking this in to account, there is always an abundance of subject matter in West Marin.   Christin Coy and I have made many day trips in search of inspiration.  Now, with only a month left before the show, deadlines are approaching.  I have completed eight paintings.

Being a newcomer to the MALT artist family... I feel a responsibility to produce my very best work.  What type of subjects should I paint?...  barns, open fields, trees, water, animals or all of the above.  Clear choices sometimes present themselves, but often it is simply my desire that makes things work.  I usually don't plan where I am going, unless I need to make an appointment with a rancher to access their properties, but just driving west in the late day opens up the vistas.  

Painting mostly en Plein Air, another set of variables are put into play.  What should I wear if it's cold, did I pack all my supplies, do I have enough in the fridge for lunch preparations, gas in the car, does the weather permit outdoor painting, are the wildflowers blooming?  What an exhilarating experience it can be.

As the days pass and the events approach, I'm sure it will produce a new range of emotions for me.  I'll write about them soon.