"La Nebbia Winery Garden Entrance"
In the sketchbook
In the sketchbook
"La Nebbia Winery Garden View"
In the sketchbook
In the sketchbook
"Water at the Winery"
Watercolor
11" X 14"
Watercolor
11" X 14"
Yesterday was a very hot day in San Jose, but on the coast it was lovely -- 70s and sunny. I arranged to carpool the almost 50 miles to Half Moon Bay on this "Spare the Air Day" in our area. There were four of us hardy souls who showed up. The La Nebbia winery is so charming and personal. The property is on busy Route 92 that is a main connector from 280 to the coast, but it is a charming oasis. There is a small home, nice tasting room, a big barn that includes a glass blowing studio, and beautiful gardens with picnic tables. The gazebo is adorned with some of the blown glass - flowers reminiscent of Chihully and the Belagio in Las Vegas.
First I painted the fountain on an Arches watercolor pad. I pulled the waterstreams out of the color with a thirsty brush. The greenery backing the fountain was actually roses, but I made the bushes more abstract. I found myself getting a bit carried away with the red geraniums, and Jenny reminded me that she's learned to mass colors. I've probably heard that a half dozen times, but this time it sunk in. I reworked them, pulling out some color and massing the reds. The other plants would likely benefit from massing as well, but I called it good enough.
The last 40 minutes or so, I grabbed my sketchbook and micron pen. I have a small Robert Bateman sketch book with 110 lb. paper. It holds up well to first drawing with the pen, skipping lightly over the page and then dashing on some watercolors. First I sketched the entrance from the garden to the parking lot. That was so much fun, that I sat in a shady spot and did the outdoor deck and hyderangeas with painted milk can. I remembered to mass the color!
I am delighted to write about a new website where you can list workshops or find a workshop to attend. Peggy Stermer Cox and her husband Robert have started a website for artists after seeing a need. I was pleased to be asked to list workshops here, and I posted the Betsy Dillard Stroud workshop in October offered by the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society. I will be adding more. Go here to list or find workshops on Artist Workshop Network. If you are looking for a new art adventure and a way to stretch your imagination, sign up for the Betsy Dillard Stroud workshop. Betsy is an amazing award-winning artist featured in many prominent magazines. We are honored to host her in San Jose. I will be assistant coordinator for this workshop.
First I painted the fountain on an Arches watercolor pad. I pulled the waterstreams out of the color with a thirsty brush. The greenery backing the fountain was actually roses, but I made the bushes more abstract. I found myself getting a bit carried away with the red geraniums, and Jenny reminded me that she's learned to mass colors. I've probably heard that a half dozen times, but this time it sunk in. I reworked them, pulling out some color and massing the reds. The other plants would likely benefit from massing as well, but I called it good enough.
The last 40 minutes or so, I grabbed my sketchbook and micron pen. I have a small Robert Bateman sketch book with 110 lb. paper. It holds up well to first drawing with the pen, skipping lightly over the page and then dashing on some watercolors. First I sketched the entrance from the garden to the parking lot. That was so much fun, that I sat in a shady spot and did the outdoor deck and hyderangeas with painted milk can. I remembered to mass the color!
I am delighted to write about a new website where you can list workshops or find a workshop to attend. Peggy Stermer Cox and her husband Robert have started a website for artists after seeing a need. I was pleased to be asked to list workshops here, and I posted the Betsy Dillard Stroud workshop in October offered by the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society. I will be adding more. Go here to list or find workshops on Artist Workshop Network. If you are looking for a new art adventure and a way to stretch your imagination, sign up for the Betsy Dillard Stroud workshop. Betsy is an amazing award-winning artist featured in many prominent magazines. We are honored to host her in San Jose. I will be assistant coordinator for this workshop.
8 comments:
Thanks for the useful links! And nice sketchbook drawings!
Mary, very nice sketches. I really like your pen and watercolor wash.
Now, if you could find some nice watercolor workshops for me in Ottawa, Canada, that would be super:-)
Nina and Christiane, thanks! Now we'll have to get those Ottawa workshops listed on the network! Does Jean Pederson ever teach there -- she's a fabulous artist from Calgary.
Very nice work, Mary. I'm sorry I couldn't attend this plein air session. Your drawing class and all the practice are really paying off.
Janice, wish you could have joined us. We had a wonderful day. If you ever want to carpool, I am a believer in sharing rides.
These are beautiful Mary! I have to try an adventure like this one day. The fountain is probably my very favorite but they are all rich in texture and color.
Sheila, thank you and if you ever want to meet up with me on one of the plein air days, let me know. Occasionally non-members join us, so you could have some fun with us.
Mary, Half Moon Bay, my most favorite place outside of San F. I love the idea of this sketchbook with the ink/watercolor ,, and ... you do it so well...
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