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.

In the Studio Today... Sonoma Plein Air

Saturday, September 15, 2007
Today was the final exhibition of the artists work after a week of plein air painting at the Sonoma Plein Air Competition. Kate and I spoke with several artists, including the "Best of Show" winner, Tim Horn, of Fairfax, CA. It was wonderful to hear about how the artists completed 8 or more paintings in just one week, and then quickly framed their paintings last night, before today's show. Many of the paintings are still wet! I spoke with last year's best of show winner, Nancy McDonald. It was wonderful to be able to hear first hand about some of the paintings.While Kate viewed a live, watercolor demonstration, I was able to do a quick sketch with some big, chalk pastels on one of the easels left out for anyone to "Have fun!" and sketch. I didn't notice too many people taking advantage of this free easel time, so I jumped right in! My little sketch was very quick, but I had fun.