Robin

Robin: A Spark in the Dark by Bay Area Studio Artists (BASA)

The collaborative painting Robin: A Spark in the Dark was created by the seven-member Bay Area Studio Artists as a signature piece for a show called Light <---> Dark. Our goal for the show was to present a meditation on the light and dark patterns and balances that make a painting intriguing, compelling and dramatic.

As we began to think about a group work to illustrate this idea, we realized there was another kind of light and dark in our emotional lives.  And as we discussed this we thought of Robin Williams, whose death had touched us all.  He seemed to embody the brightest of light moments as well as the darker side of reality.

The resulting portrait we created is painted on 24 - 10 x 10 inch canvases.  The seven artists were randomly assigned three or four pieces of the painting.  The canvases, painted in acrylic or oil, represent the BASA artists' eclectic mix of styles from realism to expressionism.  We like to think the resulting work reflects the mix of realities that were always part of Robin's personae.

(Above content written by participating artist Joanne Taeuffer)

Artists participating in BASA include - Suzun Almquist, Marcy Wheeler, Jeanette Baird, Joanne Taeuffer, Susan Bonebakker, Sharon Tama and Ellen Reintjes.

Yesterday, August 11th marked the one year anniversary of Robin Williams passing.

Robin: A Spark in the Dark will be in an exhibit  "Pairings" at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts
from August 19 - October 4, 2015.  And at the Marilyn Citron O'Rourke Art Gallery in Benicia from Oct. 12 - Nov. 20th. 


"Not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his (Robin's) absence.  We'll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again." --Zelda Williams

Art Show Reception

Sunday afternoon a group of women that I paint with "Bay Area Studio Artists" had a reception for a new show at Orinda Books. It's always fun to see how a new show "hangs" and get together with other painters and friends.

This show was based on summer and water, which we have a shortage of in California this year!

Marcy made a Lemonade Stand poster for out front and we had yummy homemade cookies, fresh fruit, iced tea and of course - Lemonade!

It is always an interesting time spent with this talented group of women!

L - R: Ellen Reintjes, Sharon Tama, Susan Bonebakker, Jeanette Crawford Baird, Joanne Taeuffer, Marcy Wheeler and Suzun Almquist.  Click on their names to see their painting website!

And BASA - Bay Area Studio Artists website is here!

My thanks to all who joined us.

Orinda Books Show and Reception

I paint with a small group of talented women "Bay Area Studio Artists" and we will be having a show at Orinda Books for the month of August.  There will be a reception on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 1-3pm.  Hope you can join us!

If the link above does not take you to BASA's website, please click below!

bayareastudioartists.com

The Sound of Silence

Song - The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel

This is my current painting of a couple relaxing at the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau in the Loire Valley of France. The early 1th century chateau has large park like gardens and numerous sling chairs for visitors to relax in.  It is located on an island in the gently flowing Indre river and this couple is looking out over the moat and river.

 

The flower gardens were beautiful, growing in the dappled sunlight under these huge trees.

It was a warm September day with ice cold drinks and lot's of shade.  The perfect Ahhh.....moment!

Smitten in Paris

"Smitten" SOLD

 Oil - 20" x 20"

When ever my husband and I go to Paris, we go to lot's of bistro's and eat outside.  Two of our favorites to "people watch" are Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots.  They are very touristy but I love to watch the hustle and bustle of the old fashioned waiters dressed in their vests and long aprons as well as the cast of characters who are there to dine, drink, meet up with friends, smoke like a chimney and enjoy their four legged friends.  It's amazing to see the waiters squeeze through tight tables, maneuver around dogs and people all with various items on their well balanced trays.

I caught this man nibbling his dogs neck while his dog looks to be enjoying it thoroughly!  I'm not sure who is more "smitten"!

Lotus Garden - Village des Pruniers

Today I finished my new painting that I hope to submit to the Bedford Gallery's upcoming show "Bontanica - All Things Plant Life".  The reference photo for this painting is from France.  I traveled to Thich Nhat Hanh's upper hamlet "Village des Pruniers" last September and found this lovely lotus garden in full bloom.

Dear Gemma

Two months ago I challenged myself to paint 30 paintings in 30 days which was both hard work and a blast!  But since then I have been playing "catch up".

I have been working on several large new pieces to submit for a couple of upcoming juried shows.

My lotus painting in progress.

This is being done from a photo that I took at the Plum Village Buddhist Hamlet in France.

The line work in the stems and leaf veins as well as the interplay of the leaves tipping toward the sunshine is so much fun to paint. I just need to add a few more "seed pods" and change the background color and it will be ready.

I also did several bar scenes just for fun. The painting above was from the Beach Chalet in San Francisco and I was trying for big abstract shapes.

I also did a painting of "The Pied Piper Bar" which is located in San Francisco's Palace Hotel.

Before

I reworked an old barn painting that always bothered me.  I think it was because it didn't have a door from this viewpoint, nor any sign of life.  It was making me feel claustrophobic every time I looked at it so into storage it went.  Until yesterday when I added a door, path & old fencing as well as lightening up the mountain.  I may fuss with it some more but I like it much better now.

After

Gemma

I also have been working on two commissions.  Little Gemma was a joy to paint and today I got to meet her and her owner.  Both were a delight!