Shows/Events

I enjoyed participating again this year in Sonoma Plein Air in northern California. As you may be aware, the week-long event raises funds for art education in Sonoma Valley schools. This year was the 11th annual show and I thought the quality of work produced by the participating artists was excellent.

I didn’t manage to share anything here on the blog about it as the busy week progressed but I was pleased to have a productive time painting. I had 13 pieces finished and ready to hang in time for the show and had enjoyed painting in some areas that were new to me.

I spent a day painting along the Sonoma County coastline from Bodega Bay up to the town of Jenner-by-the-Sea. I also painted near the top of Sonoma Mountain in a small forest of redwood trees, plus of course the usual vineyards and hillsides dotted with oak trees around the town of Sonoma itself.

All-in-all a great painting week! But when the day of the show arrived, it brought with it an unseasonal rainstorm. (The show takes place outdoors in Sonoma’s historic plaza.) Artists and volunteers scurried to hang plastic sheets over our display panels, which protected our paintings for the most part. And surprisingly, a good crowd of people showed up with their umbrellas to see and purchase the newly-created artwork.

A big congratulations to Sergio Lopez who won the artists’ choice award his first time in the show! Anton Pavlenko and Greg LaRock also received awards.

Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers who make this show a success each year. And thanks to my host family who generously let me enjoy their guesthouse and beautiful vineyard property all week.