I started this painting today at Clark Summit Farm, as part of the Art on the Farm series, for Marin Organic. I couldn't believe the color of the blue bath tub, with the reds and oranges of the chickens, dancing all around it. I had to paint it. I look foward to finishing this one from the photos I was able to take out there. The farm had many great old barns, lots of pigs, goats, chickens and dogs. All the animals were very friendly, and roaming free. It got very windy in the afternoon, and my painting actually fell into the dirt... Stay tuned to see if I can "fix it up".For more photos and info about today's outing at Clark Summit, see the blog post, here, at Art on the Farm Blog.
Plein Air Today... Clark Summit Farm
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I started this painting today at Clark Summit Farm, as part of the Art on the Farm series, for Marin Organic. I couldn't believe the color of the blue bath tub, with the reds and oranges of the chickens, dancing all around it. I had to paint it. I look foward to finishing this one from the photos I was able to take out there. The farm had many great old barns, lots of pigs, goats, chickens and dogs. All the animals were very friendly, and roaming free. It got very windy in the afternoon, and my painting actually fell into the dirt... Stay tuned to see if I can "fix it up".For more photos and info about today's outing at Clark Summit, see the blog post, here, at Art on the Farm Blog.
I started this painting today at Clark Summit Farm, as part of the Art on the Farm series, for Marin Organic. I couldn't believe the color of the blue bath tub, with the reds and oranges of the chickens, dancing all around it. I had to paint it. I look foward to finishing this one from the photos I was able to take out there. The farm had many great old barns, lots of pigs, goats, chickens and dogs. All the animals were very friendly, and roaming free. It got very windy in the afternoon, and my painting actually fell into the dirt... Stay tuned to see if I can "fix it up".For more photos and info about today's outing at Clark Summit, see the blog post, here, at Art on the Farm Blog.
In the Studio Today... Limantour Moon Photo
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
This photo was selected today by the Marin IJ as one of the two winners of their "Summer Fun in Marin County" reader photo contest. I won two seats behind home plate at an upcoming Giants and Rockies game in San Francisco. What makes this even more memorable is that this photo was taken on the weekend of my 40th Birthday. Thank you, Marin IJ!
-Colleen
In the Studio Today... Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir
August 18, 2008
Several months ago, I searched Flickr for photos of Iceland, and was connected to Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir's photostream on Flickr. I added several of her photos to my favorites, and then thought nothing about it for a while. Months have gone by and I return to see what she's up to, and have learned that she has become something of an internet sensation, with so many hits to her photos that she doesn't have time to reply to people. She was written about in the Wall Street Journal, and has subsequently done photography work for Toyota. Having fallen in love with Iceland in the 90's, I am excited to see this woman and mother of two boys doing so well with her career, doing what she loves and being discovered. Her work is phenomenal, truly inspiring. She is an online marketing genius and will certainly increase tourism to Iceland! Here is how you can see her work...
Rebekka's:
website
on flickr
I actually wrote her about knitting sweaters for my boys, and I truly hope that she is too busy with fantastic photography assignments and won't have time for the knitting soon... Although... knitting is very relaxing and an art all in itself!
Several months ago, I searched Flickr for photos of Iceland, and was connected to Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir's photostream on Flickr. I added several of her photos to my favorites, and then thought nothing about it for a while. Months have gone by and I return to see what she's up to, and have learned that she has become something of an internet sensation, with so many hits to her photos that she doesn't have time to reply to people. She was written about in the Wall Street Journal, and has subsequently done photography work for Toyota. Having fallen in love with Iceland in the 90's, I am excited to see this woman and mother of two boys doing so well with her career, doing what she loves and being discovered. Her work is phenomenal, truly inspiring. She is an online marketing genius and will certainly increase tourism to Iceland! Here is how you can see her work...Rebekka's:
website
on flickr
I actually wrote her about knitting sweaters for my boys, and I truly hope that she is too busy with fantastic photography assignments and won't have time for the knitting soon... Although... knitting is very relaxing and an art all in itself!
In the Studio Today... Digital Compositing Example
Modern day painters can use Photoshop to create their reference imagery, and I do that fairly often when I need to combine imagery. Here is an example of a project I did for a client in CT, who wanted a portrait of their sheep, Jelly, but the photo provided was under copyright protection by a newspaper. 
I attempted to find the photographer at a local paper in CT for approval to use the above image, but the paper could not find the photographer. Instead of "copying" this image that was protected, I suggested to the client that we composite it into another photograph that he had taken himself. He had an image of their other adult sheep, B.B. in a magical, misty New England forest scene that had fantastic lighting. 
I loved this photo right away, but Jelly, the sheep for whom their farm is named after(Jelly Hill Farm), was not in this photo. I removed Jelly from the copyrighted photograph in Photoshop, and placed her into the scene with B.B. This involved changing Jelly's shading and coloring to match the lighting in the scene with B.B., and add an additional shadow on in the foreground in front of Jelly. Once the client agreed on the final composite, I began painting the commission from the composited final image.
And below is the final painting...
I attempted to find the photographer at a local paper in CT for approval to use the above image, but the paper could not find the photographer. Instead of "copying" this image that was protected, I suggested to the client that we composite it into another photograph that he had taken himself. He had an image of their other adult sheep, B.B. in a magical, misty New England forest scene that had fantastic lighting. 
I loved this photo right away, but Jelly, the sheep for whom their farm is named after(Jelly Hill Farm), was not in this photo. I removed Jelly from the copyrighted photograph in Photoshop, and placed her into the scene with B.B. This involved changing Jelly's shading and coloring to match the lighting in the scene with B.B., and add an additional shadow on in the foreground in front of Jelly. Once the client agreed on the final composite, I began painting the commission from the composited final image.
And below is the final painting...
In the Studio Today... "Visual Impact" Show at MCF
Here is the announcement/postcard for a show I am in at the Marin Community Foundation, now through October. If you have a chance to get over there, it is a great opportunity to see how they have developed the old airplane hangers at Hamilton Airforce Base into sleek, accessible, grand office spaces. The art is diverse and wonderful too!
August 4 - October 10, 2008
Visual Impact: Work by Recent Marin Arts Council Grantees
Marin Community Foundation
5 Hamilton Landing, Suite 200, Novato, CA
Reception: Thursday, September 25 from 4:30-6:30 pm
August 4 - October 10, 2008Visual Impact: Work by Recent Marin Arts Council Grantees
Marin Community Foundation
5 Hamilton Landing, Suite 200, Novato, CA
Reception: Thursday, September 25 from 4:30-6:30 pm
In the Studio Today... Testing New Website
Thursday, August 7, 2008
I am building a new web presence for my paintings. Check it out by clicking on the above image.
I am building a new web presence for my paintings. Check it out by clicking on the above image.
In the Studio Today... Cory Family Portrait
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Cory Family, 16" x 20", oil on canvas. Commissioned portrait painting from client photo.
The Cory Family, 16" x 20", oil on canvas. Commissioned portrait painting from client photo.
Plein Air Today... Mt. Barnabe Farm
Sunday, July 27, 2008
"Barn at Spirited Rocky Ridge", 12" x 24", o/c. I spent too little time at this lovely, hill top farm, just below the Mt. Barnabe Fire Lookout Tower in Lagunitas, CA today. The fog rolled in just about an hour after I got started painting, so I lost my sunny and colorful lighting. I hope the owners will let us go back another day. This was one of the trips by the Art on the Farm group of plein air painters. You can read a bit more about the trip on the Art on the Farm Blog.
"Barn at Spirited Rocky Ridge", 12" x 24", o/c. I spent too little time at this lovely, hill top farm, just below the Mt. Barnabe Fire Lookout Tower in Lagunitas, CA today. The fog rolled in just about an hour after I got started painting, so I lost my sunny and colorful lighting. I hope the owners will let us go back another day. This was one of the trips by the Art on the Farm group of plein air painters. You can read a bit more about the trip on the Art on the Farm Blog.
Plein Air Today... The Mill Valley Paint Off
Saturday, July 19, 2008
"Bikes at the Depot", Lytton Square, Mill Valley, CA 2008
14" x 18", plein air, o/c.
This was my first year entering the Mill Valley Paint Off, in Mill Valley, CA. I chose to paint from a location on Lytton Square, behind the Depot Bookstore & Cafe. It was a gorgeous day, and I fortunately chose this sunny spot with good protection from the wind. I overheard other painters saying they were cold. We painted from 10:30am to 2:30pm. I took one break, but was painting most of the time. The spectators were very friendly and it was a great event. I was wondering why Mill Valley is the only town in Marin that does this, as it is really fun and the artist's entry fees pretty much pay for the winners awards. I did not win anything this year, but I had some nice people come and tell me they voted for me, which was really nice. There will be a show in September, of all 35 artists in the Mill Valley City Hall Council Chambers as part of the First Tuesday Artwalk, September 2, 2008.
I truly enjoyed the day and it gave me an excuse to pick up some amazing flatbreads from Small Shed Flatbreads, on Madrona in Mill Valley. I have been wanting to eat there for a while now, as I have heard fantastic things about this little spot, where everything is organic and hand-crafted. It was a colorful place, with red chairs outside, a large, but friendly, white bull-dog, and a contrasting black dog tied in front. I was wondering if they were part of the design there, as the interior is also painted dark red, and the red, white and black worked nicely together. It was a pleasure to see that Helen Steele's paintings were on the walls. I met Helen and her daughter this year when volunteering for the Marin Open Studios. I really enjoyed Helen's work, which is a combination of abstract figurative shapes, broad and inviting brushwork and built up, 3d "encaustic" numbers protruding from the canvas. Encaustic technique is something I would like to try someday. It involves mixing beeswax with the paint. Once the paint is mixed with the wax, and is molten and ready to use, it is applied to the painting surface. Heated tools may be used to sculpt the wax once it has cooled. Before leaving Small Shed, I ordered 3 flatbreads half-baked to take home, including one called "Mad River (VT)" made with sweet-maple fennel sausage and carmelized onions... superb. I'll be back soon.
I forgot my camera today, but I will post some photos of the Depot from earlier in the week.
"Bikes at the Depot", Lytton Square, Mill Valley, CA 2008 14" x 18", plein air, o/c.
This was my first year entering the Mill Valley Paint Off, in Mill Valley, CA. I chose to paint from a location on Lytton Square, behind the Depot Bookstore & Cafe. It was a gorgeous day, and I fortunately chose this sunny spot with good protection from the wind. I overheard other painters saying they were cold. We painted from 10:30am to 2:30pm. I took one break, but was painting most of the time. The spectators were very friendly and it was a great event. I was wondering why Mill Valley is the only town in Marin that does this, as it is really fun and the artist's entry fees pretty much pay for the winners awards. I did not win anything this year, but I had some nice people come and tell me they voted for me, which was really nice. There will be a show in September, of all 35 artists in the Mill Valley City Hall Council Chambers as part of the First Tuesday Artwalk, September 2, 2008.
I truly enjoyed the day and it gave me an excuse to pick up some amazing flatbreads from Small Shed Flatbreads, on Madrona in Mill Valley. I have been wanting to eat there for a while now, as I have heard fantastic things about this little spot, where everything is organic and hand-crafted. It was a colorful place, with red chairs outside, a large, but friendly, white bull-dog, and a contrasting black dog tied in front. I was wondering if they were part of the design there, as the interior is also painted dark red, and the red, white and black worked nicely together. It was a pleasure to see that Helen Steele's paintings were on the walls. I met Helen and her daughter this year when volunteering for the Marin Open Studios. I really enjoyed Helen's work, which is a combination of abstract figurative shapes, broad and inviting brushwork and built up, 3d "encaustic" numbers protruding from the canvas. Encaustic technique is something I would like to try someday. It involves mixing beeswax with the paint. Once the paint is mixed with the wax, and is molten and ready to use, it is applied to the painting surface. Heated tools may be used to sculpt the wax once it has cooled. Before leaving Small Shed, I ordered 3 flatbreads half-baked to take home, including one called "Mad River (VT)" made with sweet-maple fennel sausage and carmelized onions... superb. I'll be back soon.
I forgot my camera today, but I will post some photos of the Depot from earlier in the week.
In the News... Mill Valley Paint Off
July 16, 2008
This year's Paint-Off to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Pending my recovery from a stomach bug this week, I hope to be out painting in the Mill Valley Paint Off on Saturday. Stop by and check out the happy painters in the Depot...
Thirty-five artists set up to work between 10 and 10:30 am in the Plaza on the brick area behind the Depot Bookstore and Café. Each artist paints any scene visible from the Plaza vantage point using any style or medium. Painting takes place from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Each artist may then exhibit one completed work for judging which begins at 3pm.
The People’s Choice Award will be decided by the viewing public at 3 pm. All 35 artists will be invited for a group show in the Mill Valley City Hall Council Chambers as part of the First Tuesday Artwalk, September 2, 2008.
This year's Paint-Off to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Pending my recovery from a stomach bug this week, I hope to be out painting in the Mill Valley Paint Off on Saturday. Stop by and check out the happy painters in the Depot...
Thirty-five artists set up to work between 10 and 10:30 am in the Plaza on the brick area behind the Depot Bookstore and Café. Each artist paints any scene visible from the Plaza vantage point using any style or medium. Painting takes place from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Each artist may then exhibit one completed work for judging which begins at 3pm.
The People’s Choice Award will be decided by the viewing public at 3 pm. All 35 artists will be invited for a group show in the Mill Valley City Hall Council Chambers as part of the First Tuesday Artwalk, September 2, 2008.
In the News... West Marin Citizen Article
July 10, 2008
This is the first of a series of articles that will be published in the West Marin Citizen about the Art on the Farm Group I have been involved with this year. Click the above image to read the article. For more information, you may visit the Art on the Farm website, maintained by the organizer, Larry Bryson, or the Art on the Farm Blog I am slowly updating. Larry's site is more current, at this point!
This is the first of a series of articles that will be published in the West Marin Citizen about the Art on the Farm Group I have been involved with this year. Click the above image to read the article. For more information, you may visit the Art on the Farm website, maintained by the organizer, Larry Bryson, or the Art on the Farm Blog I am slowly updating. Larry's site is more current, at this point!
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.
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!"
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
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, CAIf 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.
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.
In the Studio Today...Jelly Hill Farm Details
Thursday, May 29, 2008
"Jelly Hill Farm" 24" x 36". Commissioned painting, with final details, including a birdhouse that my friend, Kate, noticed in the photo. Funny how I have been staring at this image for months, and I never saw the birdhouse. Takes a birder's eye to notice these things, I guess.
"Jelly Hill Farm" 24" x 36". Commissioned painting, with final details, including a birdhouse that my friend, Kate, noticed in the photo. Funny how I have been staring at this image for months, and I never saw the birdhouse. Takes a birder's eye to notice these things, I guess.
In the Studio Today... Jelly Hill Farm, Commission
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
"Jelly Hill Farm" 24" x 36", commission in progress. This is day 5 on a commissioned painting from a composited photograph. I am moving in to final details, and hope to finish this tonight.
"Jelly Hill Farm" 24" x 36", commission in progress. This is day 5 on a commissioned painting from a composited photograph. I am moving in to final details, and hope to finish this tonight.
Plein Air Today... Gospel Flat Farm, Bolinas, CA
Sunday, May 25, 2008
"Row the Boat Ashore", 11" x 14", o/c. I had the luxury of painting on a Marin Organic farm in Bolinas, CA this afternoon with the Art on the Farm group of plein air painters. This is a painting of a row boat on a duck pond, in front of the Bolinas Ridge hillside, at Gospel Flat Farm. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather to paint, and spend the afternoon with ducks, chickens, rabbits, a girl named Anna Rose, and painters in their element.
"Row the Boat Ashore", 11" x 14", o/c. I had the luxury of painting on a Marin Organic farm in Bolinas, CA this afternoon with the Art on the Farm group of plein air painters. This is a painting of a row boat on a duck pond, in front of the Bolinas Ridge hillside, at Gospel Flat Farm. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather to paint, and spend the afternoon with ducks, chickens, rabbits, a girl named Anna Rose, and painters in their element.
In the Studio Today...Ad for Marin IJ Newspaper
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I am working on a print ad to run in the IJ Weekend section, the first or second week in June. Along with 24 diverse and talented Marin County artists, I recently completed an 8 week course entitled "The Business of Art", which was granted to us by the Marin Arts Council, the Marin Community Foundation and the CCI (Center for Cultural Innovation).
I am working on a print ad to run in the IJ Weekend section, the first or second week in June. Along with 24 diverse and talented Marin County artists, I recently completed an 8 week course entitled "The Business of Art", which was granted to us by the Marin Arts Council, the Marin Community Foundation and the CCI (Center for Cultural Innovation).
In the Studio Today... Misty Farm; Day 1
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The first couple hours on a commissioned painting. 24" x 36".
The first couple hours on a commissioned painting. 24" x 36".
In the Studio Today... San Anselmo Inn Show
Sunday, May 4, 2008
"La Vie en Rose", San Anselmo Inn in the afternoon light, plein air painted outside the Inn, 12" x 16", o/c.
This painting was started yesterday, at my first Marin Open Studio at
the San Anselmo Inn. It was a warm, summer-like day in town,and there were lots of loquacious and lively visitors. My favorites were of course, the two Norwich(?)terriers, and their incredibly, happy owners. My work will be at the Inn most of the summer, along with fellow artist, Kate Peper, who does watercolors of Marin County scenes. Kate and I are both participating in this year's, Art on the Farm series, in which we paint at local, Marin Organic farms with other artists, and give back 50% to Marin Organic. Our show at the San Anselmo Inn is being run as a silent auction for two months(May - July 1), with 20% going back to San Anselmo business. Stop in and bid on a piece of art, and you may take it home in a couple months at a greatly discounted price. My prints and notecard sets are also available at the Inn for purchase.
"La Vie en Rose", San Anselmo Inn in the afternoon light, plein air painted outside the Inn, 12" x 16", o/c.This painting was started yesterday, at my first Marin Open Studio at
the San Anselmo Inn. It was a warm, summer-like day in town,and there were lots of loquacious and lively visitors. My favorites were of course, the two Norwich(?)terriers, and their incredibly, happy owners. My work will be at the Inn most of the summer, along with fellow artist, Kate Peper, who does watercolors of Marin County scenes. Kate and I are both participating in this year's, Art on the Farm series, in which we paint at local, Marin Organic farms with other artists, and give back 50% to Marin Organic. Our show at the San Anselmo Inn is being run as a silent auction for two months(May - July 1), with 20% going back to San Anselmo business. Stop in and bid on a piece of art, and you may take it home in a couple months at a greatly discounted price. My prints and notecard sets are also available at the Inn for purchase.
In the Studio Today...MARIN OPEN STUDIOS, May 3rd; 11-6
Dear Friends and Art Enthusiasts,
In just one week, you will start seeing these posters in downtown San Anselmo. It is my first year, participating in Marin Arts Council, Open Studios. The San Anselmo Inn has graciously welcomed me back for this event. The rest of the San Anselmo artists will be showing their work in open studios the following weekend. I have created a MAP of all San Anselmo Artists. If you would like a copy of this, please pick one up at San Anselmo Coffee Roasters, San Anselmo Inn, Ross Valley Winery, or Barton's Bagels. Please look for the green basket with pink writing for the San Anselmo Artist Maps. You may also click on the map here and print the jpg file yourself.
Please don't miss this show! Here are some of the great things you will get to be a part of if you stop by, any time, all day....
1. I will be out on the sidewalk near the San Anselmo Inn, oil painting at my easel, plein air all day! Kate Peper, a local watercolor artist, will be painting plein air, watercolor paintings as well.
2. I am having a 50% off sale of all my older works from this year. Feel free to make me an offer on anything you are interested in at this time, as I am looking to clear my inventory so I have more room for new paintings. This is the only time, all year that I am able to offer my work at such low costs, as there are no commissions taken for Marin Open Studios.
3. I will be hosting a silent auction of a select group of paintings at the Inn, Saturday only, with bidding starting as low as $100. At the end of the day, the highest bidder will be called and notified of their top bid.
4. 10% of ALL sales made this day will go to YES Foundation, to support Ross Valley Schools Music and Art education.
4. Refreshments and treats will be available through out the day.
Please come by! Mother's Day is May 11th... Local art is a great gift! Looking forward to seeing you on the 3rd.
-Colleen
Plein Air on Location Today... Fairfax Fresh Farm, Fairfax, CA
March 30, 2008
"Lone Lemon Tree by the Big Rock",
Fairfax Fresh Farm, Fairfax, CA 11" x 14", o/c.
Easel out on the hill just before the sun went behind the hills. Plein air for 2 hours during an Art on the Farm painting group session. I will add more details to pop out the lemon tree and the rock with lichen in the forground.
"Lone Lemon Tree by the Big Rock",Fairfax Fresh Farm, Fairfax, CA 11" x 14", o/c.
Easel out on the hill just before the sun went behind the hills. Plein air for 2 hours during an Art on the Farm painting group session. I will add more details to pop out the lemon tree and the rock with lichen in the forground.
In the Studio Today... Paradise Produce; Session #2
March 17, 2008
"Before the Spring Plow"; Yellow Mustard at Paradise Valley Farms, Bolinas, CA. 2008. o/c 11" x 14".
Session #2 on this little canvas, started plein air at the farm last week.
"Before the Spring Plow"; Yellow Mustard at Paradise Valley Farms, Bolinas, CA. 2008. o/c 11" x 14".
Session #2 on this little canvas, started plein air at the farm last week.
Plein Air Today...Paradise Produce, Bolinas, CA
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
"Before the Spring Plow", Yellow Mustard fields at Paradise Produce, Bolinas, CA 11" x 14" o/c.
Photo of me painting today, by Deni Wetsel. Deni is one of the organizers of this year's Art on the Farm show, in which 25 plein air artists will visit several Marin Organic farms to paint, with a portion of the proceeds of a Fall show going to Marin Organic.
"Before the Spring Plow", Yellow Mustard fields at Paradise Produce, Bolinas, CA 11" x 14" o/c.
Photo of me painting today, by Deni Wetsel. Deni is one of the organizers of this year's Art on the Farm show, in which 25 plein air artists will visit several Marin Organic farms to paint, with a portion of the proceeds of a Fall show going to Marin Organic.
In the Studio Today...Nicasio Fence; Session #4
Saturday, March 8, 2008
"Nicasio Fence Post with Orange Lichen"... or the longer title would be:
"Xanthoria Lichen: The wedding of Algae and Fungus; Old Fence Post near St. Mary's Church, Nicasio, CA" 5 feet x 3 feet. Today, I painted the edges of this thick canvas with a deep combo of blue, red, brown... I added more detail to the fence posts, and I fixed a tree on the left side, in the background, to make it appear set back further. I was hoping to add more details in the grasses in the foreground, but this is scheduled to be hung Monday morning, and I am afraid it won't be dry in time...
I particularly enjoyed focusing on the fence post and the lichen, and as I was posting this, I found some great information about "fence post lichen", apparently a species that is threatened by modern fence posts. Nick Riddiford who leads groups to explore flora, fauna and lichens on Fair Isle, one of the British Isles writes:
"I draw your attention to a conservation issue which I am not sure anyone has recognized. The lichen encrusted post has become an endangered habitat. Modern fence posts are “treated” to last longer. The sensitivity of lichens to chemicals, and pollution, generally means that it takes many years before colonization takes place – by which time the fence posts have probably been replaced. We should be doing all we can to conserve the “old fashioned” posts so that the habitat and their lichen community are not lost for ever. I do not suggest that we return to untreated posts, but I would urge all who are replacing posts to consider retaining the old posts– perhaps as a feature in the garden if leaving them in situ is not a feasible option. " (February 2007) Link to Fair Isle and Nick's articles
"Nicasio Fence Post with Orange Lichen"... or the longer title would be:"Xanthoria Lichen: The wedding of Algae and Fungus; Old Fence Post near St. Mary's Church, Nicasio, CA" 5 feet x 3 feet. Today, I painted the edges of this thick canvas with a deep combo of blue, red, brown... I added more detail to the fence posts, and I fixed a tree on the left side, in the background, to make it appear set back further. I was hoping to add more details in the grasses in the foreground, but this is scheduled to be hung Monday morning, and I am afraid it won't be dry in time...
I particularly enjoyed focusing on the fence post and the lichen, and as I was posting this, I found some great information about "fence post lichen", apparently a species that is threatened by modern fence posts. Nick Riddiford who leads groups to explore flora, fauna and lichens on Fair Isle, one of the British Isles writes:
"I draw your attention to a conservation issue which I am not sure anyone has recognized. The lichen encrusted post has become an endangered habitat. Modern fence posts are “treated” to last longer. The sensitivity of lichens to chemicals, and pollution, generally means that it takes many years before colonization takes place – by which time the fence posts have probably been replaced. We should be doing all we can to conserve the “old fashioned” posts so that the habitat and their lichen community are not lost for ever. I do not suggest that we return to untreated posts, but I would urge all who are replacing posts to consider retaining the old posts– perhaps as a feature in the garden if leaving them in situ is not a feasible option. " (February 2007) Link to Fair Isle and Nick's articles
In the Studio Today...Tiburon from Angel Island; Session #2
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tiburon from Angel Island 16" x 20" Second day working on this painting, which I started plein air on Angel Island this Sunday.
Tiburon from Angel Island 16" x 20" Second day working on this painting, which I started plein air on Angel Island this Sunday.
In the Studio Today... Tiburon from Angel Island; Session #1
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Tiburon and Mt. Tam from Angel Island 16" x 20" o/c
Plein air start- about 45 minutes only, as we had to race back down the hill to catch the 3:30pm ferry back. Looking foward to having more time to do this again. It was a gorgeous day!
Tiburon and Mt. Tam from Angel Island 16" x 20" o/cPlein air start- about 45 minutes only, as we had to race back down the hill to catch the 3:30pm ferry back. Looking foward to having more time to do this again. It was a gorgeous day!
In the Studio Today... Session #3; Cyclist at Old St. Hilary's Church, Tiburon, CA
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"Cyclist at Old St. Hilary's" 16" x 20" Started yesterday as a plein air painting in Tiburon, CA. Added final details in the studio today, especially around the church windows.
"Cyclist at Old St. Hilary's" 16" x 20" Started yesterday as a plein air painting in Tiburon, CA. Added final details in the studio today, especially around the church windows.
In the Studio Today... Session #2; Plein Air Painting Old St. Hilary's, Tiburon, CA
Tuesday Evening, February 12, 2008
"Cyclist at Old St. Hilary's" Tiburon, CA o/c 16" x 20"
Session #2 working on this painting, adding some details, including a cyclist that peaked into my plein air scene today, and sailboats that dotted the landscape.
"Cyclist at Old St. Hilary's" Tiburon, CA o/c 16" x 20"Session #2 working on this painting, adding some details, including a cyclist that peaked into my plein air scene today, and sailboats that dotted the landscape.
In the Studio Today... Session #1; Plein Air Painting Old St. Hilary's, Tiburon, CA
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Old St. Hilary's Church, Tiburon, CA 16" x 20" Day 1 of plein air work, blocking in the colors. The fog started to roll in at about 1pm, and it was warm and sunny with no wind. Great views of San Francisco and sailboats coming about from this special spot.
Old St. Hilary's Church, Tiburon, CA 16" x 20" Day 1 of plein air work, blocking in the colors. The fog started to roll in at about 1pm, and it was warm and sunny with no wind. Great views of San Francisco and sailboats coming about from this special spot.
In the Studio Today...Session #3; Nicasio Fence
Sunday, February 10, 2008
"Nicasio Fence" 5 feet x 3 feet, o/c.
"Nicasio Fence" 5 feet x 3 feet, o/c.
In the Studio Today... Session #1; Nicasio Fence
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
5 feet x 3 feet canvas, "Nicasio Fence". This is the start of a huge painting for my show at the Tiburon Library in March. The Founder's Room is large, with vaulted ceiling, and great light. It is rare to have the opportunity to show a huge painting, almost mural size, and I really wanted to force myself to do this for the challenge. So, here we go... I started blocking out the colors and shapes in this today. The fence itself is weathered and covered with colored lichen and rusted, barbed wire. It will be a great foreground subject in front of the rolling hills.
5 feet x 3 feet canvas, "Nicasio Fence". This is the start of a huge painting for my show at the Tiburon Library in March. The Founder's Room is large, with vaulted ceiling, and great light. It is rare to have the opportunity to show a huge painting, almost mural size, and I really wanted to force myself to do this for the challenge. So, here we go... I started blocking out the colors and shapes in this today. The fence itself is weathered and covered with colored lichen and rusted, barbed wire. It will be a great foreground subject in front of the rolling hills.
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