Week 10, May 17 - May 23, 2020

We SCVWS paintsite artists are keeping our painting skills limber and our minds free from worry during this stressful time by doing what we enjoy while we are sheltering in place. This week some of us painted en plein air in our own gardens or at a scenic location while others painted from our own personal photographs. As California eases its shelter in place mandates, some of us are venturing outdoors for plein air painting. Artists should check online to see what parks and open space areas are open, parking restrictions and restrooms. Observe social distance and wear a mask when others are in the area. Finally, be careful out there. The speed demons are on the loose.

We will continue to publish the weekly blog during the "Shelter in Place" requirements while Thursday and Weekend paintsites are cancelled.  We invite paintsite artists to paint or sketch on your own time during the week, pick one painting from that week and submit it by Saturday of that week. Here are some guidelines:

• Submit a digital photo of your artwork to paintsites@scvws.org. Cropped photos are preferred.
• Include your name, the date and comments about the site or unique media notes.
• Be creative! Some of your best subjects are in your own yard or houseplants. You may want to paint from personal photos of your travels.
• Submissions after Saturday midnight will appear in the following week's blog.
• One submission per member, please.

Please check the SCVWS.org website and newsletter for further updates and also all the great links and opportunities available during this time
.
Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills is currently closed and we have had to cancel our planned paintsite there; nevertheless, they have invited us to participate in their Art Contest jointly sponsored by the Los Altos Town Crier.  We have painted at Hidden Villa many times in the past, and it is very likely that you already have a painting that would be suitable for this contest.  Here are details:

• Prompt: Depict your favorite place at Hidden Villa
• Medium: Your choice of 2D visual art medium (paint, sketch, pastels, crayons, etc.)
• Age: For all ages! There will be prizes for three age groups: 9 & Under, 10-17, 18+
• Prizes: First place winners will receive their choice of Hidden Villa strawberries, olive oil, or a floral bouquet. Second and third place winners will receive 3 free day passes. All winners will be published by the LATC.
• Submission: To submit, email a photo or scan of the artwork, with the title and the artist's name and age to lhedgecock@hiddenvilla.org by June 21st. May specify age as "18+. Include a photo of the artist holding the piece as well, and Hidden Villa may feature it on their social media!

Week 10 Artwork

Mantilija Poppies by Alison

Santa Teresa County Park, Gouache by Annie

Jane's watercolor of cotton masks hanging out to dry

Sierra Azul Open Space by Dick

Sierra Azul Open Space looking East by Salinda

Comment: Two artists painting the same scene plein air at the same time

with a different style and choice of color.

Irises by Elaine

Elaine says, "The Friday sketch group did a plein air day at Cummins’s Iris Gardens. 

Social distancing of course! It was so wonderful to get out with a gang and throw paint around."

Mothers Day Flowers by Indira

 A Zen garden in the neighborhood  by Leslie

Leslie says, "I took a few liberties in my interpretation. The green thing in the photo (below) 

is actually a ceramic rabbit, but it looked like Yoda from a distance."

Leslie's photo with the "rabbit" circled.

Capitola Beach from a personal photo by Lisha

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden by Marilyn

Almaden Lake Park by Sham

Watercolor portrait of her daughter Anoushka by Tanvi

Mission Santa Clara Arbor from a personal photo by Mary R.

Uma's painting project,  Mini 2 inch square studies of Edgar Payne in Gouache