Morse Mansion and Dr. Paul House, Santa Clara Thursday June 22, 2017

A huge thank you to Joan Cabral of the Historical Preservation Society of Santa Clara and the owner of the Dr. Paul House for getting permission for us to paint at these mansions in Santa Clara.  It took four tries before it finally worked out.  Both mansions are beautiful with intricate detail and are beautifully maintained. They made wonderful painting subjects.

The Morse Mansion was built in 1892 by Charles Copeland Morse, co-founder of Ferry-Morse Seed Company.  Dr. Judson W. Paul was a well-known Santa Clara physician. His house was built around the same time.

It was a very hot day, but we all stayed in the shade and there was an occasional pleasant breeze. Our leader brought ice water and lemonade and a few of us visited nearby Frozo's Frozen Yogurt shop for yogurt and boba tea. Everyone survived the heat very well.

Link to Morse Mansion
Link to Dr. Paul's House

Kaaren's painting of Morse Mansion

Kaaren and Leslie across the street from Morse Mansion

Leslie's sketch of Morse Mansion

Marilyn's sketch of Morse Mansion

Leslie's sketch of Dr. Paul House

Leslie's detail of Dr. Paul House

Annie at Dr. Paul House with Joy visible across the street

Annie's painting of detail of Dr. Paul House

Joy's painting of Dr. Paul House

Broncha at Dr. Paul House

Liz at Dr. Paul House

Liz's watercolor pencil painting of detail of Dr. Paul House

Returning member Suzie used to paint with Sylvia and Jenny

Suzie's sketch of detail of Dr. Paul House, one of many sketches she drew

Frederick's Field, Almaden Valley San Jose Thursday June 15, 2017

We are very grateful to Karen Frederick, and her husband Bill for allowing us to paint in and around their beautiful lavender field, and for being such gracious hosts. Thanks also to Mike Rogan for the recommendation.

Frederick’s Field is located in the rolling hills above Almaden Valley with views of terraced lavender, fruit trees and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Painters were expecting a very hot morning on the Almaden Valley Hillside, but in the end a gentle, cool breeze added to an excellent plein air experience. There were so many painting opportunities. The little vignettes of lavender bouquets and fresh fruit were delightful. 

Link to Frederick's Field

Karen and Bill. Thank you…..it was a wonderful morning! 

Karen Frederick  - ‘The Lavender Lady'

Freshly cut lavender

Lavender bouquets 

One of several beautiful arrangements set up by Karen

Marilyn with a special gift

Marilyn’s view of the lavender 

Where’s Marilyn? Lavender field by Candy

Candy and Roger

Candy’s sketch of lavender barrel

 Lisha and Joy

Lisha’s watercolor of a palm

 Lisha’s composition with artists

Lavender and Artichoke paintings by Joy

Cindy’s view of lavender and Almaden Hills

Lavender vignette by Cindy

Karen Harvesting Lavender by Jane

Jayne

Jayne’s view from the lower patio

Katherine’s close up view of lavender

Salinda, blending in with the lavender

Salinda's painting of lavender in the field

Salinda's painting of bouquet and wood

Helen’s view from the lower patio

Liz studying the lavender

Liz's painting, Lavender in a metal bucket

Alan

Alan’s view from the lower patio

Lois

Lois’s sketch looking out from the patio

Kaaren's painting of lavender and the hills

Broncha

Patio shadows by Broncha

Artichokes and a very happy bee

Lunch and laughter on the patio

Sun and shade on the patio