Saturday, January 5, 2013

Plein Air at Winchester Mystery House


"Morning Glow"
11" x 14" Watercolor
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, CA

The Santa Clara Watercolor Society painted in the gardens of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, long a favorite painting spot for the group. We were allowed in without paying the fee on a crisp, sunny winter morning. You can read about the legend of Sarah Winchester, heir of the Winchester repeating rifle fortune, who moved to San Jose after losing both her daughter and husband. She built a home and continued to build to keep herself safe from the horrors of the Winchester legacy.

Our small group spread out to paint. As I rounded the house I was struck by the light shining into a dark barn leading to a glass greenhouse. So I ignored all the other wonderful choices and set up my easel in the sun. The moist cold air was working against me as nothing would dry. I am an impatient painter, so I managed to get things bleeding where I didn't want them. I put the finishing touches on the painting at home.

3 comments:

hw (hallie) farber said...

What an interesting place--I just read about The Winchester House. You did catch an eerie light in your painting; I like the scene you chose.

Barbra Joan said...

Hi Mary, I do remember the Winchester House and the tale that surrounds it.. so nice that you can paint plein aire.
Hope you have a beautiful year ahead, and paint, paint, paint.
I'm just finishing up a painting to enter into our 'world famous'
Strawberry Festival in late Feb.
Will post it soon. BJ

Autumn Leaves said...

I love that your eyes were drawn to the barn. I've seen several stories on this woman and her home on TV, all fascinating. I believe this house is thought to be haunted!