Roberto-Sunol Adobe, San Jose, Thursday, November 21, 2013

The first big storm of the season pounded the Bay Area on Wednesday, November 20.   But then a beautiful double rainbow over San Jose that evening gave hope for a better next day.   But then lingering showers Thursday morning made the day look "iffy" again.    None of that mattered, however, for the ten hardy plein air painters who met at the Roberto-Sunol Adobe and had a great day painting. 

For more information about the Roberto-Sunol Adobe see the following:

• http://californiapioneers.com/Roberto-Sunol_Adobe/RobertoSunolAdobe_rev07092013.pdf
• http://www.preservation.org/events/celebration2007/roberto_adobe_history.html

Upcoming Paintouts & Watercolor Society events:

• Thursday, December 5, 2013:  Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz.   Lunch will be the annual "Seasonal Pot Luck" (with an emphasis on desserts!).
• Thursday, December 19, 2013:   Santa Clara Civic Center Park.    We'll visit the Statewide Painting Exhibition at the Triton Museum post paint-out.
• Saturday, December 21, 2013:  Japanese Friendship Garden, Kelly Park, San Jose.
• Saturday, January 18, 2014: Annual Holiday Party

Check the Watercolor Society website or December newsletter for complete details.

Critiquing

Snapshots of some of the artwork produced and work in progress.    Check back for the finished products.

Broncha

Sylvia

Helen

Finished paintings ...

Dick Zunkel

Here is another interesting paintsite that I have passed hundreds of times and never knew it was there.    Well done, organizers!     Dick

Leslie Grimm

It was a strange feeling to sit and paint this ancient adobe building and outdoor oven while a few yards away traffic on freeway 280 was roaring by.     Leslie

Liz Siegel

Brad Santos

I had no idea what this machine was until Dick figured out its function (later confirmed by a docent) --- a pump wagon.     I think it's wonderful how, with old machines & buildings, that time and the inexorable laws of gravity trump those of perspective.     Brad

Marilyn Perry

Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto CA November 16,2013

Despite weather media predictions of high winds and cold temperatures, the day could not have been nicer. Twelve plein air artists scattered throughout the site to render blue skies and high tide.

Photo by Yan Zheng

Shao Wei Liu

Dick Zunkel

Marilyn Perry

It was a beautiful sunny day for outdoor painting.  The reflections disappeared and reappeared as the wind came up and quieted. My ducks are green-winged teals, and I used my white pencil to put in the light vertical lines that are the field marks for these beautiful ducks.  Marilyn

Brad Santos

What with the ascending, descending, level and intersecting ramps, the wonderful blue pipe railings and safety wires were a real challenge .   Adding in all of the shadows put it over the top in terms of complexity.    But it was still a great day's paintout.    Brad

Byington Winery, Los Gatos - Thursday, November 7, 2013

Blessed with a perfect day, sunny but not too hot, the vines mostly still held on to their autumn leaves and the scenery around them was magnificent.

For information about the elegant Byington Winery, check out:
http://www.byington.com/

Upcoming Paintouts:

• Saturday, November 16, 2013:   Palo Alto Baylands 
• Thursday, November 21, 2013:  Roberto-Sunol Adobe, San Jose 

For more information about these paintouts, see the Watercolor Society website or the November newsletter.

A fine day's work (photo by Yan Zunkel)

Dick Zunkel

As soon as we drove onto the site I knew this would be a good day for painting.  The fall scenery at and around the winery are breathtaking.  Like so many of the beautiful places we go, there is "too much to paint," so I chose the end of a row of vines.     Dick

Mary Paquet

"November Morning at Byington Winery":    Upon arrival, I did not even wander the beautiful grounds with fabulous chateau after spotting the breathtaking view of Monterey Peninsula from a picnic table. The overcast was still over the ocean, soon to be replaced by glorious cobalt blue skies. I loved the landscape shapes as the mountains marched to the sea.    Mary

Mary Paquet

"Artist at Work":    An artist paints the vineyard.   An olive tree dominates the left front, and colorful shapes suggest the orange-yellow vines and burnt sienna soil.  Distinctive evergreen shapes complete the scene.    Mary

Mary Paquet

"November in Byington Vineyards":   I painted the vines climbing the hillside while chatting with a new member who was thoroughly enjoying himself.  He joined our society because he likes plein air painting.  He found the group very welcoming.  I was not quite done when we were ready to leave, so I completed work on this piece in the evening with my Thursday evening art group.    Mary

Sylvia Waddell

There were still some small grapes on the vines and lovely colors and textures in the leaves. The view from Byington Winery is amazing with the trees and hills going off to the distant ocean, so that inspired me. Sylvia

Mary Raftery

... a beautiful day - what a warm, sunny and great location.    Mary

Jenny Tero

It was wonderful to see the ocean from the winery -  I like this view with a few autumnal trees to frame it.