Peju Winery, Napa Ca.

Hanging out at any Napa winery on a warm Sunday afternoon is just great! But to hang out and paint at Peju Winery was a real treat. I met up with a handful of North Bay painters and we explored different views of Peju. Probably the most popular structure was this salmon colored tasting room. A handful of us set up with our backs against a wall of bushes and painted the building from all sorts of angles.

I probably could have spent another hour or two on my painting. Although I enjoyed working on the roof and ripples from the water fountain, I really wanted to continue tightening up the walls and grassy area....But being out in the sun for 2-3 hours is really draining. There's always next time!

Riley Street - 20 minute portrait

(5" x 7" prisma colored pencils on canson paper)

This was done during the last 20 minute session for the evening. Not a lot of strong lighting contrast from the angle I was sitting... but I really enjoyed drawing his profile. Sketching on this canson paper felt great! I was trying to track down a sketch book filled with this paper but seems to be Sold Out or discontinued.... do let me know if you know a place! So for now I look forward to trying out some other earth-toned paper.

Big thanks to fellow artists Lenny Lee and Cameron Chun for the heads up on this life drawing session. It's conveniently close to home and a really great group of artists.

Riley Street - 20 minute poses

(4" x 6" prisma pencils on canson paper)

The nice thing about having a life drawing class at an art store.... you can purchase supplies on the spot! I was inspired by artist Cameron Chun and tried my hand at some dark gray canson paper with black prisma colored pencils and white for highlights. We had a great model that evening with cut muscle definition!

Riley Street 5-10 minute poses

It has truly been ages since I've attended any life drawing sessions. The previous week was.... rusty.... that's a good way to describe it. Here's from my second week warm ups.

5 minute pose

10 minute pose

Quixote Winery

(5" x 7" gouache on watercolor board)

Quixote Winery - Napa, Ca

This way.... to Quixote Winery (pronounced kee-hoh-tee)

It's a private winery, but the kind folks at Quixote granted access to paint their wonderful landscape and building. The weather has been great all week but on the day I decide to paint, it hits 100 degrees!! Although I found a cozy spot under a tree I think it was only 10 degrees cooler.

Struggled with this one a bit - pushing and pulling the plants was tricky. Obviously I wanted the garlic shaped dome to be the main focus because it really catches your eye... especially with that intense glare from the sun. I could have easily gotten carried away with the whispy bushes but I didn't want the foreground to take away from the golden dome :)

Wow, that turned into a self critique? Hahaha. I'll be sure to scan in the finished painting and add to the next post, Thanks!

No Sketching Allowed

Had a blast of inspiration while visiting the deYoung Museum Exhibit "Birth of Impressionism". Started off with free pastries and coffee hosted by La Boulange Bakery. Now time for some sketching ....wait......there's a sign that says....."no sketching allowed" !!!

I've encountered this rule at last year's King Tut Exhibit. A security guard stopped me as I just started. It was at the end of the exhibit that I find out I should have been allowed to sketch. Has anyone heard of this rule at other museums?

Well, it's still worth the visit to see these paintings up close. Masterful lighting and brush techniques.

Inverness, Ca

(4" x 5" gouache on watercolor board)

Driving down Sir Francis Drake Blvd, one can really miss this view. It's located just behind the General Store! Be sure to make a pit-stop and order a dozen BBQ'd oysters.....really good!

Half Moon Bay

(4" x 6" gouache on watercolor board)

This painting is flying across the Pacific Ocean and to its' new home
in Hawaii. Many thanks to Agatha and Corey for the commish!

Tiburon - Opening Day on the Bay

This passed weekend was the "Opening Day of the Bay" and I decided to sneak outside for an afternoon paintout in the town of Tiburon. Not only did it have a great view of downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, but a close up to a parade of boats! Sunday marked the official opening to the San Francisco boating season. The event was hosted by (PICY) the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association and featured over 120 historic workboats, fireboats, towboats, and sailboats.

Spring Plein Air - Sacramento Art Walk

(7" x 10" gouache on watercolor board)

April 10th - Opening Reception during Sacramento's 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

4pm to 6pm - Preview Wine and Cheese Party!

Patris Studio Gallery at S12
1200 S. Street
Sacramento, Ca.

Gallery Dates: April 10 - May 31

Sacramento Plein Air in the Park

Had a chance to submit one painting for the Sacramento Spring Plein Air Show at Patris Stuido Gallery in Sacramento, Ca. The theme is....."Celebrating the Joy of Outdoor Painting!"

I'll be sure to scan and post tomorrow.

Big ROCKS - Nicasio, Ca

(9" x 12" gouache on watercolor board)

If you ever drive down Lucas Valley, it's a wonderful windy drive with trees that remind me of the chase scene from Return of the Jedi. After making a right onto Nicasio Valley, you'll come up to the small town of Nicasio.

Landmarks like Druid's Hall, St. Mary's Church and the General store are visitor favorites....but I was more fascinated with the lush green grass and scattered big rocks along the hills behind the church.

Art Auction - Animation Department

Painting donation to an Animation/Art Auction benefiting the AIDS/Breast Cancer emergency fund. Thanks to story artist, Le Tang who kindly invited me to participate. Early on, I thought about donating a couple miniature paintings, but later decided to concentrate on a slightly larger piece.
Title: "The smaller things in life"
Medium: Gouache on watercolor paper
Painting size: 4" x 6"
Frame size: 11" x 13"

Art Auction - Progress

Here's a quick progress shot of a painting I'm planning to donate at the end of this week. The bird is an American Robin and can be seen in parks such as the Presidio. It's turning out darker than I anticipated so I'll have to touch up the head and feathers before I submit.

Apple a Day: update

Sorry for the lack of posting in the past week, I've taken on a few projects that has taken up most of my time. But I'll be sure to keep ya posted as soon as they are completed. Above is a quick update of my "apple a day" project. Sketches range from 45 minutes to as quick as 10 minutes. To take a closer look, click here or click the apple button ---->
Thanks!

Joy Cove, Benicia Ca

Oh what a treat, a handful of us painters were granted access to Joy Cove which is owned by Phil Joy's Moving Company. For any painter, this place was like being a kid at a candy store. There's boats, cranes, houses on stilts......and so many more knick-knacks to paint. Well, this particular painting was sort of based on memory.

(2"x4" gouache on watercolor paper)

Currently displayed at Java Point Cafe

Alcatraz Island

Fog is such a big part of the Bay Area, but if you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day...Alcatraz Island aka "The Rock" is fantastic! Here's a view from Marina Blvd. I'm trying out a slightly wider format than usual.....I'm liking it :)

(2"x4" gouache on watercolor paper)

Currently displayed at Java Point Cafe

Java Point Cafe, Benicia Ca

The kind folks at Java Point Cafe has allowed me to hang a handful of my paintings. If you're looking for some good breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, local art....and awesome customer service, then definitely stop by. Above is a sketch I drew 2 years ago while having lunch with some friends.....try drawing at that angle if you dare.

(photos taken by Amanda S. of yelp)

Java Point Cafe
366 1st St
Benicia, CA 94510

Last chance - Miniature Painting Raffle, Napa Ca

Here's my framed miniature painting donation. Today is the last day to purchase a raffle ticket at the Napa Valley Museum. Later this evening, all winners will be announced. Good luck! I've got my eye on a couple paintings....I sure wouldn't mind taking home (details below).
An exhibit of original art work (paintings and sculptures) no larger than 8" x 8". Participating artists from all over California. The theme is "Take a Chance on Miniatures!" Basically....stop by the museum and purchase a raffle ticket $5/each (or 5 raffle tix for $20). Just fill out your contact info on the ticket stub and drop in the box below the painting you'd like to take home! ----------->

The winners will be contacted at the end of the exhibit (Jan. 10, 2010).

Napa Valley Museum
55 Presidents Circle
Yountville, CA 94599
Click Here for Directions

Peace Pagoda

Afternoon paint out in the heart of Japan Town (corner of Buchanan and Post St) San Francisco, Ca.

(2" x 3.5" gouache on watercolor paper)

New Years resolution

No new gym membership or drastic change in diet, but I've decided to try something new this year, "an apple a day". I've made a separate blog dedicated to this personal project and it's only three days in, but be sure to stop by and check out the progress each day....even on the weekends :)

I've created a shortcut button on the right side ------->

Artist trading card swap

Just a few months ago I joined an artist trading card group that have occasional swaps between other artist. It was brought to my attention from the talented illustrator, Brian Gubicza. This is my first swap and the theme was "Imaginary Landscapes".....look familiar?

(2.5" x 3.5" gouache on watercolor paper)

Angel Island, Sausalito Ca

Miniature painting during a lunch break along the water front main street of Sausalito, Ca. Here's a view of Angel Island. Accessible by Ferry great place to hike, bike or just to have a picnic.

(2" x 3" gouache on watercolor paper)

Pt. Molate, Richmond Ca

Miniature painting from Pt. Molate, Richmond Ca. These houses are currently fenced off...I'm hoping they restore them, they have so much character. The rumor is this former Naval Fuel Depot might become a Casino?!

(2" x 3" gouach on watercolor paper)

Happy Holidays - Half Moon Bay

Made a couple pit-stops along Hwy-1 and busted out the easel to paint the beautiful coast.

One more for the road, but this time a miniature.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Benicia Plein Air Gallery - Still Life

Over the weekend, I painted live at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery. Check out more framed paintings and newly added miniature paintings at 307 First Street, Benicia CA (until Dec. 30th).


Gallery Hours:
Wed - Sun 11am - 5pm
Thurs - Sat 11am - 6pm

Benicia Plein Air Gallery

Earlier this month I got together with 9 other East Bay artists and rented out a small cottage in the heart of downtown Benicia.
It was a tiny cottage, but we had no problems filling up the walls.
We had a slow start, but lucky for us....paintings did not stick around very long. Local visitors scooped up original framed art as holiday gifts or for their own homes.

Every day, neighbors walking their dogs, local vendors and even joggers stopped by to say "Hi". It has been such a wonderful experience and we were welcomed with opened arms!

Both of my recent paintings (seen in previous post) will be on display at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery until this Thursday. Hours: 11am - 5pm, 307 First Street.

Group Art Show in So-Cal this Saturday

Update: 88 out of 99 art pieces sold and the charity raised just under $4000 so far (waiting for a few more payments)


Just a quick reminder...if you're in the area, upcoming group show this Saturday - Charity Art Show and Auction for Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.

Date:	Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time:	5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:	CCAA Museum of Art
Street:	12467 Baseline Rd
City/Town:	Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Click here for map/directions
Facebook: Event info

"Gifted Artist" Charity - Loma Linda Univ. Children's Hospital

With Christmas around the corner, fighting off the cold and nasty flu...it's really nice of artist to still take the time to help some of the less fortunate families and children out there. Recently, I donated an original painting for the "Gifted Artist" charity art auction. The donation will be benefiting the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.
I originally anticipated making a miniature plein air painting or maybe donate a robot poster, but it didn't quite fit the theme of the charity. Instead, I brainstormed on a more whimsical idea and decided to experiment painting on a different surface that I came across... an unfinished birch plaque. Crossed my fingers that it would hold some water colors and gouache.

This one is titled "Flight of the Fireflies", it measures about 5" x 7" and is a mixture of paints, colored pencils and brush pens. It's not in my normal plein air style, but it's more of a throwback to what I also love to do.....draw and animate cartoons!

The art auction will take place:

Date:	Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time:	5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:	CCAA Museum of Art
Street:	12467 Baseline Rd
City/Town:	Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Click here for map/directions
Facebook: Event info

The night will consist of art, music and a special presentation by Chris Ayers discussing his battle with cancer and the use of art to help him overcome it. Big thanks to Thomas for coordinating such a big charity event!

Some other great ways to lend a helping hand is to donate a new toy for the Toys for Tots program, food at your local Food Bank, a warm coat for the One Warm Coat Program or the Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Coat Drive.