Intermediate Painting Class

This image were taken last night by Judy Arndt during the intermediate painting class that is part of Marin's TUHSD adult education program. I was teaching a lesson on shapes. Pictured here front to back are Ellen Smith, Janice Gram-Anderson, Kendra Bontz, Karyn Craig, Soraya Zarribi, and Maria Dellano,

New England

My husband and I travelled east last week and was delighted to see the fall colors at their peak. We drove through Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We loved Bar Harbor in Maine which is next to Acadia National Park. I could not decide which view to paint but this one was one of my favorites. I am struggling to paint with water soluble oil paints. They were glue-like which may have caused by the near freezing temperatures the night before.

Lake Tahoe

I just returned from painting at Lake Tahoe. I was in a plein air workshop with Randall Stauss- we painted several incredibly beautiful sites. I am seen here

at Fallen Leaf Lake and Emerald Bay.

Plein Air Painting on Tiburon Ridge

Today a group of BayWood Artists hiked above Tiburon for this beautiful view. We were painting for the upcoming BayWood Artist show "Paint Marin." We painted for a couple of hours at dusk. This show will benefit Marin Open Space and in particular Tiburon Ridge for the protection of its native plants.

Plein Air Painting at China Camp

Today I taught a great group of ladies as we painted along the road at China Camp. When it got hotter we moved to the China Camp Village and painted the serene inlet. The sun filtered through the trees on to the water.

Marin/Scapes

Marin/Scapes ended yesterday after a successful 3 days. I really enjoyed talking with visitors and even met people who had bought my paintings before!

Here I am with Christin Coy and Carol Peek. Below Cynthia Hersey and friend are posing with my work.

Mind/Scapes Video at Marin/Scapes

Each day at the Marin/Scapes venue there is also an exhibit of participating Mind/Scapes painters' works.

Mind/Scapes artists were interviewed for their Oral Histories. The Oral History project is the brain child of Marilyn Geary who wanted to interview for posterity several Marin landscape artists. These oral histories will be on file at the Marin Free Library at the Civie Center . Laurie Thompson is the librarian in charge of archiving these video histories.

During the daily panel discussions we were asked why painting and art was healing for us, how we became painters, and other questions. I talked about how once one has learned the skills of painting like learning tennis, then one can be in the moment to create.

Marin/Scapes

Yesterday was the beginning of Marin/Scapes art exhibit, there was a good turn out for the first day!

I am very grateful to part of Marin/Scapes which is a benefit for Buckelew. Buckelew Programs funds about 70 homes in Napa, Sonoma & Marin. It also provides employment through Blue Skies Cafes and other career services.

I am here with Cameron Duncan of Marin/Scapes and Jack Scott, Board Member of Buckelew Programs.

Marin/Scapes Gala

Tonite was the opening of the Marin/Scapes Exhibit with a gala event. There was a delicious Italian family-style dinner served at tables outside.

I pictured on the left with my husband John and on the right with Laurie Thompson and Marilyn Geary of Mind/Scapes.

United Market Ad

Today the United Market Ad featuring Marin/Scape artists and Buckelew staff was in the Marin Independent Journal. Cameron Duncan is adding some highlights to my painting.

Mind/Scapes Film at the DeYoung Museum

This spring I was part of an oral history project that was organized by Laurie Thompson and Marilyn Geary. Eight landscape artists were interviewed and filmed, and these histories will be on file at the Civic Center Marin Public Library. Segments from each artist were transformed into a film called Mind/Scapes about the healing aspect of painting landscapes in the special environment of Marin.

Today this film was debuted at the De Young Museum with many of the artists on a question-and-answer panel. This was preceded by a very interesting talk by Michael Freeman, MD on how landscapes heal. Since we all began as hunter-gathers having a horizon line in a painting can stimulate the brain impulse to explore, discover take risks. Also, having the landscape elements of trees, water, grasses, etc. also can trigger an elemental response in us. Since many of us live in crowded cities it can be restorative to view images that remind of us of our primal beginnings.

First Plein Air Painting Class

It was a perfect day for my first plein air painting class at Sorich Park in San Anselmo. I enjoyed both teaching and learning from my students. There were some gusts of wind that blew away my umbrella from time to time, otherwise the weather was pleasant. Everyone painted great paintings -incredible for first timers!

Plein Air in the Garden and Beyond at Filoli

I was so inspired by the title of the show that I asked a friend if I could paint her garden as it has been on many garden tours. Even though it was winter and in the 40’s, there were still some roses left. I loved the unusual gate and entrance with the light coming through. I titled the painting "79 Shady Lane."I am pictured here with Mary Stahl curator of the show.

Intermediate Oil Painting Class

Painters pictured in top row are Judy Arndt, Sarah Gorman, Susan Lobedan, Milena Dixon, Karyn Craig,Kappy Reed
Next Row:Ellen Smith, Cynthia Hersey,Sherrill Miller, Soraya Zarrabi, Chris Brettingen, Stuart Gourlay, & last but not least Annie Sheray!

This was the last week of class for the intermediate painting class! This class is offered through the TUHSD adult education program. I was so impressed with the progress all made this semester! Good work everyone!

Marin Designer Showcase

Rosegarden Estate

Rachel Ginis of Sandra Bird Designs envisioned a “women’s retreat” for the Garden Hideaway. My paintings are part of the floral look. Note the unfinished piece was requested to look like a work in progress. The frames were created by Matt Painter of Painter’s Place. In the brochure it reads that “this harmonious and peaceful garden setting bring out the creative spirit where she can spend hours pursuing and nourishing her passions.” It is a wonderful space with Bay views, I just wish it were my studio! The showcase is open until June 5.