Monday, June 17, 2019

Casa Grande, Almaden Rd, San Jose, Thursday, June 13, 2019

Built in 1854 on16 acres this classic revival mansion was used to house the superintendents of the nearby New Almaden Quicksilver mine. The mine was considered the largest of its kind in the Americas and at one point Casa Grande became a retreat for the mine’s investors. The recently restored mansion, museum and grounds are open to public and for more on the site go to:
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Almaden-Quicksilver-Mining-Museum.aspx

Several Paintsite artists were intrigued by Casa Grande’s striking white facade, the warm and cool shadows cast by the surrounding balconies, groupings of century cactus and slender, and swaying palm trees. While others were attracted to the rich colors of the nearby redwood water tower or the weathered wood exterior of the outbuildings. The older trees along the Alamitos Creek provided perfect shade to sit and paint. 

Normally the mansion and museum are closed to visitors on Thursdays but thanks to special arrangements made  by Santa Clara County Staff the building’s washrooms were opened for our visit. 

For additional photos of the Casa Paintsite please refer to Edward Rooks's Flickr page at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwardrooks/albums/72157709072901036

Upcoming Paintsites.  See the SCVWS website or the June/July Newsletters for details.


  • Thursday, June 20, Maryknoll Retirement Residence, Los Altos
  • Thursday, June 27, Sunnyvale Historical Museum
  • Thursday, July 11, Moss Landing Harbor
  • Thursday, July 18, Stevens Creek County Park Lakeshore Picnic Area, Cupertino
  • Thursday, July 25, Portola Vineyards, Portola Valley


Artists and their artwork

Liz's watercolor of Casa Grande 

Liz

Annie's view of the water tower and Casa Grande grounds

Annie

Brad's sketch of Casa Grande

Brad

Broncha's painting of an outbuilding near the creek

Broncha

Edward's view of Casa Grande painted from the shaded creekside

Edward

Cindy's watercolor of Casa Grande

Cindy

Dick's painting of the old water tower located on the edge of the grounds

Dick and Salinda

Tanvi's watercolor of the mansion 

Tanvi

Grace D's watercolor of the tall swaying palms.

Grace D

Matt's painting of the front view of Casa Grande

Matt

Salinda's painting of the water tower 

Helen's sepia toned painting of Casa Grande

Helen
Iris's watercolor of an outbuilding near the Alamitos Creek


Iris

Indira's painting of Casa Grande

Indira

Sham's painting of the mansion and rear garden

Sham
Jane's painting 

Jane

Paintsite artists at lunch


Artists view their work

Artists viewing their paintings

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