Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, Weekend Paintsite Saturday November 18, 2017

Villa Montalvo, built in 1912, was once the grand estate of Senator James Phelan. Upon his death, he bequeathed Montalvo as follows: "I would like the property at Saratoga, California, known as Villa Montalvo, to be maintained as a public park open under reasonable restrictions, the buildings and grounds immediately surrounding the same to be used as far as possible for the development of art, literature, music, and architecture by promising students."  The grounds now encompass 175 acres including immaculately maintained gardens and untouched natural areas.

The villa itself is usually closed to the public, but because "Yuletide Marketplace" was taking place inside the villa, we got to go inside the villa for sketching and holiday shopping.  The temperature started out a little chilly, but it warmed up to be a beautiful day.  This is the second month in a row that a Thursday paintsite was cancelled due to weather difficulties, and two days later the weekend paintsite had glorious weather.

Link to Villa Montalvo website

Upcoming paintsites:
Nov 30: Rancho San Antonio, Cupertino
Dec 7:  View of Hayes Mansion from Edenvale Gardens Park, San Jose
Dec 9:  Weekend Paintsite: Central Wholesale Nursery, San Jose
Dec 14: Central Wholesale Nursery, San Jose
Dec 28: Los Altos Redwood Grove

Villa Montalvo

Jayne's two-page journal entry

Alison's painting of the villa

Alison's painting of the stained glass window
above the grand staircase of the villa

New member Na showing her painting
and biscotti that Alison bought at "Yuletide Marketplace"

Na's painting of tree in autumn foliage

Marilyn in the Italianate Garden

Marilyn's painting buddy

A protea in the Italianate Garden

Marilyn's painting of the Italianate Garden

Alison, Jayne, and Na in front of the Villa