Gracenotes

2012-01-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

An amazing week.
Saturday and Sunday I gave a workshop on painting watercolor on YUPO "paper"
This is a plastic surface developed in Japan for use in printmaking. It also takes watercolor well. The paint is totally removable for a period of time but adheres pretty firmly in time.
When that happens you can remove it all with Mr Clean sponge cleaners. Similar products may be fond in Asian markets.
Rumor is that an older artist made the comment when entering a nursing home, "just give me one piece of YUPO and my paints. Thats all I need"

Here are a couple of students art work . We did some abstracting as well as representational. A fun experience for all. Bottom is my unfinished piece.
Thanks to Patty O'Rourke for photos.

2012-01-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

My presentation on watercolor painting on YUPO was a pleasing success. The upcoming workshop is almost full. This photo was taken at the demo and is part of a ad for the workshop

YUPO: From Abstraction to Realism

2012-01-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

I will be demonstrating the challenge and enjoyment of working on this synthetic surface with watercolor. Surprises abound but control is also possible.
Come see at Fremont Art Association in Old Town Niles
Wed. 7pm...37697. Fremont CA. Niles Blvd

A NEW YEAR COMING

2011-12-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

It is time to start planning for 2012.
Some things already underway are: January 4th I will do a demo for the Fremont Art Association on Painting Watercolor on YUPO, an exciting , scary and unpredictable surface.
This will be followed on Jan 21 and 22 by a two day workshop .
Then right after that I have enrolled in a 10 week watecolor class with the exciting painter, Mike (M E Bailey). This will be a challenging and exciting class and highly recommended.

"Merry Chris-me-one"

2011-12-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is how my Mom's parakeet said Merry Christmas everyone. I always think of it at this time of year.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas with this small painting of my granddaughter on Christmas morning when she was younger .

"A Capital Stroll"

2011-12-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

This has been waiting for a few last brushstrokes for awhile.
It is watercolor on Masa (rice) paper crumpled, flattened, painted and then mounted on museum board.

Have you found a story in it?

"Marty"

2011-11-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

You saw this awhile back. I have finally decided it is done.
Things learned from this portrait painting.
--It is much more difficult to paint someone you know.
--Pencil under watercolor is impossible to erase. Live with it.
--Values are very important, as, of course, in all paintings.

Dont give up.

Update on recent events.

2011-11-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

We have been in our RV in Coarsegold for two weeks. Have visited with old friends from our RV life as well as artists in the Fresno/ foothill area.
Weather has definitely changed . Frost one night. An early winter, everyone thinks.
Visited friend and artist, Kathleen Mattox in her new gallery and studio in Sanger Ca. It is a really fun place with her unique decorating ideas and art work. Wishing her much success and joy. See her at " Mixed Messages by Kathleen Mattox"

Fremont Art Association 46th Annual fine Arts Show

2011-10-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Opening reception today was very well attended.
The first show for this new gallery at 37695 Niles Blvd, Fremont CA. The show continues until Oct 25th.

Gallery hours are Wed thru Sun 11am -5pm.
The juror was Brent Jensen , an accomplished oil painter from Mare Island CA.
I am happy to say I received the Silver award in Water Media for this painting, "Autumn Birch"

Lian Quan Zhen demo

2011-09-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jaci and I went to see this artists demo. He did a Chinese style floral in about half an hour using Chinese paint..heavier than watercolor.
During a break he autographed books of his with PAINTINGS!, each one unique. Then he did a demo in watercolor of grapes and foliage
I remember him from 15 or 20 years ago when he lived in Livermore . He is now well known nationally and internationally.
Fun to watch.

Home again.

2011-09-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Alaska cruise was great although we had some rough water as a storm hit on second night. . I guess some folks were affected.
Yesterday I taught the twice postponed watercolor portrait class. 11 attended and good results. Some were first timers. Some more more advanced. Fun had by all.

Alaska cruise

2011-08-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Leaving Sat to Vancouver and the Inside Passage to Alaska on Celebrity Century.

A la Montemarte Painters

2011-08-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here are two oil paintings I did ages ago. Just ran into pics of them.
Here they are.

hope you enjoy them

Big Bird

2011-08-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

I think this is an eagle. Jack says it is a hawk. What do you say?

Portrait class

2011-08-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

One day into this class I came down with something. Dr thinks it is whooping cough.
The good news is that I am recovering and will hold another session next Sat.
This is the demo I did then, just first washes. I like it so well I might just call it done.

What do you think? I think I caught the "essence" of my friend, Marty.

Watercolor Portrait Class

2011-07-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching this class again by popular demand.
Sat and Sun Aug 6th and 7th
10 am -4pm both days
Sign up at Fremont Art Association's new location
37695 Niles Blvd, fremont Ca
510-792-0902

or contact me

Cruising

2011-07-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have just accepted a teaching assignment on Celebrity Cruise line' ship the Century for the week of Sept 4-11 2011. Vancouver, Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point( new port), Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver.
Anyone want to go? Quick decision required as date is so close.
You have to get yourself to Vancouver and home on your own.

Watercolor sketching , eating , and fun.

Let me know.

From my sketchbook

2011-07-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

France, of course. hope you enjoy them,

Black ink pen and watercolor.

More photos

2011-07-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dining in France...

An expensive but enjoyable experience.

My France Experience.

2011-07-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Eight of us spent two weeks in France, starting in Paris as we all "did our own thing", together and apart. Everyone managed to see the sights as we wanted.
My roommate and new friend, Janet, is a walker with a purpose and managed to pull me along. She was also very good at figuring out the Metro stations. We went to the Marmotan
museum, an exhibit of Monet and friends. particularly enjoyed the works of Berthe Morisot.
Through the courtyard of the Louvre to see the "pyramid" and on to the Pont de Artes, a bridge the artists considered the best views of Paris.
Sketched with some local artists. Across the bridge is the Left Bank and the San Germaine area . Lunch at La Palette, a cafe' of early artists get togethers, palettes and Impressionist paintings create the ambience.
farmers Market, Montmartre and a walk around the Morais district a very old part of Paris.
Next was three nights at "Pluie de Roses", a delightful B&B abt a mile from Monets Garden in Giverny. Everything as I expected in This town. Wonderful.
The second week we spent at Le Petit Rousset near Eymet in the Dordogne/ Perigord area.
Wonderful food, good friends, some old, some new.
Visited several old Bastide towns to sketch, paint and shop....and eat. Oh I think some of us gained a little.

POsting a few small quick pieces. More later.

Bon Voyage

2011-06-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I leave for Paris, France. By the time I get there it will be Wed morning.
I will be staying at the Villa Beaumarchais in the Marais area of Paris. This area has a history of being very old, The Jewish quarter and a bohemian area. Lots of things to see.
Not doing the Museums this time. maybe the Monet . We have had great Impressionist exhibits in SF from the Orsay. And now Picasso. I saw two Picasso musums in Spain a few years ago.
On July 2nd eight of us will be picked up for a bus trip to Giverny where we will stay at
La Pluie de Roses, a delightful B&B, formerly the home of the caretaker of Monet's Gardens. There is a museum here with a Bonnard show which I plan to see. Of course we will spend time in Monet's gardens and see his home.
Then on the 5th of July we return to Paris and take the train to Bordeaux, then bus to Le Petit Rousset in the Dordogne area for a week. Some days we will walk to nearby town of Eymet and a little church up the hill. We will also have two outings by bus to small towns. chateaus and more.
We will sketch and paint with pencil, ink and watercolor, both on site and in the studio.
Of course you are envious, yes?
Will fill you in on my return as I dont expect to do much computer.
Au Revoir mes amis

Banner Painting

2011-05-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Several of us painted banners for Regan Nursery Show at end of June.
This is acrylic on canvas.

They are to be auctioned off with proceeds going to schools.

"Painting With Grace"

2011-05-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

My students and I are having a show of some of our recent paintings in June at Mission Coffee Roasting Co, 151 Washington Blvd, Fremont CA 94539
A reception will be held Sunday June 12 , 3-5pm. There will be Music and Refreshments .If you are nearby come see us.

demo photos

2011-05-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

These pics posted on Olive Hyde Art Guild site following my presentation on sketchbook journalling

Successes

2011-05-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

A fun cruise with Bonnie and Hannah to Mexico last week.
A couple of days to catch up and cataract surgery on Tuesday. Healing is going well, distance vision improved.

Portrait class

2011-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Mondays watercolor portrait class went very well.

Here are a couple of photos. Most had not done this before so I am happy.

watercolor update

2011-04-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

These two small pieces were done last week;
First is the texture demo from Mondays class. Salt and aquapasto used.

The other is a watercolor done on aquaboard surface in the garden . The jury is still out on this surface . Colors seem to stay bright and I think it can be varnished and framed sans glass.

Paint out

2011-04-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Artists painting in Simones garden and Carole brought eggs. Those really are BLUE!

A good day

2011-03-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is the second painting I did on YUPO during my workshop. The question is...Am I finished? Every time I look at it I want to change something. Is the water flowing too fast?
Does it need more yellow/orange on right ? Should I crop it?
So many decisons. The great thing is the paint can be removed easily and repainted. No it will not just fall off the slick surface. I used to dream about selling one of these pieces and then the unsuspecting client wakes up to a blank page. LOL

YUPO painting

2011-03-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Here one of two new paintings on YUPO

anniversary

2011-03-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the 8th anniversary of our grandaughter, Hannah, being part of our family. What a joy!

I have still been working on those portraits as well as another one.
To borrow a quote from Farshid
"As long as it is in my possession it is not finished."

Fun Evening

2011-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

We went to see the San Francisco Fiddlers at the Smith Center here in Fremont. What a great fun time. And what a variety of personalities , sizes and shapes. Assuming most were of Scots or Irish ancestry if someone asked "what does a Scot look like" I would be at a loss.

One more student painting

2011-03-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

From the YUPO workshop

YUPO class

2011-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend I taught a class in painting watercolor on YUPO. This is a synthetic surface(plastic) and is a challenge to work on. i am proud to show you some student pieces from the class.

Another effort from Nuttall workshop

2011-02-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

From a photo taken in Mexico several years ago.

Portrait class

2011-02-15T19:16:00.001-08:00

Taking a great workshop from well known artist Ted Nuttall.
Have completed two days of five and am working on second painting.

Here is "Dan the Man" which I think is finished but you never know.

First time batik

2011-01-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

Not having time in the 60s(due to kids and a job) to try tie dye this was a first for me.
This introductory class was presented by the Olive Hyde Guild on Thursday.
Used hot wax resist and then dipping into our choice of primary colors on silk.
The second piece was on cotton. I was short of time so rushed to block out large white flowers with wax and then used a brush to paint areas. Havent managed to get the wax out yet.
Theses photos actually have me in them

On far left in one and in center of the other. Isn't it a kick?

Gracenotes: Giverny to the Dordogne/Le Petit Rousset

2011-01-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

Gracenotes: Giverny to the Dordogne/Le Petit Rousset

Pudge

2011-01-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

This painting is a gift to my long time friend Howard aka "Pudge". This is him as a child in Canada.

Happy New Year to All

2011-01-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Rankin family all together at Christmas

Red Dot

2010-12-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

My pastel painting, "Venice Canal" went to a new home this week. A happy event for all. Thanks Judy

Giverny to the Dordogne/Le Petit Rousset

2010-12-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is an invitation to join me on a 11 day trip to France in 2011.
Travel by air, train and bus from Monet's Gardens to to Southwest of France.
We will sketch with pen and watercolor (or your choice) outdoors and paint in the studio at Le Petit Rousset. The restored farm setting is just the place to relax , enjoy and have a great time.rousset-perigord.org

Collage Workshop

2010-11-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

Held over the weekend we had 12 participants. Everyone worked very hard to learn about design ,values and shapes with collage papers. Here is a pic of the "industry"

After the Creative Weekend

2010-11-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Had a great weekend at Kathleens. Saw old friends and met new ones. This is the third Creative Weekend she has sponsored . A wonderful retreat that I do look forward to attending.
Worked on a collage (as several others were) that I started quite a while ago. The first step was to mend a torn corner with paper and collage the total page to bring it together.
Then turned to pastel for a day and did this small scene from Venice. This is a small piece 5"x7" on Pastelbord by Ampersand, a new surface for me. It has a moderately textured surface.
This weekend i will be teaching a collage workshop at the Fremont Art Assn Gallery.

looking forwrad to a fun weekend.

Fall Update

2010-11-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

I t feels like summer but is November already. Soon to end i hear.
My sister Barbara is slowly recovering from a recent stroke. Pray she continues to improve.
I am heading to Kathleen' s Creative Weekend at her home in Sanger CA.
I am prepping for a collage workshop on Nov 13 and 14 which I will teach at the Fremont Art Association Gallery in old town Niles (north Fremont.
See my album of collage pieces.
Two of my paintings are in the mini showcase of plain air paintings at the same gallery. lake Elizabeth is a watercolor and View of the Lake is a small pastel.
In case you havent heard. "Well, Cock-A-Doodle Doo" took 1st place in Poultry Division at Circle Gallery in Madera, CA. and is showing there. This painting didnt make the cut at the County Fair. If at first yu dont succeed try harder. In the Spring it will be showing with other prize winners at Fresno State University.
WATCH for more info on my workshop in France next summer. Giverny to the Dordogne.
You can go to info@rousset-perigord.org or contact me for more info.

Home from the hills

2010-10-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Been kind of lazy since our trip to the Sierra Foothills.
Yesterday a few of us went out to sketch at the new Plaza in Niles.

Photo

Sierra Art Trails

2010-09-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

I will be showing my work at the studio of Carolyn Hartling in Coarsegold CA on October 2nd and 3rd. Hours are 10am - 6pm both days.

Back on Terra Firma

2010-09-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

A successful two weeks on the "Infinity" cruising the Northwest Coast. One week with sister Barb and one with Good friend, Donna. We all had a good time and classes went very well.
Thank you, Celebrity.

Class size varied from 15 to 50 participants, mostly first time watercolorists.

Seattle Space Needle

Here are images we painted using ink and watercolor.

New and old

2010-08-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

The top image is called Downstream, a watercolor pointillist style.

"A Rocky Experience" was done, I thought , a couple years ago. After looking at it awhile I made some changes. Happier with it now.

Two more finished pieces

2010-08-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have had this stack of paintings for several weeks and am determined to get them finished by September.
"Moonlit Melons" is a watercolor done in a pointalist manner. I think I could keep going on it for the rest of my life but will stop now.
"For Sale" is another watercolor /collage of an old building I spotted in the Dordogne area of France in 2008.

Hope you like them.

Vallejo Adobe

2010-08-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

This is an old adobe building in Pleasanton, CA on Old Foothill RD. It is on the historic register.

Done in watercolor on site and collage added later in studio.

Skullduggery

2010-07-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

This has been underway for abt 3 weeks. Always wanted to do a skull but never found one .
Charlotte Huntley has several from different animals. here is my view of 4 of them.
Plan to do more along the way from photos I took.

First cabbage

2010-07-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here is my painting of my first cabbage I ever grew.
Not quite one a day. but.........

One a day?

2010-07-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking I am going to do a painting a day. This is a sample.A 5x7" watercolor on aquaboard, an exciting new product that could eliminate framing under glass!!

And broken glass. I just unpacked a box of matboard and glass from our move 3 years ago and found 4 pieces of broken glass.

Pom Pom bouquet

2010-06-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Another new piece, watercolor and collage. framed for weekend show

Regan Nursery show and sale

2010-06-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is my banner, one of the hand painted banners that will be raffled this weekend.

Artists in Garden

2010-06-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

Painting from life

2010-06-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

This seems to be a good description of plein air painting.
Media has nothing to do with it.

Paintings vs Sketches.

2010-06-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Watercolorists are painters too. The idea that only oils and acrylics are paintings needs to be put to rest. I encounter this attitude whenever I join a "plein aire" event. Why not just painting outdoors or on location?
I am a painter of watercolors and other media. I sketch in a sketch book.
Let me hear your thoughts on this painters of all types.

A big week

2010-06-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Spent 3 days painting with Charlotte Huntley in Berkeley.
MOre on the paitings coming soon.

French Relic

2010-06-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Another with collage added to parts of a watercolor. This was an old building I saw while travelling in the south of France in 2008

Alviso Adobe

2010-06-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

This watercolor was started en plein aire . after it dried a variety of papers were collaged over the lower two thirds. Then more paint to coplete it. I struggled with the old oak tree but think I can live with it now.

Abstract painting

2010-06-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the positive responses to my recent postings.
A very good question was posed by my sister, Barbara.
I recently read an article in Artists Sketchbook magazine by Laurie Fendrich which reflects my own thoughts. It was in the June 2002 issue.
For me these pieces are intuitive, reacting to the colors, shapes and feelings of whats happening.
For me there is no preconceived idea of where it will end up and only the artist knows when it is finished. There are many "stopping places".
Some of the things Laurie writes are to be open minded, to think, to not look for realistic images and to not expect anyone to explain it to you.
I would include Art Critics who pretend to know what the artist was thinking.

3rd Abstract

2010-06-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

From last week

Brommer Workshop

2010-05-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Spent 5 days at Gerald Brommer workshop in Pleasanton. Watercolor and collage.
Here are two of my first day's small abstracts.
I need to do a little work on the rest before i post them.
One is cruciform design and other is a bridge.

Above is my favorite .

Cruising

2010-05-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Have received confirmation for back to back cruises from Seattle to Alaska Sept.. 3rd to 17th on Celebrity's "Infinity" 2010. I will teach one hour classes on at sea days.

I am very excited about this.

Trying a new technique

2010-05-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Watercolor on gesso over a reject painting. The gesso gives an unusual surface for watercolor. Easy to lift color. Also used kosher salt and stamping with bubble wrap. The reference photo was of an abandoned house along the Dordogne River in S. France in 2008. Pic taken from gabarre' ride on river.

Busy week here.

2010-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Back from Disneyland Sunday evening. had a good time with Bonnie and Hannah and a visit with an old friend and family.

Finished a couple of paintings, "Cresting Wave", a watercolor done with paint and water, no drawing. Letting the medium do its thing. "A Moment in Time", blossoms in watercolor and branches done with tree seal. Yes, that brown stuff. They have changed the formula so it was harder to work with than in the past.. This painting will have a new home come Tuesday.
Then matting and framing, making cards took the rest of the week.
Open Studios this weekend in Fremont.

Slideshow

2010-04-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Enjoy my slide show. Will have to add some recent pieces soon.
Many are available for sale. Contact me for more info.

Happy Spring!

2010-04-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have been out of touch for awhile so will attempt to update the past week or so.
I recently mentioned that I might hang an oil painting on my fence. Well, I hung it on the lattice work on our porch, so it is outdoors. Also hung an acrylic of a rainy day. Very appropriate just now. Now I hear my sis has decided to hang one on her fence! Could this be a trend?
Speaking of sister, Barb, she named both of my recent paintings. "Blanket of Snow" and "Well, Cock-a doodle-doo!". See earlier photos. Her free cards are on the way.

Am teaching a three session class. Will tell more after tomorrows class. Hope we get something finished.
Did Easter things Easter weekend and enjoyed services and family.
Finished painting a banner for upcoming show at Regans Nursery. More on that later.
It is an acrylic of tulips. Should catch the eye of passersby.
"Eastern Influence" received a Merit Award in the Livermore Spring show and a Check!
"Well, Cock-a-doodle-doo" took 2nd in popular vote, artist of the month, at our local art group.

Whats in a Name?

2010-03-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Framed this painting and cant decide on title.
"Family Planning"?
"Poultry Season"?
"Feathered Family"?
"Cogburns Rooster"?

It is a watercolor painted on YUPO which is a synthetic plastic surface. Always a chance the painting might slide off the "Paper". I don't think so but when the paint is wet it can and does.

Impressions and Icons of Umbria

2010-03-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

Working hard to put this event in motion, so pass the word along.
In July Kathleen Mattox and I will teach for 2 weeks in a delightful part of Italy..Umbria!!
Many of the towns we will visit are small(pop.) under 500. The people are charming and there is a new view around every corner.
This is a terrific value with all ground transportation, tuition, accommodation and most meals included.
Non painters will love it too and photo opportunities abound. Then there is the food, wine , markets and unique shops.
Go to laromita.org for more details.

"Autumn Snow" & "Birch Reflections"

2010-03-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today i finished a couple of pieces that have been in limbo for awhile. You can tell by the season just how long.

I think I have used these titles before. Any new ideas?

this week

2010-02-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

These are the 3 images I entered in the CWA open Annual show. Only one can be chosen, if I am lucky so really going for it!

I decided to really try for

Where have I been?

2010-02-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

Park Sierra SKP Park our home away from home.
Enjoyed two weeks there and came home as we have not resolved the refrigerator problem .
So here I am ready to jump back into the local art scene.
I really need to investigate another gallery or two!
Saturday is a luncheon in Albany for teachers and students of La Romita.
If anyone out there wants to go to Italy with me please let me know.
There is still space available for this really great experience.

SKP Park of the Sierras

2010-02-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

This lovely volunteer built and maintained co-op RV Park is located in Coarsegold, CA off Hwy 41 at Road 416. There are 250 sites on 40 acres of rolling hills covered with oak trees, manzanita, lots of birds and quite a few wild animals seen occasionally. Another 40 acres lie across the Coarsegold Creek, undeveloped. This was a gold mining area and there are still a few flakes found nearby.
Part of the Escapees (SKP) RV club. this was our home base for 10 years while we were full time RVers. So we feel like we have come home to familiar faces and places.
A lot of faces have changed as folks age and move to be near family as we did. Some have made the final move as we all will. They are all missed by this caring family.
We planned to visit some of our previous neighbors who are now in Arizona but our trip has been interrupted by the need for a new Refrigerator. So another week before we get under way.

La Romita Workshop

2010-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Coming up in July is my trip to Italy where Kathleen Mattox and I will teach at the wonderful old monastery turned art school of La Romita for two weeks. This is a great place to stay and visit the amazing hilltowns of Umbria. We will sketch and paint on location as well as in the studio.
A great opportunity for all.
If you need a brochure please email me at
gracemrankinartist@gmail.com or visit the website
laromita.org and check out session 2

Time flies!

2010-01-31T20:04:00.000-08:00

January is gone and with it, I hope, the viruses and vertigo that seem to be going around.
Musing on the events of the year yet to come.
Delivered 3 pieces to The NIles Gallery as they are having a NIles exhibit in March and April.
I took mine in early as we leave tomorrow for six weeks in Arizona.
My classes will begin again on Mondays in April. Early learners "Fearless Watercolor" 9am-12pm . Creative Watercolor 1pm -4pm.

Creative w/c class over until April

2010-01-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Because we are heading to Arizona. Packing up the old motorhome and "hitting the road" on Monday. Hoping for warmer weather by the time we get there. Not sure when we will be where although Jim and Barbie, my brother and wife will be in Quartzsite soon.
I promised to share some student work so here it is. None of us feel we are finished yet but some great starts.
These are by Florence, Frances and Donna .

Family Matters

2010-01-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

I think this is finished.
It is watercolor on YUPO, an artifical,slippery surface,
Hope it makes it into a couple of shows. I like the sassy tail on the hen and the look of importance in the roosters stance.

Off to school

2010-01-12T21:02:00.001-08:00

Sunday Tom and marie held a BBQ for both families.
For Maries birthday and a send off for Carter and Gillian as they head off to Boston and Colorado.

Unknown to us they had a photo done for our Christmas gift. I also took some pics which I am posting here.

2010-01-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

First of three "Creative Watercolor" classes today. Hope I didnt overwhelm them. We worked wet into VERY wet, discussed greys vs MUD and shapes of buildings and skies. will show results in two weeks.
Setting new goals for 2010.
First was to do a painting a day which has already changed to a painting a week. Might be reduced to 10 minutes a day at this rate.
Second goal is to have 30 travel paintings done by October.

a New Year has arrived

2010-01-02T22:06:00.000-08:00

I have removed my slideshow for some editing. It is just a temporary absence.
Meantime in the middle of entertaining and fighting a virus I have completed and framed "Paradise Found', an abstracted watercolor started almost a year ago at the Rosicrucians Garden in San Jose. This is a full sheet watercolor, 22"x30' and will be in the Hidden Treasures / Local Talent show at Olive Hyde Gallery with its companion piece, "Eastern Influence".
Also now in a frame is "Blue Iris" . What a difference a mat and frame makes! Really pulls it together. It is a very pleasing collage piece and will also be in the show at Olive Hyde Gallery. The award winning collage "Ancient Arches" and another collage "Rough Waters" will be there too.
Come enjoy the artwork and refreshments.
Reception coming up on January 8th 7pm-9pm.

Happy New Year all!

2009-12-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

Had a very enjoyable Christmas and Boxing Day with friends and family.

John sent these flowers from Wisconsin. Miss him but enjoying the flowers

Childrens chorus

2009-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Granddaughter, Hannah, participated in the childrens choir at church this morning. She is the one on left end of middle row. She loves it.

Essanay Cafe' Show

2009-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

Christine Wilson and I have 18 watercolors on display at Essanay Cafe' in the old Niles district of Fremont from today until Feb 15th. We think it looks great. Come see for yourself.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-14T19:35:00.000-08:00

This was painted very simply in watercolor starting with the fruits and leaves. I dropped pigments into the wet background ,then placed crumpled plastic wrap over it. Weighted it down and let it dry. A few branches finished the job. It took much longer to print the cards.

La Romita Workshop

2009-12-03T20:53:00.001-08:00

Kathleen Mattox and I will be teaching at La Romita in Italy July 13 to 27th
La Romita is an art school about 60 mi north of Rome in Umbria. There are many hilltowns in this area that are still as they were hundreds of years ago.
We will spend 2 weeks in a 16th century monastery that accommodates abt 20 people.
with daily trips to these towns we will sketch and paint on site. Back in the studio there will be instruction in mixed media and collage and encoraging critiques.
For more info and a chance to sign up early for this warm and wonderful experience please visit the La Romita website at
www. laromita.org

Boutique

2009-11-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here is part of boutique and gourd display now at FAA gallery in Niles CA. Come on over if you can.

thanksgiving

2009-11-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

Dinner with our family and Marie's family at Toms.
Photo of Cody showing hannah some chords.

"Mother Earth, Mother Goose"

2009-11-25T21:17:00.003-08:00

What do you think?
Does that describe me? Pennee ' thinks it does.
Send me your comments

Something to look forward to.

2009-11-20T20:44:00.000-08:00

I received news today that I will be guest artist on the Celebrity Cruise lines ship, Millenium, on a 2 week cruise from San Diego CA to Alaska and ending in Vancouver BC where we will hopefully stop off for a few days visit with family. I am really excited about this new adventure. More about it later. Meantime here is an interesting friend I met on a previous trip.

Tuesday painters

2009-11-17T21:33:00.001-08:00

After getting lost finally found the home of new friend who offered me some pomegranates as I want to paint them for a Holiday card. Started two today. Watch for the finished pieces in a few days. Become a follower and send your address and I will send you a card.

color changes

2009-11-16T21:40:00.000-08:00

I have changed some of the colors on my blog. I hope it is easier to read and that my paintings show better.

I now have 5 paintings hanging in the Fremont Social Security Office. Not sure who will see them as they are in the office area which is not open to the public. This is part of the circuit and they will hang there for 3 months.

Painting Green

2009-11-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

This has always been my nemesis, the use of the color green and it surrounds us everywhere, eap. when painting out of doors.
I have learned to "mix" my greens by statring with a yellowish green tube color and adding various blues and a touch of red. When I mix I really let the colors mix themselves for best effect

Here are two recent examples.

Celebrate Creativity Weekend

2009-11-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

What a great experience! Good friends and inspiration. Worked on glss, cards, and collage. By Sunday most were trying collage. Some for the first time. Thanks to Kathleen and Roy Mattox for opening their happy home and for putting up with me ALL weekend.
This very small piece was named "Rest in Pieces". Could also apply to my sleep patterns.

Collage class

2009-11-03T21:23:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I held a collage workshop and did we work!
Took three different approaches, floral, rocks and water and non objective.
Again come back tomorrow to see some of the pieces.
Here they are.
Mine are the two larger images
"Blue Iris" and
"Mossy Rocks"

Here are some of Jaci's and mine

Out of their comfort zone

2009-11-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

My Monday class really stretched last week. so proud of them . We did Sycamore trees with an underpainting. See some of the results here tomorrow. These are Jaci,Frances,Christines, Donna's and mine

2009-10-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Looks like i need to get some new things posted. Have several paintings in the works so will get busy.
Please chck back soon

Slideshow

2009-10-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy my slideshow, posted tonight. i am so pleased I figured it out. This is a random assortment of paintings.