Plein Air Today... Matanzas Creek Lavender Fields

Sunday, June 15, 2008: Happy Father's Day!
Early June Lavender, Matanzas Creek, 16" x 20", o/c.
I went out to my Dad's favorite winery today to make him a Father's Day painting. Matanzas Creek Winery and Lavender Fields are located in Santa Rosa, not far from Glen Ellen. I had the pleasure of carpooling and painting with fellow artists, Kate Peper and Barbara Lawrence. We had a beautiful afternoon... Although I was disappointed they didn't sell any of my favorite chocolate with lavender, by New Tree. Here is the link to their Tranquility Chocolate Bar with Lavender and Lime.

Auction Raised over $13,000. Last night!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

My first painting of the San Anselmo Seminary building, the only stone church in California(I have heard...), sold at a very special auction last night. I couldn't be more proud of my community today. It was a wonderful moment, to see everyone coming together to help a family in need. As promised, I will have prints available of this image very soon. Here is an exerpt from the auction results, from our school principal:

"I am sitting here just amazed with pride at this incredible community!! This was a night to go down in the history books, parents! Tonight, with only 4 of the last (busiest!) days of school to get ready, you INCREDIBLE parents pulled off a demonstration of “all for one” compassion that is noble beyond compare. Tonight, with some hamburgers, hot dogs, and a WHOLE lot of heart, you raised…… $13,216 to support Lynn Hyncks and her family. Tonight, you showed all our children and students what it means to care, what it means to share, what it means to help those in need.

Thank you. Thank you to those who came and ate a hamburger, hot dog, or veggie patty (over 400 of you). Thank you to our excellent musicians who volunteered to came and serenade us. Thank you moms and dads who donated SO many silent and live auction items, some worth thousands of dollars! Thank you for buying those silent and live auction items and raising so much for these children."

You have made Fathers Day, for these children, so very much better. Thank you, you wonderful Wade Thomas school family!"

Auction TODAY to benefit Lynn Hincks & Family

Today our community is coming together to help a local, San Anselmo woman, and mother of 3 young girls that attend Wade Thomas School in San Anselmo. Lynn Hincks partner, Matt Reagan, passed away unexpectedly last week. To top it all off, Lynn is currently in Stage 3 of cancer, and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments this summer. Our Wade Thomas Community has launched a tremendous effort to help this family, including:

BBQ Dinner at Wade Thomas School
With Live Music and Auction
TONIGHT, FRIDAY, JUNE 13, from 6-8pm.

I am donating a painting of San Anselmo to the Live Auction.
The Bug at Montgomery Chapel, San Anselmo, CA

If you are interested in bidding on this painting, please come and do so, as it might go for a lot less than it's actual price($1,200.) ALL are welcome to join in tonight and have a meal and enjoy some music outside on the Wade Thomas Campus. Please come and have dinner to support Lynn Hincks and the girls.

Thank you!

-Colleen

Plein Air Today... Cow Track Ranch, Nicasio

Sunday, June 8, 2008
Heaven on earth tonight, at Cow Track Ranch, in Nicasio, CA. I painted plein air as part of the Art on the Farm series, with a group of about 10 painters today. It was just stunning, with 360 views of rolling hills, valleys, rock outcroppings and grazing cows. The ranch itself has a redwood barn, now greyed with age and covered with yellow lichen, that was built in 1871, as well as colorful antique tractors and rusted farm equipment from times past.