Blog Status
Please note that this is the last posting of the Paintsites Blog. Paintsites acknowledges and appreciates all contributing bloggers' time and energy supporting this effort. With special thanks to Brad Santos, Sylvia Waddell and Dick Zunkel who started the blog, and to Marilyn Perry, Jane Saltman, and Annie Haines who graciously continued the blog for the past few years. The blog served as a wonderful resource to record and share paint site events. We are exploring alternative forums that require less time to administrate but still offer Paintsites members an opportunity to share their artwork. For the time being we have chosen to transition to a Facebook private group located on the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society Facebook (SCVWS FB) page.
The SCVWS website and Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society Facebook are 2 completely different sites. With FB private group you will be able to post your own photos from a paint site including your artwork plus comments/feedback on yours and fellow artists' work. Your private posts will only be shared with invited members.
Chateau CharMarron Peony Gardens and Nursery
While the month of April presented Thursday Paintsites with weather challenges of being to too hot, too cold and wet and wind, April showers brought us flowers. Despite the morning fog, fourteen painters Alison, Annie, Karen, Lois, Lora, Linda N (and Mom), Jane, Jayne, Monique, Claudia, Brad, Janice, Helen and Katherine enjoyed the peonies in bloom at CharMarron Nursery atop Sierra Road. The wind provided spectacular views of the Diablo Range on a blustery day ~ Alison
Many thanks to Marcia for welcoming Paintsites back to paint at this wonderful location and for answering all our questions about peony culture and varieties. The blooms were amazing ... so many with intricate centers and some like a flower within a flower. In comparison, the unopened peony buds seemed boring, but if you took a closer look you'd be surprised to see a microcosm of insects crawling over and around the bud. Apparently, the ants( and a lady bug or 2) are drawn to the nectar below the bud, and protect the peony bud by eating harmful pests such as aphids.
Also, for those who purchased peonies, there's a very interesting article from the nursery's how to plant and take care of the new potted plant. Most importantly, do not plant during bloom season. Instead, hold off until Sept. Here's the link in case any one is interested. ~ Linda N
https://4peonies.com/PeonyInformation.html
Rancho Canada del Oro
This site was only posted on the Paintsites Details page a week before the actual date. It was iffy whether we would even go ahead with the event but in the end we took a chance on the forecast. A few brave souls attended, 4 to be exact. The rain held off long enough for a loop around the meadow and then it poured. Plans quickly changed to painting from a warm dry car.
Upcoming Events (see paintsites details for full descriptions of painting sites)
MAY 5 - THUR PAINT SITE: Nola’s Iris Garden, San Jose
MAY 12 - THUR PAINT SITE: San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose
MAY 19 - THUR PAINT SITE: Villa Montalvo, Saratoga
MAY 26 - THUR PAINT SITE: Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, Los Altos
For additional information about the monthly events, go to the SCVWS Newsletter or Website www.scvws.org
Photos from the Peony Garden Paint Site
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| Alison's watercolor of the Peony Garden |
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| Karen's pastel of a peony duo |
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| "Lora Painting Peonies" by Jane |
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| Brad and Katherine |
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| Peony bud patrol |
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| Jayne |
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| Katherine |
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| Lora |
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| Alison's view of the peonies |
Photos from the Rancho Canada del Oro Paint Site
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| Claudia painting in the rain |
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| Lupines at Rancho Canada del Oro |
