In the Studio Today... Elephant Mt. Cyclist Final

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

"Dwarfed by Elephant Mountain".

Platform Bridge Road near Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road.
O/C 30" x 30", gallery wrap canvas, unframed.
Available at Mill Valley Depot show, September 1, 2009.
View painting in progress, in a previous post here.
DETAIL of above painting.

In the Studio Today... Ole's Boathouse Old Greenwich/Riverside, CT

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"Ole's Boathouse, Riverside, Connecticut" o/c, 24" x 36". Commission.

I grew up down the road from this active boat yard, with access to Long Island Sound. I was able to spent part of my recent vacation time painting this commission. I forced myself to leave out details in the trees and water, and I like how that part of the painting turned out. It is very easy to over work a studio painting and add too many details. In this case, concentrating the details in the building, and leaving them out of background forces the viewers focus to the building, as one might paint a portrait of a face, with a misty or abstract background. Prints of this image are available. Please email me if you are interested.

In the Studio Today...Elephant Mt. Cyclist; Day 1

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

"Dwarfed by Elephant Mt." 30" x 30", o/c, Day 1. Click Photo to enlarge.

Starting on my series of "Cycling Through Landscapes" for the Mill Valley Depot show, September 2009. I love this drive out towards Pt. Reyes, and the feeling of emense mountain awe you get when you round the bend on Platform Bridge Road headed towards Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road, and see Elephant Mt. (Black Mt.) for the first time. The day I was out there to take this photo, I had pulled my car over and was taking pictures from the side of the road when this cyclist came by. I knew I wanted to paint this image right away. More details to come...

In the Studio Today...Second Commission of Two & Christin Coy Summer Workshop

Detail: "Bike at the Cabin"; Original painting 12"x 16", o/c, 2009.

I have created paintings that inspired a commissioned copy of the original, sold painting. This time, I was asked to create 2 of the same painting; one for a client and one for her brother. The painting request was from a combination of photos taken at a summer cabin in Vermont, but the client did not have a photo with the lake behind the cabin... this was my job, to paint the lake in to make it look like the cabin was on the lake... which it is, but the photos were not taken to show this properly. I am glad to finally be done with the second version of this painting.

My June news is that I will be taking a summer workshop with Marin Landscape Painter, Christin Coy, beginning in July. I look forward to getting out of the house with my paints for 5 weeks, and hopefully, I will be able to use the time to work on my landscape paintings with bikes in them, for the Mill Valley Depot show in September. Please save the date for a September 1st, 6pm reception at the Mill Valley Depot.

I visited Mill Valley yesterday to measure the walls at the Depot Cafe & Bookstore, and plan out my show. I am looking forward to filling the space with Marin cycling related scenes. It should be a lot of fun for me, and hopefully too, for the great cycling enthusiasts in the Bay Area.

In the Studio Today... The Art of Creative Writing

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

From Left to Right: Cover of Miller Brothers book, my painting of Nicasio Fence Post by Old St. Mary's Church, and photo of me and my own twin boys at Nicasio Valley Farms, 2008.

My knee is still throbbing from surgery last Friday. Being in physical pain is something I am really not good at. I've survived years of emotional pain, but the real, OUCH kind of pain that feels like someone is sitting on the back of your knee with a truck tire... no, this ain't for me. Wrestling would not be my sport of choice. However, here I sit after having read a book for 4 hours that actually took my pain away with out medication. "Either You're in or You're in the Way", by Logan and Noah Miller. This book is phenomenal. I laughed out loud, cried, and laughed out loud again and just could not put the book down(Ok, confession... minus the 10 minutes it took me to eat a yogurt).

This book means a lot to me as a Marin resident, a mother of twin boys, and as a painter, who loves West Marin. I lived in the hills of Fairfax for seven years in a rat infested rental home owned by Forest Knolls women who rode motorcycles. When we told them the house had rats, they said, "Welcome to West Marin". And over the next years, I witnessed baby deer born under our deck, wild turkeys landing in flocks on our roof around sunset, and rainbows you only had seen in movies, crossing over the three mountains we could see from our house. There is something about the land here that is so special, you just don't want to leave. It perhaps has to soak into you a bit, and you have to be tough enough to live with "great habitat", as the watershed district once told me... West Marin is a true gem, and until I read the Miller Brother's book, I didn't realize fully that this has become my home.

Their book is not about Marin, but about the creation of their film about their lives and their father, who lived in Samuel P. Taylor park for 15 years, as a homeless roofer. He was an alcoholic and loved by everyone he met, but he didn't get the help he needed and ended up dying in 2006 in prison. The most amazing thing is how these boys, Logan and Noah Miller, were able to love him for who he was, and promise to make this film for him, and do it in one year. The power of a "deadline" is very amazing and real for artists. Perhaps for everyone in life, but I have found that if I don't have a deadline, I just won't get the work done. I want to commend these boys for their will and love of their Dad, and Northern California.

As a painter, I often see and feel things in the landscape, but can't describe them the way I'd like to in words... so I paint. The Miller Brother's can describe scenes with words, that I could probably paint... For example, "We drove along the river, passing rolling vineyards glowing shades of pink in the dusk as the redwood hills turned to shadows against the dying light behind them." I live to paint moments like these. Here's another one of my favorites from their book: "Later in the afternoon, the sun warmed the redwoods above the Monte Rio Bridge and we jumped off the concrete slab and swam in the cool waters below."

For the past 4 years, I have made the drive out to Nicasio to our favorite pumpkin patch, to let my twin boys pick out pumpkins, run through the hay maze, and jump and slide in the big jumpees at Nicasio Valley Farms. I would go more than once per season, just to let the boys jump off steam and I would relax and take photos of the rolling hills, and gorgeous produce. Inevitably, I would end up chatting with the lovely woman who worked at the farm, and she would tell me about her twin boys, the writers. When you have twins, you always chat with others who have twins. It's a club, for sure. You can't understand what it's like unless you've joined, and it is always nice to meet another twin mom to chat with. So each year, Lynnette would tell me about her boys, the writers, who were trying to make a film. I'd never met them, or knew about them more than this.

It is so wonderful to be able to congratulate this mom and these twins today. My week of pain in my knee post surgery has been bearable because I've had this story to enjoy and celebrate Marin. I am so proud of these guys, and I want to tell everyone to go read this book! It is a miracle. It is that first great effort by any artist, that puts them on the map. A dedication to a deadline, and getting it done, despite all odds. I hope that some day, my twin boys will be able to do something as extraordinary as the Miller Brothers, and I can be as proud as my favorite twin mom out in Nicasio. If my leg is feeling great on Saturday, you may see me out in Pt. Reyes with my crutches, waiting to get my book signed for my twins to have some day.

If you go: Meet the Miller Brothers, this Saturday, May 30th, in Pt. Reyes Station. Book Launch and Benefit for MALT with the Miller Brothers at Toby's Feed Barn. 6:30-9pm. Clips from the film will be shown. Oysters, hot dogs, Lagunitas Brewing Company Beer, and Straus Family Creamery ice cream will be for sale, with part of the proceeds going to help preserve more family farms in West Marin. Ticket price for adults includes one beer (I.D. required), price for under 21 includes one non-alcoholic drink. Purchase tickets online or at Point Reyes Books.

In the Studio Today... Session #2; Greenhouse

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"Lizzie's Greenhouse", Cow Track Ranch, Nicasio, CA 14"x 18", oil on canvas.

Day two working on this painting I started en plein air in the Cow Track Ranch Greenhouse on Tuesday. For more info on that "Art on the Farm" visit, please see my previous post.

In the Studio Today... Cow Track Ranch Greenhouse

Tuesday, May 12, 2009
"Lizzie's Greenhouse Starts", 14" x 18", oil on canvas.

I drove out to Nicasio today to paint with the "Art on the Farm" group at Lizzie Daniels stunning property, "Cow Track Ranch". It's just past downtown Nicasio and the Nicasio school, and also just past Nicasio Valley Farms, where I have seen Logan and Noah's mom smiling and telling me about her twin sons, the writers, every Fall at the pumpkin patch, where my own twin boys have spent endless hours in the jump house and hay maze. Congratulations, twin mom. You must be so proud! : )

Today was a sunny, 64 degree day, with light winds, and perfect weather for outdoor painting. Lizzie boasts of her Marin County Fair "Best of Show" Merlot Red Lettuce(photos below), and it was a sight to behold, growing all over the property, surrounding the barns, amongst the roses, and in the new greenhouse. Liz offered a tour of the greenhouse, where she grows all varieties of organic vegetable and herb seedlings that are sold to businesses such as Local Flora, and provided to several school gardens in West and Central Marin County. Liz has also provided Osteria Stellina in downtown Pt. Reyes Station with assistance, lettuces, and produce.


"Cow Track Ranch" Organic, Merlot Lettuce, is a dark, burgundy color.
For more on today's visit, please visit the "Art on the Farm" Blog.
www.artonthefarmblog.com

In the Studio Today... MALT's Annual Show!

I have been attending the MALT show for more than five years now, and anticipate it every year. As a plein air landscape artist in Marin County, this is the most coveted place to exhibit one's work. To be accepted to MALT for their annual show is an honor, when there are hundreds of landscape painters that would like to hang their work on the walls of Druid's Hall in Nicasio. For me, it is a goal to be included in this group some day, but for now, I enjoy visiting the show each year when I can, and talking to the artists, who often are there to share and discuss their paintings.

The drive to Nicasio alone will have you feeling at peace with our natural surroundings, and then to enter the show is just magical. The walls in this small space are packed like a patchwork quilt; every painting packed into the Hall contributes something unique and special about Marin county farms and land that has been preserved by Marin Agricultural Land Trust. It is a joy and treat for me to be there each year, if not as an exhibiting painter, at least as one in spirit! Please go and support MALT on May 16th(my Birthday!)from 2-5pm, or on May 17th, from 10 -4pm. They offer books, greeting cards and other items that are fairly priced and make great gifts, as well as prints and paintings. Visit the MALT website for more information, and some great audio interviews with participating artists.

You may also want to take a look at the MALT website and a new MALT Blog that is written about Ranches and Rolling Hills, and full of information and inspiration about art and farming, by Elisabeth Ptak.

Finally, you may also want to visit the blogs of 2 MALT artists I have had the pleasure of venturing out to farms with through the "Art on the Farm" group trips:

• Christin Coy's Blog
• Richard Lindenberg's Blog

Enjoy!

In the Studio Today...OPEN STUDIO; May 2 & 3rd

"Lemons Before Mt. Tam" Plein air at Fairfax Fresh, Meyer Lemon Farm, 2008.

Hello Friends and Art Enthusiasts!

There are 4 artists in my neighborhood that will be opening their doors to the public on May 2nd and 3rd. 3 of these artists are right on San Anselmo Avenue, so look for their signs and balloons. They are on the map found in the recent issue of "Marin Magazine". I am located just off San Anselmo Ave, at 92 Elm, but I am not on the map this year.

Please click here for a map:92 Elm Ave., San Anselmo, CA (Just off of Scenic Ave., or San Anselmo Ave. White house with a red door, and large palm tree in front.)

I have many oil paintings of local, Marin County landscapes, and I am trying to clear them out, as I am creating 20 cycling related scenes for a September show at the Mill Valley Depot. So, what this means is that ALL prices are negotiable at this time, and I have let a few things go for as low as $150. So, if you need a painting for a graduation gift or Mother's Day.... Please take a look a this link below and consider stopping by. I will put a few balloons out in the yard. The paintings are all hanging in my home, and you may click here to preview what I still have available online here. (or paste this url in your browser http://tinyurl.com/dmsyxt)

Thanks for your support!

-Colleen

In the Studio Today... This Sunday-April 19th; "Art on the Farm" Reception at VMA, San Rafael

(click image below to enlarge)
Please come for a reception this Sunday, April 19th, hosted by the Friends of Marin Veterans' Auditorium and Marin Arts Council, 2-5pm. I have 2 paintings on display, among the 40+ artists that will be exhibited. Paintings are from plein air outings to Marin Organic Farms in 2008. Please RSVP to Friendsmc@co.marin.ca.us or phone 415.499.6014. For more info, please visit: Art on the Farm Blog

Directions to Marin Center:

FROM 101 NORTH (From San Francisco):
Take the North San Pedro exit, and go east.
Turn left at the first light, Civic Center Drive.
The Center is 1/2 mile down on the right, just past the lagoon.

FROM 101 SOUTH (From Santa Rosa):
Take the North San Pedro exit
At end of off ramp turn left onto Merrydale
At traffic light turn left onto North San Pedro Road, and go east under the freeway.
At the first light, turn left onto Civic Center Dr.
Follow Civic Center Drive approximately 1/2 mile.
The Center is on the right, just past the lagoon

In the Studio Today... I Spy Art Mirrors & Poster

Monday, April 6, 2009
(Click above image to enlarge)
The above is a poster of 18, 10" x 10" individual "I Spy" mirrors my son and his classmates created to raise money for the YES Foundation. "YES" funds Art and Music at their public school. I photographed the kids mirrors and combined them to create this poster, and put all the questions the kids came up with in the center of the poster. We are framing this and auctioning it off at the YES Gala this year. Wouldn't this be great in a pediatrician's office, or waiting room? Kid's playroom? Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing a poster. Also, check out and feel free to bid on the great items for auction online to support the boys' art and music programs in the Ross Valley School District.

In the Studio Today...Bouquets to Art 2009

Bouquets to Art 2009, originally uploaded by cproppe.

I had a brief glimpse at this year's "Bouquets to Art" show at the de Young in San Francisco today. Floral designers choose a painting, sculpture or piece of art in the museum, and let it inspire them to create their work. Some are very traditional displays, while others are truly unique, and modern works of art in themselves.

It was a gorgeous day, great weather, and the opening day for the show, St. Patrick's Day. I saw a lot of people wearing green, and many beautiful hats and brightly colored outfits. The show inspires so much color, and it was so crowded I had to line up behind other camera carrying folks to snap my photos for this event. Very well attended today. 4 more days, through March 21st. Don't miss it! Always worth the trip! Click here to check out some of my photos from today...

Frank Lloyd Wright House Cookie

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Frank Lloyd Wright House Cookie, originally uploaded by cproppe.

An MFA graduate of CalArts and friend is currently working on a feature length documentary about Architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's "Organic Architecture"; architecture which blended into the landscape and expressed the beauty of natural elements, such as falling water and rocks. His 1939 Kaufman House, known as "Fallingwater", has repeatedly been named the most beautiful house in the world by the American Institute of Architects.

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Frank Lloyd Wright, and my friend has launched a baking project to compliment and raise funds for her film. If you make a donation to the film, you can have these amazing house cookies sent right to your door..... or you can join her "Architecture Cookie Club", and receive a new cookie inspired by one of the architects in her film, every 3 months. For more information, please contact Holly at durivage@mac.com or check out her blog, which is soon to become a more elaborate website for the film and the cookies, of course!

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In the Studio Today... Claudia Chapline GalleryOpening Reception

Sunday, March 8th
It was a gorgeous and busy day at Claudia Chapline Gallery in Stinson Beach. We kicked off the opening of "Art on the Farm" with a great crowd. From left to right are: Alan Mart(founder of Art on the Farm), Claudia Chapline, Chris Adessa, Christin Coy, and Richard Lindenberg. View more photos at the Art on the Farm blog.

In the Studio Today... Recycled Frame Complete and Delivery to Claudia Chapline Gallery

Claudia Chapline Gallery; March 2008, originally uploaded by cproppe.

Well, here is the result of the framing by Chris Cheek, of Heritage Salvage in Petaluma. The wood is from an old BARN! Too cool. I am very happy with the look of it. Very rustic and farmy. Claudia Chapline is going to hang it in her front window of the shop! Very exciting.

For more information on this March show;
click here to visit my previous post.

In the Studio Today... "Going Green" with Recycled Wood Frames

Bay Area artists looking to help the environment need to look no further than their own backyard... Heritage Salvage of Petaluma has an entire palette of recycled wood and can custom frame your paintings too. For the March show of "Art on the Farm" at the renowned Stinson Beach, Claudia Chapline Gallery, my painting will have a recycled wood frame created by the staff at Heritage Salvage. Above, you can see the many choices available in recycled wood... The corner frame samples and colors are on the left of the image. Click the photo above to enlarge. Do you have a favorite frame for this painting, above? Email me your favorite, or send an idea of your own.

When I arrived with boys in tow yesterday, Michael "Bug" Deakin was on site, and happy to let my little driver sit and play on the company forklift. It's a fun place to visit, with all kinds creative ideas for building with recycled materails. I wrote about Heritage Salvage over a year ago when I learned of them from local artist, Judith Selby Lang, who is constantly creating art with recycled trash from beaches and helping to educate and inspire all in our local community. To read that older post, click here.
If you go....
Heritage Salvage is easy to find on Google Maps:

In the Studio Today...Claudia Chapline Gallery

Claudia Chapline Gallery, originally uploaded by arawak812.

I just mailed 60 postcards out for the upcoming March show at the Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Stinson Beach, California. What an exciting venue for "Art on the Farm". I am really looking forward to seeing a piece from each artist I have enjoyed painting alongside over the last year on Marin Organic Farms.
Click below event promo to read:

Please email me if you would like a postcard mailed to you, or if you would like information about the March 7th, catered, preview dinner and sale (the night before the artist's reception).

A separate event, the Artists' Reception, with over 40 artists, will be Sunday, March 8th, 3-5pm. You may find the information on the card above, or learn more about "Art on the Farm" at the blog, or website

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In the Studio Today... 50th Anniversary of the Life & Death of Frank Lloyd Wright

April 2009 is the 50th Anniversary of the passing of architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Well known here in Marin, Mr. Wright's design for the Marin County Civic Center represents the culmination of his career; it was his final design, the building completed only after his death. A colleague of mine from the California Institute of the Arts has been working on a film, chronicling the history of several architectural descendants of Frank Lloyd Wright. She hopes to have a portion of the film available to celebrate Mr. Wright's 50th, this April 9th. Her film is supported by the San Francisco Film Society. Please view clip, below:

Selected sequence from feature length documentary in progress:
Our Pace Setters; A Chronicle of Organic Architecture
A Film exploring three student descendants of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Film by Holly du Rivage. Principal photography by Ezra Stoller © Esto Photo.
Original music, by Gunnar Proppé.

This 16 minute portion of a feature film in-progress was recently exhibited at the University of Florida(September 2008) where Alfred Parker is a professor of architecture. For his 92nd Birthday, University of Florida honored Parker with an exhibition, lectures on the campus, and tours of his homes in Gainesville, Florida.

These sequences are an introduction to Alfred Parker, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and his 92 year career as an architect and teacher in Florida. The clip documents Parker's early career, his relationship with Elizabeth Gordon, editor of House Beautiful magazine, and his relationship with Mr. Wright.

If you would like to make a donation to Holly's film in honor of Frank Lloyd Wright's 50th Anniversary, she is currently accepting funding in the form of checks made out to "San Francisco Film Society" or SFFS*, with a note at the bottom of the check, "For Holly du Rivage, Producer". (*Soon, you will be able to make an online, tax-deductible donation for this film directly from SFFS's secure server on their website, but until then, Holly requests that checks be made out SFFS and mailed to her). Holly is offering gifts for the top donations, as well as the first to donate, and those who tell the most friends! Please email Holly for further information. To read more about Holly or this film, please visit her blog.

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In the Studio Today... Art Couples and the Art of Life; Embracing the Past, the Present, and Hoping for Pleasant Surprises in the Future

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I've been thinking a lot about artists who are couples, and what that was like for me at one time in my life. My previous post on Martha and Ralph Borge, the couple that painted in West Marin for MALT,and would have celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year...
I am also reminded of René and Georgette Magritte, made more famous in the lyrics of a Paul Simon song. They too enjoyed a happy and long, healthy marriage while being constantly involved in successes in the new and exciting surrealist art world.Photo: René and Georgette Magritte with their dog Loulou at Brussels airport before leaving with Sabena for New York. (http://www.musee-magritte-museum.be)

I was once married to an artist and musician, and being with him for a decade in my adult life truly affected the way I have learned to love art and view the world. It was a relationship that felt right to me. Artist's have a way of being able to discuss the world in a way that others do not have. We draw on a palette of colors, textures, senses and musical chords that some, I believe, truly can not see or feel; or, sadly... they never had the luxury of learning this language, like any other language that must be learned from youth. I was so lucky to have parents that fostered my art from a young age. I want to thank them both at this time, and tell them how much I love them. They still house dozens of my paintings in their home, and share my art with their friends, as if each painting I produce for them is a gift from the gods. They have never made me feel my art was anything but special.

In my recent reflection on my past and memories of my former husband, I have revisited my post I wrote years ago on "Motivation; Advice for Artists", to address how the loss of an artist spouse can affect an artist, and how I have found ways to work on my grieving and continue in life. It is no easy task. I think that "art couples" bond in ways that are truly unique, and my hypothesis is that these couples have a harder time with separation and divorce due to the very nature of their shared language of art. It is my hope to feel better about this loss someday, and explain it to my children. I hope others may understand as well, and may learn from my shared experiences. To read the revised post, click here.

Some successful, Marin County "Artist Couples":
• Kathleen Lipinski and Steve Emery
• Richard Blair and Kathleen Goodwin
• Linda Larsen and Larry Bryson
• Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang
• Martha and Ralph Borge

In the Studio Today... Connie Smith Siegel

Saturday, February 7, 2009
(click newsclipping to read) Tomorrow, Sunday, February 8th, at 4pm, is a reception for Connie Smith Siegel at the San Geronimo Cultural Center Gallery, in Woodacre, CA. I hope to attend. Connie is a native of West Marin and has taught numerous artists over the years. She is a remarkable artist and inspirtation. I took this photo of Connie at Mt. Barnabe farm, in 2008. You can read more about that farm visit, here. Article reposted as a clipping from The West Marin Citizen.
Post script, Sunday night: I attended Connie's opening and really enjoyed the show and listening to Connie share her thoughts on some of her students and their work. It was well attended; the gallery was packed with 100 or so adults. Connie is offering 1 day workshops on Drawing and Painting later in the month. She released two new books, and I am excited to read these treasures by a local art gem. My highlight of the evening was Connie telling my that my photo of her on Mt. Barnabe is one of her favorite photos of herself. What a nice thing to say! View and purchase the books:

• Spirit of Drawing: A Sensory Meditation Guide to Creative Expression











• Spirit of Color: A Sensory Meditation Guide to Creative Expression

In the Studio Today... Graphic Design

February 6, 2009
Project: Flyer to promote Wedding Floral Design
Client: Local Flora
Single page design that will be displayed in Hotel and Wedding binders in SF and Marin County. The client wanted something that showed off her unique and organic, local flower designs. I chose to use this close-up image of a bouquet from her photos. The photo itself was really well shot, clear and it draws the viewer into the intimate intricacies of the flowers; a goal most weddings hope to share. I included images of veils from a wedding I photographed in Nicasio.

In the Studio... Art on the Farm & Ralph Borge

Saturday, January 24, 2008
(click image below to enlarge)
I recently read of the passing of Ralph Borge, a West Marin artist who painted for MALT's Ranches and Rolling Hills Show for many years, along with his wife, Martha Borge. To read more about Ralph's life, please visit here. You may also read about his 38 year teaching career at California College of the Arts, here.I never had the pleasure of meeting this artistic couple, but I have visited their shows for the last several years, and admired their work immensely. Ralph's painting "Gathering Storm over Point Reyes" was the Marinscapes Poster for 1991. I have always been one of the silent admirers of these great artists, who have paved the way for myself and others who now seek to paint the land for it to be remembered and saved as we move into times of uncertain future for our earth's health and climate. In honor of Ralph and the others that have taught us to paint with the spirit of giving back, I would like to share an upcoming show of several Marin artists who also seek to paint the land and farms of Marin and Sonoma County, in order to honor the local farms and give back to the local growers with a percentage of sales from the paintings. I hope you will have an opportunity to visit the latest show of "Art on the Farm" at the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium Foyer. To visit Martha at her studio, you will find her Gallery at 221 B Street in Point Reyes Station.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Martha Borge
PO Box 118
Point Reyes Station CA 94956
Contributions in Ralph’s memory may be sent to:
The CCA Ralph Borge Scholarship Fund
CCA Advancement Office
5212 Broadway
Oakland CA 94618

In the Studio Today... Bowling Pin Art

(Mosaics; Tammy Lee-Sullivan, Cat; Katie Ruiz,"Estrella Hermana" or Star Sister;
Big Sister holding little sister; Barbara Lawrence, Wood and Glasswork; Leland Dennick.)

This is a plug for a GREAT local art event that is coming up on January 21st. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marin kicks off the new year with "Pins of Marin", a event that advertises and leads up to their biggest fundraiser of the year in March, "Bowl for Kids' Sake".

"Pins of Marin" is much like Hearts of San Francisco, but instead of painting or decorating hearts, the artists are asked to decorate bowling pins. Over 200 "Art Pins" will be displayed at a kick-off dinner and art reception next Wednesday night, 6-9pm, January 21, 2009, at Piatti Ristorante and Bar in Mill Valley. After the event, the pins are displayed in businesses throughout Marin to help advertise the upcoming "Bowl for Kids' Sake". The pins are also available to purchase via online auction from January through March. For more information, please email Tina Faulkner, or visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay.

In the Studio Today...Show ends January 27th

Extended to January 27, 2009
Up to 40% off Paintings
Local Flora Flowers, Plants & Art Gallery
Adjacent to United Market
100 Red Hill Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
Download the pricelist as a pdf file
View photos of the show

My show at Local Flora, in San Anselmo, has been extended an additional 2 weeks until Tuesday, January 27th. After this date, watercolor paintings by fellow artist, Kate Peper, will be exhibited in the gallery. I hope you have enjoyed the show, and if you haven't seen it yet, that you will drop by in the next 2 weeks to enjoy my art surrounded by flowers and rustic gifts. It is Marin's version of SF's "Bouquet's to Art", in a way! It has been a pleasure to work with owner, Silke Vom Bauer, and I recommend this venue for other local Marin artists looking for a lovely setting to show their work.

To enter the Local Flora website, click the image, below.

In the Studio Today... Grafitti & Dog Photography

Wonder Dog II, originally uploaded by cproppe.

I spent a warm, January Friday today in Bolinas, CA photographing an old friend and her beautiful dogs. It was a great day, and the dogs had so much fun. Bolinas has very unique and special beaches to visit with your dogs, and kids. Agate Beach boasts the most abundant tidepools, while the surfing beach is full of cool rock formations, mossy rocks, walls with fantastic and colorful grafitti, and surfers you can watch, gently coasting in on the long, low waves. I always stop at Gospel Flat Farmstand on the way out of town. They have amazing produce. Their fresh celery is the tastiest celery I have ever eaten. You can view my set of Bolinas beach photos from today here.

In the Studio Today... Christina Richard

Christmas Day, 2008
I thought of entitling this post, "Christmas Duck", but that is not really so... Although this is my Christmas Day post, the duck is a pet, and lives on Salt Spring Island, near Vancouver. I am delighted to have my dear friend, whom I worked with in the animation and edutainment industry in the 90's, now visiting and working in Marin for a few months. She brought me a copy of their local paper with a great feature about her work. Click on the images below to read about Christina.
Order a copy of the Gumboot Coloring Book Christina worked on

In the Studio Today... Cabin Commission

Tuesday, December 16, 2008Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008Commission in progress; 12" x 16", o/c. I am working on two paintings of this lakeside cabin for a client. The client chose a photo with great shadows from the trees. There is a red bicycle in the foreground, still unpainted, but when I put the red bike in the foreground, it will pop forward with warm color. It's a nice composition to work with. It's always great when clients come to me with their special photos!

In the Studio Today...Local Flora Photos

C. Proppé Reception at Local Flora, originally uploaded by cproppe.

I had a really nice reception at Local Flora yesterday, from 3-6pm. The weather was fantastic and we pulled the food outside to enjoy the sunset. Thank you Kate Peper, Danielle, Mom and Dad, BJ, Annelise, Laura, and Silke. Please go visit the show, now through January 10th. For more information, see my previous post, or visit the Local Flora website at www.marinflora.com. To view photos from the reception, please click here.

In the Studio Today... Local Flora Show & Pricelist

Monday, November 10, 2008


This is the pricelist for my current show at Local Flora Gallery in San Anselmo. Click on the above photo to enlarge. You may also download this same pricelist as a pdf file for my current show. For more information about the show, please visit www.marinflora.com

In the Studio Today... Historical Mural Painting

Leapin' for Obama, originally uploaded by Delta Niner.

My guess is that there will be a lot more murals to come in the next four years. It is a wonderful thing to see. This one is in Houston, Texas, outside of campaign headquarters there. This photo has been viewed on Flickr over 11,000 times. I think art tends to reflect what we are going through in the world, and artists really seem to be responding to Barack Obama's historical significance right now. His message of change, the idea of prosperity for all people- it is a really special time for the world, and I kept hearing people say how proud they were to be Americans today.

Yet, I got a pretty seething comment on my blog today, eluding to the fact that Marin County is "pure segregation" and wondering what this election will do for that. This goof was telling me to "paint black families, moving into their new homes in San Anselmo and Fairfax, and going to school with my kids." Sorry to disappoint your false sense of reality, but there really are plenty of black folks here, and yes, my kids attend school with children of color and they love them like all the other kids. I might paint a portrait of Obama's beautiful family someday, but until then, I have commissions from paying customers to help pay my own rent.

I don't know who keeps writing me these senseless messages, but it is really hateful, especially at a time when peace and hope have a real chance to prosper more than ever. Do I have to sit here and share with this freak who is writing me all the Black, Asian, Guatamalan, Korean, Thai, Hawaiian and so on... folks that live amongst me and yes, that I have invited into my home here? Do I really have to tell you that my sons attend a public school with black children to make you feel that Marin is not racist? That I have been a minority in a Church in Marin City? That one of my oldest friends is a white female preacher in a primarily black church community? That I have bathed a black person in a nursing home and tried to assist her in every way that I possibly could? That I have helped people that can't walk or see? That I have friends with children that are disabled? Friends and family with cancer? That I do care about all people? I hope there are not more people like you out there that don't believe in change right now... Our counry has spoken, and most people I know in my town, my friends, and family voted for Obama. Hopefully, he will draw the best and the brightest to work with him in Washington, and people will want to come and be a part of history, and help change things with fresh ideas. I believe things can only get better.

Why not talk about that, rather than put down poor artists that can't afford to pay their debt from attending art school? I have volunteered more time in the last 2 years to my community than I ever have in my entire life, and I get asked, almost weekly, to create art for free and donate it to this fundraiser, and the next one. Right now, 3 local fundraisers here have asked me for donations.... And yes, I will try to accomodate them, in between my paid work, my family, my volunteering for local schools, writing letters on behalf of other artists, newsletter design for groups for free... Please go and try to fluster someone else, Mr. Hateful Blogger. Marin loves people of all ethnicities and I have meet more worldly people here than I ever could have imagined.

In the Studio Today... Solo Show at Local Flora

Sunday, November 2, 2008
"3 Belles, 1 Iris", Pt. Reyes, CA. 16" x 20", o/c. At Local Flora; $485.

I just hung a show of my paintings at Local Flora Gallery in San Anselmo. This is a unique Flower Shop which is a member of Marin Organic, and adjacent to United Market on Redhill Road, just before the Hub. This show will run through the holidays and I have discounted paintings 40-20% lower than usual. 40% of the purchase price goes back to the Local Flora Shop, and I donate an additional percentage of my plein air paintings painted on Marin Organic farms back to the Marin Organic Interest-Free loan fund for farmers. There will be a reception on Saturday, November 15th, so be sure to drop by and say hello and check out the shop. Photos to come later this week...

November 2, 2008 - January 10, 2009
Wine & Cheese Reception; Saturday, November 15th, 3-6pm
Local Flora Flowers, Plants & Art Gallery
Adjacent to United Market
100 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, CA

In the Studio Today...Face Painting

Cat Face; Halloween Eve, 2008., originally uploaded by cproppe.

I am working on Holiday commissions these days; lots of paintings of people's homes and places they want remembered in a painting. Besides this, it's Halloween! I painted this face on my son tonight, as a test to see how it will look for tomorrow. I may be painting it on 2 more times before the Holiday is over.... He has a parade at school tomorrow, and then the main event trick-or-treating is 4 hours later.... I don't think he will want to keep the face paint on for 4 hours.... So... Looks like I will be a pro at face painting by the time the night is out tonight! I have never actually painted faces before, but I think I would enjoy it, as long as I have designs to work from.

Plein Air Partner Remembered... Quest 1993-2008

Memories of Quest 1993-2008, originally uploaded by cproppe.

I have spent some of the best days of my life with Border Collies, and the rest of them, with artists, poets and musicians. My kids are in there somewhere too... but Border Collie days are certainly at the top of the list! There is no greater joy and comfort than painting outdoors with my dogs at my side. They always provide companionship and protection with out the criticism. I will miss Quest very much. She was laid to rest near this hillside last Friday, just above the last neighborhood in Fairfax, reaching towards Mt. Tam and the watershed. We spent some of the best days of my own life out there together, running around the lakes, and playing fetch. Life is good, and Quest helped me to enjoy it thoroughly. Click here to view a photo memoir of Quest on Flickr.

At the Show Today.... Art on the Farm

October 19th, 2008
Some of my paintings at Art on the Farm today. The "Jurassic Truck" (below) sold to it's rightful owners, which makes me very happy. Please click here for more photos from the event at Point Reyes Vineyards.

In the Studio Today... Jurassic Truck, and Gospel Flat Chicken

October 18th-19th, 2008
Two last paintings, completed early in the morning, for
"Art on the Farm"- The Show is TODAY only!

"Jurassic Truck" is from Carbon Farm, in Nicasio, CA.

"Chicken Portrait" is from Gospel Flat Farm, Bolinas, CA.

These are both 11" x 14", and will be framed and availabe for purchase at Point Reyes Vineyard during the show today.

In the Studio Today... Mt. Barnabe Farm; Session #2

Thursday, October 16, 2008
"Mt. Barnabe Farm", Lagunitas, CA 12" x 24" o/c. Another one for the Art on the Farm show this weekend. Click here to view the first plein air session of this painting.