Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills Thursday, April 27, 2017

Once again we had the good fortune to be invited back to Hidden Villa to paint plein-air, and once again we were able to share our visit with some enthusiastic school groups. It’s always a treat when the children stop by and show interest in our artwork. The sun was out, the farm was abuzz, the calves and lambs were gamboling in their paddocks and the spring light and colors were perfect. It truly is a wonderful spot to paint. 

Hidden Villa was founded by Frank and Josephine Duveneck in 1924 as a retreat for discussions on social justice and activism, and later for environmental education and continues today as an non-profit organization to promote the same values. The Hidden Villa site is a preserve and organic farm with plenty of subjects to paint including barns, farm animals and the beautiful Mediterranean-style Duveneck home.

Link to Hidden Villa

Set-up on the lawn of the Duveneck house

Salinda

Dick and Marilyn

John and his portable studio

Lois’s sketch book entry of the Duveneck house

Joe’s painting of the Duveneck House

 Irises by Jane S

Joy’s painting of the milk shed and barn

Candy’s sketch of the white barn

Candy’s sketch of a wildflower

Candy’s sketch of an artichoke

Candy’s sketch of a water pump

Candy’s sketch of a goat  

Jane P’s painting of the cottage

Broncha’s painting of the barns

 Iris’s painting of the white barn

Jenny’s sketch of the sheep barn

Mary’s unfinished painting of the cottage

John E’s painting of the barn

Helen's sketch of the barn

Helen's Painting of the barn

Marilyn's painting of wisteria arbor at Duveneck House

Dick's painting of the Duveneck house

Dick's "postcard" detail of a ceramic tile in wood

Salinda's painting of the Duveneck house

Lunch vacated for the critique

Artists viewing their fine work

What is it about John's painting that caused such a reaction?