Kirk-Farrington House, San Jose. Thursday, March 19, 2015

What a day we had!   We had: (a) incredible weather; (b) a fantastic site: a handsome 1878 Victorian house, heritage trees including two magnificent Magnolias which may the largest in California, and, if that isn't enough to create subject overload, hundreds of spectacular tree peonies - maybe just a bit past their peak bloom but awesome nonetheless; (c) a wonderful host, Pam, who, even though she sees the garden every day, shared our enthusiasm for it; and (d) lots of wonderful, fun people who just happen to be fine artists as well.     See for yourself ....

Farrington Historical Foundation Executive Director Pam Bliss -- our wonderful hostess

For additional information about the Kirk-Farrington House, check out their website:
http://www.farringtonfoundation.org/


Upcoming Paintsites:

• Thursday, April 2, 2015:  Uvas Canyon County Park, Morgan Hill
• Thursday, April 9, 2015:  Lucie Stern Community Center, Palo Alto
• Thursday, April 16, 2015: Ulistac Natural Area, Santa Clara
• Thursday, April 23, 2015: Cummins Iris Garden, Scotts Valley
• Thursday, April 30, 2015: Chateau CharMarron Peony Garden, San Jose (11:30 start time)

The house isn't large but is nicely proportioned and very well maintained.   It was a popular subject.

Dan

Dan's painting of the Farrington House

Dick - staying cool in his shade was in a "reflection" mood

Dick's painting of Farrington House corner windows

another reflection by Dick

new member Jayne

Jayne's painting of the entrance to the Farrington House

Jayne's second painting of a fellow artist

Leslie's painting of the front of the house

Marion and Leslie

Marion's small sketch of the house

Marion's finished painting of the house

Melanie

Melanie's painting of the house

Sylvia

Sylvia's painting of the side of the house from the tree peony garden

Leslie and John

John's painting of the house

Bobbi's sketch of the house

Bobbi's finished studio painting of the house

 Behind the Farrington House is a lovely little gazebo framed with wisteria:

Helen working on the gazebo

Helen's painting of the gazebo

Leslie's sketch of the gazebo with the artists eating lunch

An old, stand-alone bell and some of the fine specimen trees were also worthy subjects:

Candy's painting of the bell

Broncha

Broncha's painting of some of the Kirk-Farrington trees

And of course there were the tree peonies .....

Bonnie

Bonnie's painting of a trio of tree peony blossoms

Candy

Candy's painting of a tree peony peeking thru the fence

Cathy is, happily for everybody, back with us

as is Alwyn, the Paintsites mascot

Cathy's painting of a trio of tree peony blossoms

Cathy's painting of a trio plus one

Lisha surrounded by tree peonies

Lisha's painting of tree peony blossoms

Sylvia's painting of single tree peony blossom

Liz

Liz's painting of a particularly beautiful tree peony blossom

Marilyn (and her new hat)

Marilyn's painting of a tree peony blossom

Brad's painting of a yellow tree peony

Pam told me something of the history of this variety --- it occurred to me that the hybridizers are consummate artists in their own right.   Brad

Iris in the shade of one of the big magnolias

Janice

Yan in the tree peony "forest"

After lunch, the critique ...

Kirk-Farrington House, San Jose, March 21, 2013

The first full day of Spring found a score of eager plein air painters swarming around the Kirk-Farrington house and gardens.     Although only a few of the over 160 herbaceous and tree peonies for which the garden is famous were in bloom, many of us were drawn to them -- just as they drew the native bees living in the garden.     Other equally attractive subjects were the 1878 house itself, a wisteria covered gazebo, and the formal rose garden with a gazing globe.   Too much to paint in one session!

For information about the house and gardens, see:

http://www.farringtonfoundation.org/legacy/thehouse/

Note:  The peonies should be in full bloom starting in a week or so followed by the roses --- well worth a look-see if you're in the neighborhood.

Leslie Grimm 

This giant bloom grew on a 70 year old Chinese Tree Peony plant.  With the perfect weather today I thought there'd be no problems painting it in plein air, only to discover that the blossom opened up more as the sun shown, changing the shapes and lighting before my eyes!   Leslie

Laurie Barna

 It was great to see such a large crowd at our paintsite today--lovely weather, and nature's "aromatherapy" and mellow honeybees set the mood.     Laurie

Anna Jacke

Liz Siegel (watercolor pencil)

Caroline Garbarino

I painted the doorway because I wanted Dorothy Farrington to come out and invite us in for tea. (My only excuse is too much "Downton Abbey.")  This wonderful adventure was all too short.  Thanks again, Caroline

Mary Paquet

I was drawn to the front of the house where two stately Magnolia's welcomed visitors who entered the gate and approached the front door.    Mary

Brad Santos

Even partially hidden from the street behind two huge ancient Magnolias, the perfect proportions of the house are evident.   It's only when one gets closer that the wonderful detail and craftsmanship can be appreciated.   Brad



Sylvia Waddell

This was a lovely painting experience with a great turnout - 20 painters! The house and garden were just a feast for the senses.  Sylvia

Jenny Tero

A perfect day for painting outdoors, sunny but not at all hot.  The garden held lots of promise for glorious blooms later in the season, but the wisteria was ahead of them all. Jenny

Marilyn Perry

What a gorgeous garden!  I allowed time to just sit in the gazebo and appreciate the beauty. Marilyn