Ainsley House, Campbell, June 6th, 2013

From a time before there was "Silicon Valley", when Campbell was a hub of the "Valley of Heart's Delight", there was the Ainsley House.   in the Tudor Revival style, the unusual roof (steamed/bent cedar shingles in imitation of traditional English thatch) was an intriguing attraction for most of us:  How to capture the intricate curves, waves, swoops, curls and lines of the roof was a challenge we couldn't resist and met in a variety of ways.    All different and all successful.

For more information about the Ainsley house, see:  http://campbellmuseums.org/ainsley-house 

Of additional interest for plein air painters, The Campbell Historical Museum, located in the Ainsley House, is currently presenting works of early 20th Century California Impressionist Francis Cutting.  For details, see:  http://www.downtowncampbell.com/eventinfo.php?eventid=18897

Next up for the Paintsites gang, Thursday, June 20th --- a big, big road trip to sleepy San Juan Bautista!    A mission, the adjacent old plaza, picturesque buildings, funky shops & restaurants --- lots to see and paint.    Join us --- watch for the official e-mail notification and details.     To see what's there, check out:  http://www.san-juan-bautista.ca.us/visitingPointsInterest.htm 

Jenny Tero

Instead of tackling the whole building, which is what I usually do, I aimed for zoning it on just one part of it - much easier.    Jenny

Dick Zunkel

What a great day to paint, but as always, the Ainsley house presents so many challenges to artists due to its size and mixture of straight lines and curves. I chose a small corner for my subject after starting from several locations. A woman pushing a baby carriage crossed into my view so I did a quick "gesture" sketch of her to add interest to the painting. Medium: Pen and water soluble calligraphy ink with watercolor wash on a 140 lb. block.     Dick

Grace Tang

It was a lovely morning to paint with fellow artists. The curvy roof structure of the Ainsley House provides an interesting and artistic look to the whole house. I am wondering how it was built and maintained for the last 90 years!   And the gardens and surroundings are amazingly beautiful as well!!!    Grace

Bonnie Sandler

I fell in love with the quaint green striped awnings.   It was quite a challenge to do those roofs with edges that roll down.   I had to eliminate a hedge that obscured the walkway and fountain.   Bonnie

Brad Santos

Anxious to get started, I choose the most obvious, wide-angle view --- not really sorry that I did as it was a perfect day to paint just about anything --- but there were some small sections or details (the near corner for example) that were very complex and would have offered a greater challenge and, if done well, a greater reward.    Brad