Holiday Tree Trimmed with Paintings

The Holiday Party is tonight!

It is the tradition at Gallery 24 (formerly Los Gatos Museum Gallery) to trim the tree with little paintings, small treasures all $100 each, this year I have two of my 4×4″ hummingbird paintings at the tipity top – can you spot the white hummingbird? It’s a bit like seeing it out in the wild!

 

 

 

I know that David Stonesifer will have some of his very popular Vintage Santa paintings on the tree as well!

I’m still trying to decide whether to wear my hummingbird dress or something more sparkly?  Throw something fun on and come down for  a drink and a bite, some art and lots and lots of fabulous company!  Party runs from 6-8:30 tonight, 24 N Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Los Gatos, California!

Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show and Sale

The Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club hosts the the annual Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show and Sale. Artists from all over the US are juried into this week long event where artists paint throughout the area, producing an amazing oeuvre of fresh work to be auctioned and sold at the end – the results are always impressive!Here a few shots I manage to capture from today’s sale at the Town Plaza (artists websites are linked to their names).

Greg LaRock (Newport Beach, CA) – Best of Show

Suzy Long – ( Mendocino, CA) The Copper Bucket – People’s Choice Award

Susan Elwart Hall  (Atherton, CA) – Artist’s Choice Award

Susan Elwart Hall – Pink Buzz – Oil – Honorable Mention

John Guernsey (Marietta, GA) – Courtyard at the winery -Oil -Second Place

Waye McKenzie (Truckee, CA)

Wayne McKenzie – Mountain View – Oil – Third Place

Wayne McKenzie – Friendly Rivalry – Oil

Wayne McKenzie – Santa Cruz Surfers – Oil

Anton Pavlevnko (Mollala, OR)

Anton Pavlevnko – Trickling Creek – Oil – Honorable Mention

Terri Ford (San Jose, CA)

Terri Ford – Valley Vista – Pastel – Honorable Mention (with a bit of reflection)

Kevin Kasik (San Jose, CA)

Kevin Kasik – Shannon Road (detail) – Oil

Me and Kevin hanging…

David Stonesifer (Los Gatos, CA)

David Stonesifer – Foot of Shannon Road – Oil

Ed Lucey (Los Gatos, CA)

Will Maller ( Los Altos, CA)

Sergio Lopez (Santa Rosa, CA)

Sergio Lopez – Capitola Rooftops-  Gouache

Barbara Clark (Corrales, NM)

Barbara Clark – painting detail – oil

Sterling Hoffmann (Sebastopol, CA)

Abby Zhang (Los Gatos, CA)

Laura Wambgans (Santa Clarita, CA)

Art Docent Volunteers, Julia and Judith

Art lovers

Artist Lorraine Lawson volunteering with the Morning Rotary.

David Stonesifer on Plein Air

“I paint what I believe in.”
Los Gatos artist, David Stonesifer gave a wonderful talk about his approach to plein air painting and it’s role in the California art scene as part of the Brown Bag Lunch series at the Triton Museum of Art.  He shared lots of great painting tips and his infectious passion for the immediacy and vibrancy of the genre!

David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016 - talk

Plein air is painting that is done on the spot, outside in all kinds of weather. You have to be quick and skilled to get down your response to what you see before the light and shadows change and David Stonesifer gave us all kinds of advice he’s gleaned from great teachers and years of “brush milage” in the field. One was, “Don’t chase the shadows!” -paint those in first if that’s where your interest lies – get that down quick!

David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016 - audience

David Stonesifer spoke of Oakland’s Society of Six – a plein air group that I need to study up on! One of them had said of his work, “I have nothing to say, but much to express”.  Such a lovely way of summing up the plein air experience, which has historically (pre-camera) been about capturing the scene as a study for the larger “real” painting that would be done in the studio later. These “studies” have come to be highly valued in their own right for the freedom and immediacy that the studio work often lacks.  That’s what Stonesifer loves being out there with his subject and painting it as se sees it and feels it.

David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016  Theodore Wores 1925

We were even treated to a comparison of a Saratoga orchard painting from 1925 by Theodore Wores (from the Triton’s permanent collection) to one of Stonesifer’s from last week in nearly the same spot!

David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016 David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016  Wores vs Stonesifer

David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016 painting

David Stonesifer shared with us a number of paintings showing different weather and times of the year.

David Stonesifer - Navakavich Orchard, Saratoga, Feb 6, 2013 - oil on board - photo Marie Cameron

I’m delighted to have several of Davis Stonesifer’s paintings  in my personal collection, Navakavich Orchard, Saratoga (above) and Saratoga Barn (below). I adore them, beyond their beauty and subject matter, for the skillfully free manner in which their painted.

David Stonesifer - Saratoga Barn, June 15, 2012 LG Plein Air Event - oil on board - photo Marie Cameron

One of  the tips  David Stonesifer shared with us is to block in a thin, general underpainting using the complementary color of what you see. When the underpainting peaks through the final brushstrokes it adds a vibrant intensity. You can see in this illustrated in the painting above where he’s used pink and peach under the sky and mountains and aqua and periwinkle under the meadow.

David Stonesifer - Plein Air- Brown Bag Lunch Series- TrIton Museum of Art - photo Marie Cameron 2016 - with audience

There was certainly a lot of interest in this well attended lecture!

I case you’d like to see more of his work, you can visit his website or his upcoming open studio Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8 from 10am – 5pm at 18000 Overlook Road, Los Gatos, an event not to be missed!

 

Plein Air in Los Gatos

Another fabulous Monday with the Los Gatos Art Association’s Plein Air Painters! This time we were painting on the home turf of artist David Stonesifer with it’s extensive gardens and gorgeous historic architecture.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Roof Top- photo Marie Cameron 2016

 

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Cast Rooster on the Wall - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer : Arzie - Cast Rabbit in the Succulents - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Artichoke Fluff - photo Marie Cameron 2016            LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Fountain - photo Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Wheel Barrow - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - David Stonesifer Painting- photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Al Shamble - photo Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer :Azrie - Nancy Takaichi - Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Hershel Abelman- photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Rick Guidice - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie  Micheal Baggett and Bonnie Joy Sedlak - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Wall - photo Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Floral Niche - photo Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Urn - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer :Azrie - In the Garden- Marie Cameron 2016

I have been to several of David’s wonderful open studios in years past, so I was a little familiar with the grounds, enough to know that I wanted to make a bee-line for the bee boxes in the orchard!

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Bee Boxes- Marie Cameron 2016

 

This is the view I settled on as I liked the way the overlapping trees in the foreground led the eye into the focal area of the bee boxes on a beautiful diagonal.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Bee Box Orchard View- photo Marie Cameron 2016

 

After I set up my easel (still getting the hang of it – I feel like a cross between a brain surgeon and an acrobat) I sketched in my composition over what should have been a colored ground.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Keeping Bees in the Orchard (WIP)1 - Marie Cameron 2016

 

For me, I’m not keen on blocking in values as I’m afraid it will muddy the color. This time I chose a 16 x 20 inch canvas, hoping that the larger scale would keep my painting more free and gestural. I concentrated on anchoring the scene with the darkest shadows in purples and blues and dark greens. Working dark to light is usually the best way to go with oils! I also wanted to nail some of the subtle color that was being reflected into the usually cool shadows of the bee boxes by the intensity of the yellow flowers and green grass in that morning light before it changed.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Keeping Bees in the Orchard (WIP)2 - Marie Cameron 2016

 

It was a good start and I still consider this to be an underpainting that I would finish up later I had to break for lunch and a crit….

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Keeping Bees in the Orchard - oil on canvas 16 x12 inches - Marie Cameron 2016

 

Must say, I  looked a  lot like a mushroom in my sun hat, which I would have lost if there was any kind of breeze!

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Marie Cameron, with hat - photo Nancy Takaichi 2016

 

OK, that’s better…

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer - Arzie - Marie Cameron - photo Nancy Takaichi 2016

 

David Stonesifer and Larry Arzie generously hosted for a delicious lunch inside…

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Lunch - Marie Cameron 2016

 

…and outside on the terrace…

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Lunch - photo Marie Cameron 2016

 

….with the bunnies and clementines.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Lunch Bunny - Marie Cameron 2016

 

My bowl of fabulous homemade Spanish Stew with Chorizo from Lèon and Chicken Meatballs from Adelle’s was even garnished with a drifting quince petal.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Spanish Stew with drifting Quince Petal - Marie Cameron 2016

 

After lunch Will Maller ran a crit  so we could all learn from each other’s work.

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Deep in Thought  - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer - Arzie - Will Maller- photo Marie Cameron 2016

 

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Sam Pearson - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Will Maller crit  for Annette Haines- photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - David Stonesifer - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Will Maller crit  for Hershel - photo Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Will Maller crit  for Nancy Takaichi- photo Marie Cameron 2016             LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Will Maller crit  for Rick Guidice - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer : Arzie - Hellen Yang, Rebecca White, Carole Rafferty, Kathy Kleinsteiber - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Rebecca White (painting) after Jeff Owen (sculpture) - photo Marie Cameron 2016                  LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer - Arzie - Lisha Wang - photo Marie Cameron 2016                 LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer -Arzie - Will Maller crit  for Kathy Carlquist - photo Marie Cameron 2016

LGAA - Plein Air Painters - Stonesifer - Arzie - Will Maller -crit - photo Marie Cameron 2016Really great critique…. I even got a little applause from Will for my painting – though maybe it was really for the bravery of coming out and working so ambitiously large for my second time out with the group (being a studio painter)!  I’m still kind of befuddled as the painting doesn’t feel finished to me.  Will said it should physically hurt when you’re pushing at the edges of your comfort zone and growing as a painter. I guess I’m growing then because I promised him I wouldn’t touch it (yes it’s hurting) and I would do a second, separate painting of the same subject if I had to work out the vision in my head! The challenge will be to find a balance of the freshness and spontaneity of this painting with the finesse and polish in my mind’s eye…. apparently a good place to start will be with a colored ground.

How fortunate I feel to be working with this great group of artists, in these spectacular locations with all this great advice and company!

 

Holiday Reception – LGMG

A very festive Holiday Reception at Los Gatos Museum Gallery last night. Champagne, wine and tapas, many artists, friends, patrons and lots and lots of art!

Tom Yacoe, Marie Cameron, Danielle Dufayet

Stacey Nussbaum

Marie Pascal

David Stonesifer, Ellen Howard and Carole Rafferty

Katy Kindig, Donna Orme

Veronica Gross

Joan Drennan and her patron.

Ellen Howard and Belinda Lima

Pinot making friends with Karen Van Galder’s cat sculpture (realistic enough to growl at earlier).

Santa Baby…..

Los Gatos Plein Air 2015

I love plein air!  It’s magical how artists go out and brave the elements and a cacophony of input and paint up a little gem in a matter of minutes – so fresh, so immediate!  Los Gatos Town Plaza was filled with such gorgeous wet paintings by artists from all over the West Coast that had been juried into Los Gatos Plein Air 2015. Artists had begun painting on location last Tuesday with canvases stamped at NUMU and had wrapped up their work by Friday night with a VIP Auction.

Plein Air 2015 - viewing- photo Marie Cameron 2015

Organized by the by the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club, proceeds from the event are going to support Montalvo Arts Center, the Museums of Los Gatos, Lighting for Literacy, Los Gatos Music and Arts and Art Docents of Los Gatos (which was represented by this great group of women – Hey Louise and Elizabeth!).

Plein Air 2015 - Art Docents - photo Marie Cameron 2015

The Los Gatos Museums Gallery was well represented with five member artists participating, Ellen Howard, Ed Lucey, Will Maller, Carole Rafferty and David Stonesifer. In fact, Carole Rafferty was awarded best in show!

Plein Air 2015 - Carole Rafferty - photo Marie Cameron

Congratulations to Carole Rafferty who was awarded Best in Show!

Plein Air 2015 - Caole Rafferty, BEST IN SHOW - photo Marie Cameron 2015.

Plein Air 2015 - Carole Rafferty, Golden State - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Plein Air 2015 - David Stonesifer - photo Marie Cameron 2015

David Stonesifer.

Plein Air 2015 - David Stonesifer, View of LG from Olive Grove - photo Marie Cameron 2015

David Stonesifer‘s oil, View of Los Gatos from Olive Grove.

Plein Air 2015 - David Stonesifer, the piece I shot him working on- photo Marie Cameron 2015

I shot David working on this piece last week on Overlook Road.

Plein Air 2015 - Will Maller - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Will Maller.

Plein Air 2015 - Will Maller, Morning Walk Vasona - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Will Maller‘s oil, Morning Walk Vasona.

Plein Air 2015 - Ed Lucey - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Ed Lucey.

Plein Air 2015 - Ellen Howard - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Ellen Howard.

Ellen Howard  - oil painting -  LG Plein Air 2015

Ellen Howard‘s oil painting.

Plein Air 2015 - 2nd place Greg LaRock - photo Marie Cameron 2015

2nd Place was awarded to Greg LaRock for his oil painting of a creek in Saratoga.

Plein Air 2015 - Honorable Mention- Erich Neubert, A Walik in the Park - photo Marie Cameron 2015

I missed 3rd place, but an Honorable Mention went to Erich Neubert for A Walk in the Park.

Plein Air 2015 - Kim VanDerHoek - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Another Honorable Mention went to Kim VanDerHoek for this lake scene below.

Plein Air 2015 -Honorable Mention  - Kim VanDerHoek- photo Marie Cameron 2015

 

Plein Air 2015 - Lorraine Lawson - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Lorraine Lawson.

Plein Air 2015 - Susan Elwart Hall - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Susan Elwart Hall.

Plein Air 2015 - Susan Elwart Hall , Pentouse View- photo Marie Cameron 2015

Susan Elwart Hall‘s Penthouse View.

Plein Air 2015 - Susan Elwart Hall, the piece I shot her working on - photo Marie Cameron 2015

I shot Susan painting this piece on Overlook Road.

Plein Air 2015 - Sylvia Dahlgren - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Sylvia Dahlgren painting away.

Plein Air 2015 - Sylvia Dalhgren, Point Lobos - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Sylvia Dahlgren‘s oil, Point Lobos.

Plein Air 2015 - Yong Hong Zhong- photo Marie Cameron 2015

Yong Hong Zhong.

Plein Air 2015 - Yong Hong Zhong, Hiding From the Sun - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Yong Hong Zhong‘s oil, Hiding from the Sun.

Plein Air 2015 - Anton Pavelnko - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Anton Pavlenko  was awarded an honorable mention, for a beautiful little painting, I was going to take a photo of it but then I got distracted by this one:

Anton Pavlenko‘s oil, Morning Meditation.

Plein Air 2015 - meeting with an artist- photo Marie Cameron 2015

Plein Air 2015 - Elvis and gentleman companion - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Elvis and his gentleman companion taking in the art.

Plein Air 2015 - Mira and Me - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Mira Petkova, a fabulous new volunteer at the gallery who is helping with promotion material, and myself shooting the event (Thanks Thuy Le).

Plein Air 2015 - Nancy MacDonald, title unavailable - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Nancy MacDonald‘s oil, Joined at the Hip – love those stabs of red!

 

Silicon Valley Open Studios – Final Weekend

I’m taking a break from participating in Open Studios this year so I can focus on some large scale projects that require ALL my focus and a very messy studio although I love holding my own,  I finally get to enjoy going to OTHER artists’ studios this year!

This is the final weekend and includes all the towns from Cupertino to Gilroy. Make sure to get out and take a peek at all the great work out there! I managed to hit a few studios yesterday in Los Gatos and San Jose and will make some rounds from 11:00 – 5:00 today – maybe I’ll see you out there!

Here are some highlights from my outing yesterday, click on the artist’s names for links to their websites.

SVOS 2014 -  Carol Greene - Alameda Artworks - Site 186

 

Carol Greene at the Alameda Artworks ( Site 186 ) was showing some bold and beautiful Face Scapes.

SVOS 2014 - Carol Greene - Face Scapes

SVOS 2014- Carol Greene - Portraits

 

SVOS 2014-  Jennifer Williams - Photography

Jennifer Williams was exhibiting her quietly soulful photographs at the Alameda Artworks, Studio 18 ( Site 186 ) along side of her mother Susan Williams who was showing playful, colorful paintings. Talent running in the family!

SVOS 2014- Susan Williams - Painting

 

SVOS 2014 - Richard Gullion (Site 186)

Richard Gullion ( Site 186) was showing energetic abstract paintings and drawings as well as ceramics in his studio at Alameda Artworks.

SVOS 2014 - Richard Gullion (Site 186) - ceramic fish            SVOS 2014 - Richard Gullion  (Site 186)

 

SVOS 2014 -  Mark Danitschek - Cermic Heads 2 ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Mark Danitschek - Cermic Heads 1 ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Mark Danitschek - Cermic Heads 4 ( site 186)

I have a big crush Mark Danitscheck‘s ceramic heads and his experimental glazing techniques! He was showing with Amanda Danitcheck at Alameda Artworks ( Site 186) and her exquisite abstract paintings – love those figures!

SVOS 2014 - Mark and Amanda Danitschek ( site 186)              SVOS 2014 -  Amanda Danitschek - small figures ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Amanda Danitschek - Painting ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Amanda Danitschek - Figure and Boat Painting ( site 186).jpg

 

SVOS 2014- David Lippenberger- ( site 186)

David Lippenberger was exhibiting his stylized figures and rubber band paintings at his studio at Alameda Artworks ( Site 186). He had a very interesting process of layering charcoal and gesso in his figure paintings and coating the  abstract squiggles of the rubber bands with layers of paint making a lush, textured surface.

SVOS 2014- David Lippenberger-  Rubber Band Paintings ( site 186)                 SVOS 2014- David Lippenberger-  Sef Portraits( site 186)

 

SVOS 2014 - Stacey Nussbaum - ( Site 186)

Stacey Nussbaum at the Alameda Artworks ( Site 186 ) was exhibiting really lovely pastels inspired by her bike rides through Santa Teresa Park.

SVOS 2014 - Stacey Nussbaum - ( Site 186) inspiration board            SVOS 2014 - Stacey Nussbaum - ( Site 186) pastels

 

SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer - (site 452)

David Stonesifer‘s studio (Site 452) in Los Gatos was fabulous! Beyond his gorgeous landscape and floral oil paintings ( he’s incredibly prolific!), you feel like you’re entering an enchanted world surrounded by lush grounds.  No wonder his paintings are so beautiful!

SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer - deer topiary -  (site 452)  SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -bees- (site 452)   SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -  deer statue (site 452)

SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -racoon statue - (site 452)   SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -  paintings and lanterns - (site 452)   SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer garden house - (site 452)

SVOS 2014- Veronica Gross (328)

Veronica Gross was hosting a number of artists at her Los Gatos Studio ( Site 328 ). Here she is among her glowing watercolor landscapes and florals.

 

SVOS 2014- Karen VanGalder Site 328

Karen VanGalder was showing her ceramics ( Site 328 ) – a lot of character and beautiful glazes.  Love those cats, perfect for Los Gatos!

SVOS 2014- Karen VanGalder cats Site 328

SVOS 2014 -Karen VanGalder - Muse          SVOS 2014 Karen VanGalder's kitty

 

SVOS 2014 - Maralyn Miller - new painting - Site 279

Maralyn Miller ( Site 279) was hosting several artist at her fantastic studio in Los Gatos. It’s a real treat to see her gorgeous landscapes in what would be a runner up for a dream studio (my heart belongs to another)!

SVOS 2014 - Maralyn Miller - Site 279

 

SVOS 2014 - James Derieg - Animals Rule Series

James Derieg ( Site 279) was showing his playful  paintings and amazing dog house / garden / retreats.

 

SVOS 2014 - Hellen Scheel - Site 279

Helen Scheel was showing her paintings ( Site 279 ), her fruit and vegetables were just glowing!

 

SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Mixed Media - Site 279              SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Milbrae - Site 279              SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Process- Site 279

Patty Montgomery (Site 279)  was showing her great mixed media paintings.

SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Who Rules the Yard- Site 279

 

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 – Silent Auction

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 - Town Park PlazaI was able to catch the last few hours of the Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show down town after taking in the Triton Midsummer Art Celebration last weekend. I knew I was in the right place as there was a steady stream of people leaving the Town Park Plaza laden with heavy gold frames holding freshly painted works of art!  Los Gatos Plein Air is a fundraiser presented by the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club. Jurored artists have nearly a week to paint at least six plein air pieces of local vistas.  This event supports the arts, music and youth in the South Bay, and the humanities programs of Rotary International.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Town Park PlazaIt was amazing to see what these talented plein air artists were able to whip up in such a short time! I can imagine the pressure is so intense to produce your best work on demand like this! I’ve provided links to their websites, which can be reached by clicking on their names.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Ed LuceyEd Lucey is a Los Gatos artist,  a member of the LGMG and LGAA  who was recently featured in Artist’s Magazine! He specializes in local landscape and playful still life oil paintings.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Ed Lucey's cactus painting

Hey I know that cactus!  I pass it on my favorite evening walk. It’s funny how I’ve photographed it, been photographed with it but never though to painting it.  Ed Lucey has done such a beautiful job with it – I’m loving all those warm rich tones!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Terri Ford

Terri Ford (in the shades) is an accomplished pastel artist from San Jose who used to be a member of our gallery. I miss seeing her paintings there as I always covet them!  Her use of color and material is always gorgeous, sadly not so evident from this photo as her display was hopping! Her website is great though and she teaches classes!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Sergio Lopez

Sergio Lopez, from Santa Rosa, reminds me of one of my favorite impressionaist artists, Childe Hassam, especially the painting of the bluff (upper left). I think he said it was from Wilder State Park in Santa Cruz. Sergio also paints an exquisite series of women overlaid with floral patterns, called Painted Roses,  how I adore them! For a full rundown on all the pieces he did for the show, check out his great blog!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 John WhiteJohn White of Long Beach is a plein air and studio artist. I love the seascape on the bottom right. See all those empty hooks? Those paintings went off  to new homes before the close of the auction, one of them (a fresh vineyard scene) can be seen on his website.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 David Stonesifer and

Exhibiting artist David Stonesifer of Los Gatos and artist Lesley Underwood (both Los Gatos Gallery Members) were enjoying a moment at David’s display.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 David Stonesifers Laguna Road at Santa Teresa

I love the compostion, the square format and the pink undertones in Here  is David Stonesifer’s oil painting, Laguna Road at Santa Teresa!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Tonja Zenin

Tonja Zenin of Cupertino painted several views from one of my favorite spots, Shark Tooth Cove in Davenport!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Anton Pavleko's work

Anton Pavlenko also did several paintings from Shark Tooth Cove too, I mean who could resist (not me) It’s beautiful there!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Anton Palenko's seascapeLook how the color of the water warms up as it hits the beach and goes cool and deep as it hits the shadow from the rocks!  Those loose, buttery brush strokes make me salivate!

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Anton Pavlenko's Waiting to Cross

For me,  this little oil painting, Waiting to Cross also by Anton Pavlenko is what plein air is all about!  With only a few exuberantly textured and vibrant strokes he has captured but also transformed a familiar scene. The staccatos of red and green really animate the piece and the entire image seems to shimmer with the movement of the juicy brushwork. I go for burgers now and then at that building on the right, It overlooks the plaza where the silent auction was held.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Brenda Boylan Coffee Break

Here’s another familiar haunt charmingly rendered in pastel by Brenda Boylan of Beaverton, Oregon in Coffee Break. How did she capture moving people like that! This is clearly the Los Gatos Roasting Company on Main Street where there’s always a good crowd and on weekends there are hoards of cyclists and dogs of all breeds added to the mix! I love her use of color and raking lines.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 John Ag and Kee JinI ran into John Agg, Executive Director of the Art Museum of Los Gatos and artist Kee Jin who were taking in the event.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Sterling Hoffman
I got to meet Sterling Hoffman of Sebastopol for the first time. You can see some of his work is on the left,  paintings from Garrod Farms, a spot with which I’m very familiar with as my daughter loves the horse camps they offer there.

Los Gatos Plein Air 2013 Marti Walker

Marti Walker of West Sacramento did this charming pastel of one of Los Gatos’s storefronts (Tassels, I’m guessing). Just one of the many paintings proving the town to be as pretty as a picture!