Thursday, July 9, 2009

Japanese Friendship Gardens

"Japanese Friendship Gardens"
9" x 12"
San Jose, California


Today I painted plein air with the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society. Our location was the lovely Japanese Friendship Gardens with a couple large pools with ducks, geese, and koi, waterfalls, a bridge, and many Asian structures. I find that a simple sketch for a large scene like this is the best way to spend my time. I sat in the shade next to the pond on a perfect sunny day. It doesn't get any better than this! (my mantra for plein air in California).

I was joined by Don, a member of my South Side Art Club that meets on Thursday nights to paint, a good friend for many years. Don enjoyed meeting the other artists. A bonus is the Kelly Historic Park next door with many wonderful old homes and buildings. I took some photos for later reference.

Don suggested that our small club could occasionally do daytime plein air sessions in lieu of Thursday night sessions. We will be discussing that tonight, I'm sure.

5 comments:

Claire M said...

I was delighted to see your latest post. The painting is lovely and seems so familiar to me. Sure wish I could join in your outings....

FitFoodieMegha said...

This is really incredible. You know what we also have one Japanese garden here in Pune..I can see same scenery here also. You did it so well...:)

Mary Paquet said...

Claire, I sure wish you could join us. I just love the plein air sessions.

Megha, thanks! Japanese gardens are wonderful. Nice to hear that you have one in Pune also.

theresamillerwatercolors said...

Beautiful painting, Mary! I haven't done much plein air sessions... this definetly tempts me to go outdoors!

Mary Paquet said...

Theresa, plein air painting is such a pleasure. I go back and forth between bringing a huge backpack with field easel and a small over-the shoulder bag. This painting was done sitting on my tripod stool with a small watercolor block on my lap and the water and pallette on the ground. The setup worked perfectly.