Letter from the President's Desk
July 2018
First, l apologize for getting this month's Newsletter out so late. I was in Lake Tahoe with my family and forgot all my obligations to Pinole Artisans. That's the first time in the more than seven years I've been getting preparing the Newsletter that I have been late.
Also, our July Board Meeting will be held this Thursday, July 12th at the Gallery at 7:00 pm. Please remember that members are welcome to attend Board Meetings. However, if you wish to address the Board or comment on proposed actions, you must request to be put on the Agenda. Please contact me if you would like to speak.
For those of you who attended our General Meeting on July 6th and enjoyed the presentation by Aarin Burch about her mother, Laurel Burch, I just want to remind you that there will be a warehouse sale this weekend, Saturday, July 14th & Sunday, July 15th from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The warehouse is located at 2340-D Fourth Street, Berkeley. Aarin personally extended an invitation to all Pinole Artisans to attend. Hope to see you there.
We're hoping that this great weather will encourage people to join our Plein Aire group. Plase contact Ursula Doll at [email protected] or (510) 406-3362.
Remember is you would like to sell your art at the Pinole Farmer's Market, you need to sign up with Peggy Mathews. Please contact her at [email protected] or (510) 913-3281.
I hope you are enjoying your summer and are able to take advantage of the slower pace to create your art.
Also, our July Board Meeting will be held this Thursday, July 12th at the Gallery at 7:00 pm. Please remember that members are welcome to attend Board Meetings. However, if you wish to address the Board or comment on proposed actions, you must request to be put on the Agenda. Please contact me if you would like to speak.
For those of you who attended our General Meeting on July 6th and enjoyed the presentation by Aarin Burch about her mother, Laurel Burch, I just want to remind you that there will be a warehouse sale this weekend, Saturday, July 14th & Sunday, July 15th from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The warehouse is located at 2340-D Fourth Street, Berkeley. Aarin personally extended an invitation to all Pinole Artisans to attend. Hope to see you there.
We're hoping that this great weather will encourage people to join our Plein Aire group. Plase contact Ursula Doll at [email protected] or (510) 406-3362.
Remember is you would like to sell your art at the Pinole Farmer's Market, you need to sign up with Peggy Mathews. Please contact her at [email protected] or (510) 913-3281.
I hope you are enjoying your summer and are able to take advantage of the slower pace to create your art.
June 2018
The discussion at last month's meeting was stimulating and very productive. We were unable to complete discussions on all the subject matters we had identified.
Because Kenoli Oleari will be unable to give his presentation due to serious illness, we decided to continue with seeking ways to improve our organization. Please make sure you attend this important meeting and bring all your ideas. We're looking forward to your suggestions ans comments.
With the lovely weather returning, I hope more of you will think about joining our Plein Aire group. For more information, please contact Ursula Doll at [email protected] or (510) 406-3362.
If you are interested in teaching a class at the Gallery, you should contact Penny Bledsoe at (510) 724-4594 or (510) 333-4974 to reserve your date!
Really hope to see all of you at Friday's Meeting!!!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
Because Kenoli Oleari will be unable to give his presentation due to serious illness, we decided to continue with seeking ways to improve our organization. Please make sure you attend this important meeting and bring all your ideas. We're looking forward to your suggestions ans comments.
With the lovely weather returning, I hope more of you will think about joining our Plein Aire group. For more information, please contact Ursula Doll at [email protected] or (510) 406-3362.
If you are interested in teaching a class at the Gallery, you should contact Penny Bledsoe at (510) 724-4594 or (510) 333-4974 to reserve your date!
Really hope to see all of you at Friday's Meeting!!!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
January 2018
2018 arrived with a bang! I am glad that the Holidays are over, and I'm looking forward to getting back to creating! Aren't you?
Just a friendly reminder that we have Board elections at our February General Meeting. If you are interested in joining the Board, please see me or one of the other Board Members. Remember that your 2018 dues must be paid by the time of the election to be eligible to vote. We really would like to see some new faces on the Board so please consider joining!
Just a friendly reminder that we have Board elections at our February General Meeting. If you are interested in joining the Board, please see me or one of the other Board Members. Remember that your 2018 dues must be paid by the time of the election to be eligible to vote. We really would like to see some new faces on the Board so please consider joining!
December 2017
Wow! It is hard to believe that December has arrived so quickly! I know that our Elves have been busy transforming the Gallery into a Holiday Wonderland! Please encourage your friends and family to drop by and take a look at all the wonderful artwork available for gift-giving!
While I won't be with you at our Holiday Potluck on Friday night, I'd like to wish you and yours the happiest of Holidays!
I'm off to visit two great artists in Seattle.
As a reminder, we are seeking candidates for the upcoming Board of Directors election in February so if you are interested in joining the Board, please contact one of us!
I know I'm always discussing fundraising, but I want to remind you to use your Smile.Amazon.com account when doing your online shopping this Holiday season! Thanks so much.
I know 2018 is going to be a great year for Pinole Artisans and I look forward to seeing you in January!!
While I won't be with you at our Holiday Potluck on Friday night, I'd like to wish you and yours the happiest of Holidays!
I'm off to visit two great artists in Seattle.
As a reminder, we are seeking candidates for the upcoming Board of Directors election in February so if you are interested in joining the Board, please contact one of us!
I know I'm always discussing fundraising, but I want to remind you to use your Smile.Amazon.com account when doing your online shopping this Holiday season! Thanks so much.
I know 2018 is going to be a great year for Pinole Artisans and I look forward to seeing you in January!!
November 2017
It's hard to believe that there are only two months remaining in 2017 - Where has the time gone. The Holiday Show preparations are under way.
Eric and Ira are starting to prepare the Gallery for your incoming artwork so don't forget to sign up for the Holiday Show as quickly as possible! Just contact Eric at the Gallery or sign up at our November Meeting.
We've changed our annual Swap Meet and Hot Dog Night to a Swap Meet and Pizza Night this year. Be sure to donate any of your surplus or unwaned art supplies to our event. There will be sewing material and a mat utter available at the Swap Meet. The sales from the donated items will be a welcome addition to our funding.
Speaking of funding, don't forget to use your Smile.Amazon.comaccount when doing your online shopping this Holiday season!
Eric and Ira are starting to prepare the Gallery for your incoming artwork so don't forget to sign up for the Holiday Show as quickly as possible! Just contact Eric at the Gallery or sign up at our November Meeting.
We've changed our annual Swap Meet and Hot Dog Night to a Swap Meet and Pizza Night this year. Be sure to donate any of your surplus or unwaned art supplies to our event. There will be sewing material and a mat utter available at the Swap Meet. The sales from the donated items will be a welcome addition to our funding.
Speaking of funding, don't forget to use your Smile.Amazon.comaccount when doing your online shopping this Holiday season!
October 2017
Good news! We have collected enough money to purchase a neon sign for the Gallery! I understand that Ira Nelken, Joan Landis, and Penny Bledsoe met with the sign maker and have ordered the sign. Hopefully, it will draw attention to our Gallery. Thanks to each of you for your generous donations to the sign fund!
If you shop online using Amazon, I hope you have signed up for Amazon.Smile and named Pinole Artisans as your designated non-profit. I know that some of you have done so because the site states that we have earned almost $60 in credit since Vickie Resso set up our account. While $60 may not be a huge amount, it does contribute to the support of our organization and I encourage you to join Amazon.Smile! Kudos to Vickie for bringing this funding source to our attention!
I hope that we are making maximum use of our two slots at the Pinole Farmer's Market. To reserve your spot, please contact Peggy Mathews at (510) 913-3281 the Tuesday prior to the Saturday you would like to display to reserve your spot. We are in the process of updating the rules for participating in the Farmer's Market and the updated rules will be distributed when completed.
Hope to see you at our Monthly Meeting on Friday, October 6th
If you shop online using Amazon, I hope you have signed up for Amazon.Smile and named Pinole Artisans as your designated non-profit. I know that some of you have done so because the site states that we have earned almost $60 in credit since Vickie Resso set up our account. While $60 may not be a huge amount, it does contribute to the support of our organization and I encourage you to join Amazon.Smile! Kudos to Vickie for bringing this funding source to our attention!
I hope that we are making maximum use of our two slots at the Pinole Farmer's Market. To reserve your spot, please contact Peggy Mathews at (510) 913-3281 the Tuesday prior to the Saturday you would like to display to reserve your spot. We are in the process of updating the rules for participating in the Farmer's Market and the updated rules will be distributed when completed.
Hope to see you at our Monthly Meeting on Friday, October 6th
September 2017
Our 2017 Silent Auction was a success! We had lots of shoppers and great items to auction off. Because the event was held in our Gallery, we also had some sales of gallery items at the event. Our Treasurer, Ira Nelkin, should have some final figures for us at our General Meeting on Friday.
Some of our members may not be aware of the slots available to our members at the Pinole Farmer's Market, which is held each Saturday in the parking lot behind the Bank of the West. If you would like to use one of the spaces to sell your artwork please contact Peggy Mathews at (510) 913-3281 to reserve your spot. We are in the process of updating the rules for the use of a spot and the updated rules will be distributed when completed.
Hope to see you Friday night!
Some of our members may not be aware of the slots available to our members at the Pinole Farmer's Market, which is held each Saturday in the parking lot behind the Bank of the West. If you would like to use one of the spaces to sell your artwork please contact Peggy Mathews at (510) 913-3281 to reserve your spot. We are in the process of updating the rules for the use of a spot and the updated rules will be distributed when completed.
Hope to see you Friday night!
August 2017
We're in the final planning stages for our Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, August 12th at our Gallery. So far our members have donated a desirable mix of items. If you haven't made your donation yet, please contact Joan Landis at (510) 851-4765 to let her know what you will be donating! Also, we have flyers and invitations available at the Gallery so please take the time to invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us for a fun and lively evening on August 12th!
Member Suzi Stone has made a generous donation of $150 to our signage fund in memory of her late husband, Gordon. Gordon was a member for many years and the Gallery recently showed his photography work in our "Featured Artist" display.
Suzie is relocating to Louisiana and we wish her much happiness in her new life!
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you on the 12th!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
July 2017
Hopefully, most of you have had a chance to set up your Amazon.Smile account so that the Artisans can receive a portion of your sales through Amazon.Smile. If you have a Prime Account, the use of an Amazon.Smile account does not affect any of your benefits under your Prime Account. Thanks for supporting Pinole Artisans!
The plans for our Silent Auction on August 12th are under way. The first committee meeting was held. Since we won't be holding the event at Chevy's this year, the Committee has decided that we will be asking each member to provide finger foods or beverages to be served at the event. So watch for more instructions to follow!
In an effort to improve sales and to draw more people into the Gallery, the Board has decided to seek donations specifically earmarked for new signage. We have received an estimated cost of approximately $1,350 for a neon sign. To date we have collected $650 toward that goal. We'll have a basket at the July meeting to collect additional funds - any amount would be appreciated.
I hope you are having a wonderful summer which includes creating!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
The plans for our Silent Auction on August 12th are under way. The first committee meeting was held. Since we won't be holding the event at Chevy's this year, the Committee has decided that we will be asking each member to provide finger foods or beverages to be served at the event. So watch for more instructions to follow!
In an effort to improve sales and to draw more people into the Gallery, the Board has decided to seek donations specifically earmarked for new signage. We have received an estimated cost of approximately $1,350 for a neon sign. To date we have collected $650 toward that goal. We'll have a basket at the July meeting to collect additional funds - any amount would be appreciated.
I hope you are having a wonderful summer which includes creating!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
June 2017
Like many non-profits these days, we are struggling financially. So, if you have any fundraising ideas please use the Suggestion Box to notify the Board.
Board Member Vickie Resso has been working very diligently to increase our funding. She has taken the reins and set up an account for Pinole Artisans with Amazon's fundraising program, AmazonSmile.com Here's her info on the program:
"FREE MONEY FOR PINOLE ARTISANS
Hey Everyone. Give me a big SMILE1 If you use Amazon for shopping, Amazon will donate 1/2 percent to Pinole Artisans. All you have to do is go to AmazonSmile.com the next time you make an Amazon purchase instead of Amazon.com. The first time you go, set up your favorite charity (Pinole Artisans Foundation, of course!) and each eligible purchase will automatically donate to our group. It's easy, it's the same products at the same price, same Amazon Prime. I don't know about you, but I use Amazon a lot. This is free money. Once you see how easy it is, spread the word. Ask your friends and family members to use AmazonSmile.com so that they can support YOU and your art group. Remember AmazonSmile.com is a different website. Use it and SMILE!!
Vickie Resso"
I've already set up my AmazonSmile.com website and hope you will join too!
Since we have decided to hold our Art Auction a bit earlier this year, we will be seeking volunteers to aid in planning the event! Chevy's is no longer hosting fundraising events so we are hoping to hold the event at our Gallery. We will need committees for such things as Food & Beverage, Gathering of Gift Certificates, Printing of Bid Cards, and Decorations. Please think about how you would like to help this year!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
Board Member Vickie Resso has been working very diligently to increase our funding. She has taken the reins and set up an account for Pinole Artisans with Amazon's fundraising program, AmazonSmile.com Here's her info on the program:
"FREE MONEY FOR PINOLE ARTISANS
Hey Everyone. Give me a big SMILE1 If you use Amazon for shopping, Amazon will donate 1/2 percent to Pinole Artisans. All you have to do is go to AmazonSmile.com the next time you make an Amazon purchase instead of Amazon.com. The first time you go, set up your favorite charity (Pinole Artisans Foundation, of course!) and each eligible purchase will automatically donate to our group. It's easy, it's the same products at the same price, same Amazon Prime. I don't know about you, but I use Amazon a lot. This is free money. Once you see how easy it is, spread the word. Ask your friends and family members to use AmazonSmile.com so that they can support YOU and your art group. Remember AmazonSmile.com is a different website. Use it and SMILE!!
Vickie Resso"
I've already set up my AmazonSmile.com website and hope you will join too!
Since we have decided to hold our Art Auction a bit earlier this year, we will be seeking volunteers to aid in planning the event! Chevy's is no longer hosting fundraising events so we are hoping to hold the event at our Gallery. We will need committees for such things as Food & Beverage, Gathering of Gift Certificates, Printing of Bid Cards, and Decorations. Please think about how you would like to help this year!
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
May 2017
I want to introduce the membership to one of the Board's latest attempts to improve communication with the membership - THE SUGGESTION BOX. You may have noticed it at the Gallery or at our monthly meetings. It has been brought to the Board's attention that some members feel that the Board has not been responsive to the concerns of the membership. It is our hope that use of the suggestion box will alleviate those feelings. If you have a suggestion or concern, we ask that you put your thoughts in writing and place it in the suggestion box. Your writing may be anonymous, or you may sign it. If you sign your form, you will receive a written response once the Board has considered the item.
This is also a good time to remind members that our Board Meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. However, if you would like to address the Board or present an issue, it will be necessary to get your item on the formal Agenda. Please contact me at least 10 days prior to the Board Meeting to arrange to get your item on the Agenda.
The Board will review use of the Suggestion Box in six months to determine if it is facilitating better communication. Please feel free to give us your comments.
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
This is also a good time to remind members that our Board Meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. However, if you would like to address the Board or present an issue, it will be necessary to get your item on the formal Agenda. Please contact me at least 10 days prior to the Board Meeting to arrange to get your item on the Agenda.
The Board will review use of the Suggestion Box in six months to determine if it is facilitating better communication. Please feel free to give us your comments.
Linda Thomas
President
[email protected]
H (510) 799-4079
C (510) 507-0173
March 2017
This is the first time I've written a column as President. Having worked in the legal field for more than 30 years, I tend to think that my prose ends up sounding like a legal brief! Hopefully, that won't be the case with my columns.
As I review my experience with our organization, I find that, as time goes by, I enjoy my participation more and more. I hope you are having the same reaction. I've made many good friends and learned a great deal from our talented and generous members so I'd like to thank our members for that. It is my hope that Pinole Artisans will continue to grow and provide a lively art community in our area.
Unfortunately, as the Board is reminded on a monthly basis, we, along with most non-profits, are struggling financially. We need to increase our income and I know the Board would love to hear any ideas you may have for fund-raising activities. If you have any ideas, please let one of us know.
To borrow a phrase from Vickie Resso, "Keep creating!"
Linda Thomas
President
As I review my experience with our organization, I find that, as time goes by, I enjoy my participation more and more. I hope you are having the same reaction. I've made many good friends and learned a great deal from our talented and generous members so I'd like to thank our members for that. It is my hope that Pinole Artisans will continue to grow and provide a lively art community in our area.
Unfortunately, as the Board is reminded on a monthly basis, we, along with most non-profits, are struggling financially. We need to increase our income and I know the Board would love to hear any ideas you may have for fund-raising activities. If you have any ideas, please let one of us know.
To borrow a phrase from Vickie Resso, "Keep creating!"
Linda Thomas
President
January 2017
Carolyn Hess, An Appreciation
Carolyn Hess was President of Pinole Artisans at the time of her passing in 2016. She was a person of diverse accomplishments, from her work in Decorative Arts at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles to her passion for new colors to use in the "wet into wet" style of watercolor painting she was passionate about.
Carolyn's frequent subjects were the human figure and the botanical world. Her portrait of a friend in rainy day gear standing on a sidewalk and checking a cell phone was popular at both the original and new Pinole Artisans Galleries. Carolyn painted nudes, family history, and figures of the moment. Her botanical pieces include closeups and panoramas.
I remember a plein air painting day at Helena Mazzariello's when Carolyn seemed completely absorbed in a large leaf of rainbow swiss chard she was painting Her spring scenes from the iris farm in Vacaville and varied compositions from Blake Garden in Berkeley are secure in our memories.
Getting ready to paint by 10 a.m. is not my forte, since I am a night owl, so there were many plein air excusions that I regretfully declined. However, I was fortunate enough to participate in a surprise landscape adventure with Carolyn and a few other Pinole Artisans early last year. Carolyn had produced a 2016 desk calendar that had been printed with the wrong date, so she was giving away copies at the gallery. The subject of the location came up and I asked Carolyn if she would tell us where the picture for each month had been painted. She knew each spot, and as she
told us, I wrote them down on the back of the monthly pages.
The December 2016 image shows a radiant, warm sun, shining through branches of a well established tree. It remains a greeting from this fine watercolorist, president, and friend of many.
Tanya Joyce
January, 2017
Carolyn Hess was President of Pinole Artisans at the time of her passing in 2016. She was a person of diverse accomplishments, from her work in Decorative Arts at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles to her passion for new colors to use in the "wet into wet" style of watercolor painting she was passionate about.
Carolyn's frequent subjects were the human figure and the botanical world. Her portrait of a friend in rainy day gear standing on a sidewalk and checking a cell phone was popular at both the original and new Pinole Artisans Galleries. Carolyn painted nudes, family history, and figures of the moment. Her botanical pieces include closeups and panoramas.
I remember a plein air painting day at Helena Mazzariello's when Carolyn seemed completely absorbed in a large leaf of rainbow swiss chard she was painting Her spring scenes from the iris farm in Vacaville and varied compositions from Blake Garden in Berkeley are secure in our memories.
Getting ready to paint by 10 a.m. is not my forte, since I am a night owl, so there were many plein air excusions that I regretfully declined. However, I was fortunate enough to participate in a surprise landscape adventure with Carolyn and a few other Pinole Artisans early last year. Carolyn had produced a 2016 desk calendar that had been printed with the wrong date, so she was giving away copies at the gallery. The subject of the location came up and I asked Carolyn if she would tell us where the picture for each month had been painted. She knew each spot, and as she
told us, I wrote them down on the back of the monthly pages.
The December 2016 image shows a radiant, warm sun, shining through branches of a well established tree. It remains a greeting from this fine watercolorist, president, and friend of many.
Tanya Joyce
January, 2017
November 2016
Since Carolyn's passing Linda Thomas our Vice-President has been filling in as the acting president. There is no new, pesident's desk letter. Linda Thomas will officially take over as president in the new year, at that time the column should continue.
August 2016
Carolyn is now home from the hospital. While she is not up to visitors, I'm sure she would appreciate receiving a card or note to wish her well.
July 2016
At the beginning of this month I underwent my second retinal surgery. The next surgery, next month, will be for the cataract that has developed as a result of the first retinal surgery. So in these intervening two months my vision is very blurry. Blurry enough that I haven't been able to plein air paint, or even paint at all. I have a wonderful retinal doc. He is always full of cheer. I think he was positively elated when my second eye developed a macular hole. At first I thought he was being friendly, but I now think that the prospect of doing surgery makes him very happy. He truly loves his job! I wanted him to know that my eyes are very important to me, so I tried to impress upon him that I am an artist. I gave him some postcards to prove it. I really need my eyes to work optimally. He just smiled and wisely said that everyone needs their eyes. I tried the same thing with the cataract surgeon. Surely a visual artist should have priority? But no, truly everyone needs their eyes. So I have two months of barely reading and not driving. Two months of not studying the colors of the shadows on oak trees or identifying flying birds. I''m not liking it. And I'm building up a visual memory of what I'm going to paint when I can paint. Trees, skies, cats. Wet into wet light and mauve shadows. Figures and pears. Birds and my gramma's old photos. And I want to paint outside. I'll be out there in August.
Carolyn Hess
President
Carolyn Hess
President
April 2016
Have you seen the hills around Pinole? After years of drought, the rains have ushered the grasses in, in a riot of stunning shades of green. Driving down Pinole Valley Road to Castro Ranch and toward El Sobrante is a color event that I miss if I don't see it every day at least once. And Highway 4, well, I don't know how anyone drives on it without slowing down to ogle the sensual green hills. No one does slow down, so don't try it.
It's been unpredictably wet and cold, though, so I haven't been consistently plein air painting. Instead I create green hills in my studio and take notes in my head as I drive. The color of the grassy hills when it's overcast is Schmincke's May Green and the shadows are Holbein's Bamboo Green. When the sun comes out Hansa Yellow and Holbein's Leaf Green appear on the light side of the hills. Holbein's Lavender and Shadow Green for the shadow side. My color discovery for this year is Daniel Smith's Quinacridone Pink, which, with Quinacridone Rose, is the color of the tulip tree blossoms exactly. The poppies are Daniel Smith's Permanent Orange and Indian Yellow and the mustard blossoms on the hillsides are Lemon Yellow, of course. When it rains, the hills glow a Daniel Smith Jadeite Genuine with Cascade Green and Ultramarine blue. And I think I have to run to my studio to paint some hills right now. Happy creating.
It's been unpredictably wet and cold, though, so I haven't been consistently plein air painting. Instead I create green hills in my studio and take notes in my head as I drive. The color of the grassy hills when it's overcast is Schmincke's May Green and the shadows are Holbein's Bamboo Green. When the sun comes out Hansa Yellow and Holbein's Leaf Green appear on the light side of the hills. Holbein's Lavender and Shadow Green for the shadow side. My color discovery for this year is Daniel Smith's Quinacridone Pink, which, with Quinacridone Rose, is the color of the tulip tree blossoms exactly. The poppies are Daniel Smith's Permanent Orange and Indian Yellow and the mustard blossoms on the hillsides are Lemon Yellow, of course. When it rains, the hills glow a Daniel Smith Jadeite Genuine with Cascade Green and Ultramarine blue. And I think I have to run to my studio to paint some hills right now. Happy creating.
January 2016
2016 has arrived and it's time to resolve to chart my new year in a different pattern than 2015. My first resolution is to be healthy in 2016. Being healthy is essential for all the other things I want to do. In 2016 I want to participate in a plein air paintout and to be accepted in a watercolor show.
I want to join a figure drawing group and paint from models.
I want to travel with my paints and try some different locations and to pare my plein air kit down to bare essentials.
I want to see art shows and be inspired by other artists.
Seeing my work displayed at the holiday show made me realize that it was very green. In 2016 I want to branch out and learn to use other colors as well as I use green. I'll never forsake green, but I want to overcome my resistance to earth tones and work with warm colors like sienna and umber.
I want to explore licensing my work.
I want to see, paint, explore and to have many moments of transcending joy.
What do you want to do in 2016?
Carolyn Hess
President
I want to join a figure drawing group and paint from models.
I want to travel with my paints and try some different locations and to pare my plein air kit down to bare essentials.
I want to see art shows and be inspired by other artists.
Seeing my work displayed at the holiday show made me realize that it was very green. In 2016 I want to branch out and learn to use other colors as well as I use green. I'll never forsake green, but I want to overcome my resistance to earth tones and work with warm colors like sienna and umber.
I want to explore licensing my work.
I want to see, paint, explore and to have many moments of transcending joy.
What do you want to do in 2016?
Carolyn Hess
President
July 2015
The National Gallery in London has a room full of Rembrandts. I found them as I was blissfully wandering through the the collections, my first time there. I had been walking for hours at that point and I was dragging. But as I walked into the Rembrandt room and sat on the conveniently located bench, my energy renewed in a rush. There were several commissions, one of him with his mistress in his lap and the rest were self portraits. As I sat in awe, I felt as if I was getting to know Rembrandt. Everywhere I looked, his eyes looked back at me and he truly had something to say to me across the centuries in ochers and brown. I spent some time this week with the stranger in my mirror and painted my own self portrait. I always think of those Rembrandt self portraits when I paint myself. He painted himself with sensitivity and honesty in all his life stages. That's what I'm working toward when I paint a self portrait, and hopefully it can be done in purple and green.
Carolyn Hess
President
Carolyn Hess
President
June 2015
Spring is almost summer and I'm finally getting around to my artists' spring cleaning. Over the last year I've left many paintings unfinished and now, as the days are longer, and my health improves every day, I have begun to complete them. The first was a painting of lavender tulips that I painted in Penny's garden. I liked the composition, and I still remembered what I wanted to paint, but the colors in my watercolor weren't as saturated as I remembered. As I began building up the color, I was in the garden again following the curly leaves and adding shadow green in the background to make the flowers pop.
The next one was a large watercolor of black eyed susans that I started plein air in Blake Garden last August. As I studied it I remembered the smell of sunlight and the buzzing of the bees. The composition bothered me, so I added more flowers, then took my brush, filled with hansa yellow, splattered the paper a few times, darkened the shadows and suddenly it came together!
The next one is of magnolia tree trunks and light and shadows in the background from Blake Garden again. It's not finished yet, but I do remember sitting in the shade next to the reflecting pool, so it's just a matter of bringing Blake Garden into my studio to complete my spring cleaning. I hope you have a good spring cleaning too.
Carolyn Hess
President
The next one was a large watercolor of black eyed susans that I started plein air in Blake Garden last August. As I studied it I remembered the smell of sunlight and the buzzing of the bees. The composition bothered me, so I added more flowers, then took my brush, filled with hansa yellow, splattered the paper a few times, darkened the shadows and suddenly it came together!
The next one is of magnolia tree trunks and light and shadows in the background from Blake Garden again. It's not finished yet, but I do remember sitting in the shade next to the reflecting pool, so it's just a matter of bringing Blake Garden into my studio to complete my spring cleaning. I hope you have a good spring cleaning too.
Carolyn Hess
President
May 2015
Last weekend I took a trip to Vacaville to see the blooms and buy some plants at the Pleasants Valley Iris Farm. The farm is open open for one month every year, when the iris bloom. i look forward to it all winter. It's located in a valley off Pleasants Valley Road and they have over 400 variety show of tall bearded iris. For the last five years the Pinole Artisans Plein Air Group has had special permission to come on the property and paint on the week days, when they aren't open to the public. We like to get there early, because it can get very hot in the afternoon, and set up our easels and umbrella right between the beds. I like to paint wet into wet, so I have to take a spray bottle and spritz my paper often so it won't dry out. The first year I painted the yellow irises, which are a delicate aeolian with soft cobalt violet shadows. The bright red iris with imperial violet petals is another of my favorites. One year I painted a view of the whole farm with gentle green hills behind and a riot of every color imaginable color of Iris spread out in the foreground and middle ground. That was the year I really got my iris shape down, because I painted so many in that piece. Three years ago we did a Plein Air paintout there and it was so hot that we sat under the trees in the shade and didn't venture out into the beds. We are going again this year. If you would like to join us contact me through the art center. The gardens will open through Mid-May. Happy Plein Air painting!
Carolyn Hess
President
Carolyn Hess
President
April 2015
When I'm in my studio I like to listen to a good audio book or music while I'm painting. When I'm plein aire painting I like to chat with my friends, listen to the birds, or hear the silence. At some point it all comes together and I achieve that elusive state where art happens. I've heard it called "the zone" or "flow", it's that place where judgments and pain recede, and the world comes into focus in all its amazing beauty. I found that place this week while plein aire painting in Penny's backyard. It was a beautiful spring day. Just being outside with my friends made me happy, but when I fell into the color and shape of the lavender pink tulips I found my flow. At first they were cobalt violet with ultramarine shadows but when the sun reached them they began to open (making my drawing obsolete) and I saw cad orange on the warm side and imperial purple on the shadow side. The tulip leaves curled an echo of the shape of the blossoms. I was painting as fast as I could to catch the light and I was in my zone. How do you achieve your zone?
Carolyn Hess
President
Carolyn Hess
President
March 2015
There's goes February.
Did you see it? I missed most of it and now I have to wait until next year to paint the blossoms. For most of this year I've been "under the weather" (now I understand what that term means) and in bed sleeping or looking out the window. I've been painting in my head, though. I particularly liked the window of my hospital room. It had a view of the East Bay Hills. I stared out the window and catalogued the colors of the hills. One moment I would decide that the greens were variations of watery Prussian green mixed with Quin Crimson and purple in the shadows, fall asleep, and wake up to May green and hansa yellow highlights. One day the sky was a mixture of pure cobalt blue with a bit of turquoise which darkened to violet and orange in the evening. The next day it was white with aureolin and lavender shadows. I haven't any new paintings to show, but getting out to paint the green hills before they turn yellow is second on my list of goals, right after going to the next meeting. I hope to see you there!
Carolyn Hess
President
Did you see it? I missed most of it and now I have to wait until next year to paint the blossoms. For most of this year I've been "under the weather" (now I understand what that term means) and in bed sleeping or looking out the window. I've been painting in my head, though. I particularly liked the window of my hospital room. It had a view of the East Bay Hills. I stared out the window and catalogued the colors of the hills. One moment I would decide that the greens were variations of watery Prussian green mixed with Quin Crimson and purple in the shadows, fall asleep, and wake up to May green and hansa yellow highlights. One day the sky was a mixture of pure cobalt blue with a bit of turquoise which darkened to violet and orange in the evening. The next day it was white with aureolin and lavender shadows. I haven't any new paintings to show, but getting out to paint the green hills before they turn yellow is second on my list of goals, right after going to the next meeting. I hope to see you there!
Carolyn Hess
President
February 2015
Six months after I moved to this area, I discovered the Pinole Artisans. At my first meeting, I mumbled "I do watercolors" and sat down quickly, when I was asked to introduce myself at the beginning of the meeting. I was shy about being noticed by so many strangers. Five years later, I have found a group of artists willing to plein air paint with me every week, I have helped to put together event and shows to support the Artisans and to show my own work and I am humbled by the skill of the members of this organization. Now the Pinole Artisans is filled with my friends and colleagues. No one is a stranger here and I have created many wonderful friendships within the membership. The Pinole Artisans are a community of artists that spans age groups, mediums and personalities. We enrich both our community and our lives by sharing our art and supporting each other. As my term of president begins I hope that we can all continue to make friends and art within this community.
Carolyn Hess
President
Carolyn Hess
President
Past letters from the president's desk with Bill Lake
December 2014
I just wanted to thank all the volunteers who helped make our annual Silent Auction at Chevy's last month such a success! Your contributions made the evening great fun and profitable for our organization.
December will be a busy month for Pinole Artisans.
Our annual off-site HOLIDAY SHOW will openDecember 1 and will run through December 23rdat 1358 Fitzgerald Drive. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please be sure to invite your friends and family to stop by!
Please be sure to attend our annual Holiday Pot Luck Party on Friday, December 5th! Be sure to join in the fun!
December will be a busy month for Pinole Artisans.
Our annual off-site HOLIDAY SHOW will openDecember 1 and will run through December 23rdat 1358 Fitzgerald Drive. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please be sure to invite your friends and family to stop by!
Please be sure to attend our annual Holiday Pot Luck Party on Friday, December 5th! Be sure to join in the fun!
August 2014
Big changes have been made to the gallery. Come down and check it out. See you at the next meeting.
April 2014
NO COLUMN THIS MONTH!
March 2014
Thanks to the generous donation of food, time and effort by all involved in the Grand Re-Opening of the Pinole Art Gallery. Mayor Banuelos and Joan Landis officially reopened the Gallery by jointly conducting the ceremonial ribbon cutting. I want to thank everyone who came to the reopening to show their support for the Gallery and to enjoy the party.
I would also like to thank everyone who gave their time and energy to redecorate the Gallery. It looks wonderful and really shows off the art work. Well done everyone!
Bill Lake
President
I would also like to thank everyone who gave their time and energy to redecorate the Gallery. It looks wonderful and really shows off the art work. Well done everyone!
Bill Lake
President