March 31, 2019

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by Valley of Talent Artist Becky Rowe

THE VALLEY OF TALENT SHOW

We are delighted to present the 2nd annual Valley of Talent Show this Thursday, April 4th, from5 pm - 8 pm at the Sonoma Community Center. The jurors have made their selections and you will find the list of participating artists at the bottom of this newsletter. We will be the first stop on the Sonoma Art Walk, which is sponsored by the Sonoma Chamber of Commerce.

The Art Walk Opening Reception is being held at the Sonoma Community Center, from 5 pm till 5:30 pm. We will continue pouring wine and serving light bites through the evening so we encourage you to make the rounds! You can download the walking map, or pick one up at the Community Center.

While you are in the building, visit the BARBIE show! Sonoma Community Center will kick-off Trashion Fashion Week with "BARBIE: Reclaimed & Reinvented," an exhibit and silent auction in Gallery 212. See dozens of cast-off Barbies rescued and repurposed into tiny trash couture works of art by local artists.

Just up the street at the Arts Guild of Sonoma, be sure to see the annual Small But Grand Show. Each year with a grant from the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation, the Arts Guild provides canvases to students at Sonoma Valley schools. Small But Grand is the exhibit of the work created. Budding artists from Sonoma Valley High School and Adele Harrison Middle School have this wonderful venue to display all sell their work, with all proceeds going directly to the individual students!

This annual exhibition is a great opportunity to see how your contributions to youth art in Sonoma are put into action, and you may discover a piece of art from the next generation to add to your collection!

NEWS FROM THE SCHOOLS

Sassarini Elementary School's Organization of Parents and Teachers are planning a special night on May 11th - a Paint & Sip Night fundraiser for Sassarini's enrichment programs held at the Lodge at Sonoma

The ticket includes all supplies needed to paint Van Gogh's Cypresses with local artist and teacher, Kelly O., light appetizers, local wine and refreshments. Space is limited, so if you've ever wanted to try your hand at painting - get your tickets soon!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sassarini-paint-night-tickets-59365428595

2019 Valley of Talent Artists

Robert Benson * Christine Hansen * Christine Zychowski * Loretta Loy-Adair * Patrica Carter * Sara Radke * Ann Young * Kirk Hinshaw * Susan Schroeder * Maureen Baker * Ann Iverson * Julia Pozsgai * Ellen McBride * Michael Biscoe * Lorraine Buckner * Lynnette Bourne * Carol Marcus * Howard Klee * Jim Rosso * Winifred Crisp-Nemiroff * Will Chubb * David Sheppard * Russ Johnson * Glenna Yee * Kathleen Truax * Terrence Dalton * Paul Goguen * Debbie Tancik * Sarah Stanley * Janeane Sanborn * Sherborn Sanborn * Sally Rosenblatt * Sophie Acheson * Shawn Smith * Patrica Driscoll * Jennifer La Pierre * Renate Kulprian * Pat Meier-Johnson * Becky Rowe * Barbara White-Perry * Keith Wicks

We hope to see you Thursday!

March 3, 2019

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Get ready for art!

Jurying begins next week to select the artists who will be invited to participate in September 9-14 Sonoma Plein Air Festival, and...

The Sonoma Plein Air Foundation is delighted to announce that our second Valley of Talent art show will be held on Thursday, April 4th from 5-8 pm at the Sonoma Community Center. This is part of the Sonoma Art Walk, and all works will be for sale. Come have a glass of wine and see the art of your talented friends and neighbors! Artists who live or work in the Sonoma Valley (from Sonoma through Oakmont) can apply to show their paintings, drawings, photography, collage and sculpture. The deadline is this Friday, March 8th. Read all the details here.

Art in Action at Sonoma Valley Schools

Elementary school students are learning about artist Paul Klee who was associated with Expressionist, Cubist and Surrealist art. Just like young students, Klee experimented in many different media and often combined them into one work. He used canvas, burlap, muslin, linen, gauze, cardboard, metal foils, fabric, wallpaper, and newsprint. These portrait collages were created by students at Dunbar School.

At Sassarini Elementary School, students practiced shading and color gradients - just in time to make some special Valentine's Day hearts!

Inika is in the 7th grade at Adele Harrison Middle School, where programs and supplies are funded by Sonoma Plein Air.

She says, "Every two weeks we do something different, like paintings, drawings, or clay. I really like it because its fun and there's not a lot of pressure to do it right. You just follow the instructions and create!"

P.S. She's been known to take her sketchbook home over the weekends to keep on creating.

Students from Creekside High School take a field trip to visit SFMOMA.

Would you like to volunteer with the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation? Please e-mail us and let us know of your interests and abilities. We'd love to hear from you!

The Sonoma Plein Air Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and 40 percent of each painting's purchase price is a donation to support art education in the community and public schools in Sonoma Valley.

December 29, 2018

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Thank you for your support!

The Sonoma Plein Air Foundation has distributed the 2018-19 school year grants totaling $147.830. You can read about this years grants here. Since 2002, the generous supporters of Sonoma Plein Air have contributed $1.45 million to provide art education for children in Sonoma Valley. Here's where the money goes:

Without you, art would be missing in the lives of Sonoma Valley students!

A year-end donation can help us provide mini-grants to teachers, mid-school year supply needs and more. If you would like to contribute any amount - we will make sure it gets put to good use! Click here to donate online.

What happens behind the scenes at the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation?

The Sonoma Plein Air Foundation works year-round to ensure that the children of Sonoma Valley receive art education.

Planning for the Sonoma Plein Air Festival begins in January, with a call to artists to apply. The jury meets in early March, and artists are notified of their selection by mid-March.

Our all-volunteer Board of Directors actively engages with the schools and community arts organizations throughout the year. Each board member is a liaison to one or more schools to help understand the specific needs of the school community and to observe the art programs we fund. Our grant committee manages a rigorous process that begins in the spring, ensuring that grant requests are submitted before the school year begins.

We start planning the Festival week in late winter - doing everything from housing for the artists, to building display easels, securing volunteers to work at the art show and sale. A gala committee envisions and plans a spectacular dinner party and art auction for patrons of Sonoma Plein Air. (Hint: 2019 promises to bring a new twist to this time-honored gala tradition!)

During the spring and summer, we promote the artists and the events in social media, this newsletter, through local newspaper and magazine articles and advertising.

Then, we have whirlwind week in September, with artists joining us from all over the country to paint, show and sell their art in Sonoma Plaza.

After the events, we tally up the funds, review the grant requests and distribute the funds to the schools and community arts organizations. And the process begins again!

Would you like to volunteer with the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation? Please e-mail us and let us know of your interests and abilities. We'd love to hear from you!

September 9, 2018

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Festival Week starts tomorrow when the artists arrive and begin to paint! Get a preview of the events and artist demonstration schedule here, and look below for some special opportunities available to festival attendees.

BLANK CANVAS

Commission an 18 x 24 painting by your favorite artist

Choose your favorite artist
Discuss the subject matter with the artist
Hang and enjoy your beautiful painting

Please know:

Price is determined by the artist.
Painting can be vertical or horizontal.
Painting will be unframed.
Painting must be completed within one year.
Buyer pays for shipping.

40% of your purchase is a tax-deductible donation to the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation.

AVAILABLE Saturday, September 15 at the Art Show and Sale on Sonoma Plaza.

ART WITH A MASTER - an intimate painting class with Dennis Ziemienski

Enjoy a rare opportunity to paint alongside and learn from internationally renowned artist and Sonoma icon, Dennis Ziemienski. A limited number of painters will be welcomed to a beautiful home and garden in Sonoma to paint and enjoy fine wine and nibbles.

Experience hands-on, personalized instruction and learn or improve techniques
All levels of painters welcome, from beginner to expert
Bring a piece already in progress to receive guidance or begin your masterpiece on-site
Location: a beautiful private farm in Sonoma, with opportunities to paint landscape and still life. Directions will be sent to participants
Class will be held Saturday, October 20
Limited to 12 participants
$300 per person

AVAILABLE for purchase NOW on our website and on Tuesday, September 11 at Quick Draw and Saturday, September 15 at the Art Show and Sale on the Plaza.

Personalized Cooking Class and Dinner
at Williams-Sonoma

An evening for 12 people at Chuck Williams’s landmark location with a unique, hands-on culinary experience.

This is an “after hours” event so your group will have the store for the evening. You will get started with a short tour of this special location and beautiful gardens. A private chef will then lead a custom cooking class featuring a
salad, pasta and dessert showcasing local finds that bring Sonoma Wine Country to life.Enjoy your meal in the outdoor gardens or at the marble cooktop inside the store!

Gather your group and make a bid for this Silent Auction Item (opening bid $2400) AVAILABLE at the Art Show and Sale on the Plaza, Saturday, September 15.

Sonoma Plein Air Raffle

#1 Guys Shop and Lunch: Scott Lydell certificate - $100.00, Lunch at Maya - $50.00, bottle of red wine. Value: $180.00

#2 Gals Shopping Day at the Plaza: I-Elle - $50.00, Bear Moon - $25.00,
Angelique - $50.00, Bossa Nova - $100.00, Artifax - $50.00 Value: $275.00

#3 Sonoma-Loeb Tasting: Bottle of wine, Seated tasting for four in their private area, cheese board.Value: $250.00

#4 Sonoma Plaza Afternoon: Pangloss seated tasting for four, with cheeses and charcuterie - $160.00, Pick up your specialty item from LOVE Sonoma after the tasting. Estimated Value: $235.00

#5 Café Mac: One hour of tech support/ computer instruction Value: $150.00

#6 Hair and Home: Salsa Trading Company, antique blue and white canisters - $125.00, J. James silk scarf, Estella Hair Salon shampoo and blow dry. Estimated Value: $275.00

#7 Art Easel from Fine Line Sonoma
Value: $225.00

#8 Fitness Fun: Pure Barre, one month unlimited membership - $199.00, Anytime Fitness, one month unlimited membership - $59.00
Value: $260.00

Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and will be available for sale on Tuesday, September 11 at Quick Draw and Saturday, September 15 at the Art Show and Sale on the Plaza.

LAST CALL FOR GALA TICKETS!

Join us under the stars at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, on Friday, September 14, with an opening reception at 5:30 featuring a silent auction of original works by this year's artists. This is where they bring their best work and vote on the Artists' Choice Award. Enjoy a glorious dinner, dessert and sips in the Bubble Lounge as we raise funds to support art education for the youth of Sonoma Valley!

Tickets are available on our website.

September 2, 2018

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Have you seen the Keith Wicks show at BUMP?

Festival Week is almost here! Get a preview of the events and artist demonstration schedule here, and take a look at some special opportunities available to festival attendees here!

Meet Dan Schultz

When we asked Dan Schultz to tell us what he loved about being a plein air painter, he responded, "Plein air painting has been a vital part of my development as an artist. It has helped me simplify my technique and improve my color recognition while teaching me to find inspiration all around me. Also, I’ve learned to duck and cover when the wind suddenly blows my painting umbrella toward my face! I’m thinking about marketing the Plein Air Face Mask…. Seriously though, plein air painting is a joyous response to the wonder of being outside in nature. I find it a privilege to be able to respond to the beauty of God’s creation in this way. "

Welcome Dan to Sonoma Plein Air at the festival on Saturday, September 15. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram and see more on his website.

More Perils of Plein Air, by Richard Boyer

I was with a good friend painting in the small town of “Les Beux de Provence”. We had set up in a nice quiet alleyway and began the morning session with a 12x16. The wind was blowing slightly so I had my nice new black sweater on to keep of the chills away. I had the classic French easel at that time with the pallet set up in front of me, below the painting which makes for a nice short distance from mixing to actually application.

Southern France has what they call the “Mistrals." a strong wind that often blows from inland out to the Mediterranean and sometimes has been known to drive people mad. After an hour or so of painting those winds decided to pick up. Most easels as any artist will tell you tend to act much like a sail on a boat in strong gusts, forcing the would be painter to grabbing the side of it to keep the thing from flying away. Such was the case with us, my hand was going down too often to grab the wooden easel from tipping over. That's when the winds picked up even more and before I could do anything my pallet was airborne and flew up onto my chest. The easel had blown over and I stood there with a wooden pallet stuck to my black sweater. I slowly peeled off the pallet to see all the cadmium yellows, oranges and reds impregnated into the wool. I've had the experience of getting a little dab of cadmium color on clothing and found out the chances of getting it out of the material is basically nill. In my case I had medallion sized globs on my chest. The only recourse was to take off the sweater and throw it in the garbage can. Thus ending the painting session for the day, the winds won the day and the artist lost.

We think Richard will clean up nicely for Sonoma Plein Air! Visit his website to see more of his work, and come see him at the Festival on the Plaza on Saturday, September 15th, 10 am - 4 pm.

Don't miss Sonoma Plein Air Founder Keith Wicks' one-man show at BUMP Wine Cellars, 521 Broadway in Sonoma. It will be exhibited through Sunday September 9, then again September 19-30. During the week of the Plein Air Festival, an array of studio works from the Festival artists will be shown. BUMP is open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 pm.

LAST CHANCE FOR THIS FRIDAY NIGHT'S SHOW!

As a local non-profit partner, we invite you to enjoy a magical evening at Broadway Under the Stars at Jack London State Park. Visit the Transcendence website and order your tickets for Sonoma Plein Air night, Friday, September 7th. Get $7 off each ticket you purchase by using the code SPASEP7 - and $4 will be donated back to Sonoma Plein Air by Transcendence Theatre Company. A win-win for the arts and you!

August 26, 2018

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We are delighted to announce that Sonoma Plein Air Founder Keith Wicks, an internationally recognized artist (and a Sonoma Treasure Artist!), will have a solo show in his hometown in the weeks before and after the Sonoma Plein Air Festival. A masterful painter with the soul of an old master, Keith is renowned for his ability to capture the essence of the moment with clarity and intensity rarely seen in contemporary works today.

Keith paints on location throughout the world, under the vast Sonoma sky and in his Sonoma studio. An award-winning artist, Keith’s work has appeared in galleries and publications throughout the country.

In 2002, Keith founded the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing funding for art education in Sonoma Valley public schools. A portion of each sale from the LUMINOSITY exhibit will be donated to the Foundation.

You are invited to the Artist's Reception
Saturday, September 1 from 2-5 pm

521 Broadway, Sonoma
The show is open Thursday-Sunday
August 30-September 9 & September 16-30

The Sonoma Plein Air Artists Studio Works show will be exhibited September 11-14

Thank you, Transcendence Theatre Company! Discounted tickets for Sonoma Plein Air fans!

August 20, 2018

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Only three weeks to the festival!

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It's back to school for Sonoma Valley, and soon the students will begin their art classes - all thanks to the generous donors, art collectors and artists of Sonoma Plein Air! Without the money raised through our art sales and donations, young students would simply not have the array of supplies, instruction and life-affirming experiences of making art! We hope to see you at the festival, or if you can't join us, consider making a donation to support art education.

The Perils of Plein Air, by 2018 Sonoma Plein Air artist Clark Mitchell

A good painting buddy recently posted on Facebook an oil painting she’d just done of a waterfall. Intrigued, I asked where the stream is and in response received an enthusiastic, “Let’s go!” This was early spring right after several days of hard rain. Accessible or too muddy? Too far to hike? Do I have time today? Of course we decided to go.

Our destination was Cataract Falls, within Mt. Tamalpais watershed in Marin County. Few people had ventured out this alternating cloudy/sunny day so parking was easy. The hike was fairly short, though quite steep up and down numerous tall stone steps, especially while wearing my overloaded backpack and, carrying by hand, my pastel box and easel. I once again vowed to pare down my plein air supplies! Next time!

First we took a number of photos, checked out various painting sites, hiked a bit further up the trail to see if there might be even better vantage points. I saw very little even ground on which to set up an easel, everything being wooded, steeply sloped, rocky and slippery; the rain-swollen cascade was pounding down the canyon at me, the sound deafening with the roar of falling water. Absolutely spectacular and overwhelming!

Once I’d set up my easel in a tight cubby, branches on my shoulder, sanded paper and pastels at the ready, I found myself shaking and dizzy. I was so excited by what was before me and my legs felt like jello from the up and down hike. There was no way I could proceed without doing brief grounding exercises just to calm down enough to steady my hand and start making the myriad decisions necessary.

Blissfully, I was lost in the process in minutes and within an hour or so came up with an almost abstract painting that expresses some of the drama and chaos of the setting.

We are looking forward to seeing what great locations Clark finds during Sonoma Plein Air! In the meantime, take a look at his website.

Thank you, Transcendence Theatre Company! Discounted tickets for Sonoma Plein Air fans!

August 10, 2018

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Partners in landscape and the arts!

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The artists of Sonoma Plein Air 2018 have a very special opportunity to paint on private lands protected by the Sonoma Land Trust - the Glen Oaks Ranch, the Laufenberg Ranch and Sears Point Ranch. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected more than 48,000 acres of beautiful, productive and environmentally significant land in and around Sonoma County.

Dave Koehler, executive director of Sonoma Land Trust, says, “We are so delighted that the Sonoma Plein Air artists will be able to visit and interpret the beauty of our protected lands through their paintings. We look forward to sharing their art with everyone at the Festival!”

Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected more than 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. For more information, please visit www.sonomalandtrust.org.

Invitations to the 2018 Sonoma Plein Air Gala will be in this week's mail! Join us under the stars at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, on Friday, September 14, with an opening reception at 5:30 featuring a silent auction of original works by this year's artists. This is where they bring their best work and vote on the Artists' Choice Award. Enjoy a glorious dinner, dessert and sips in the Bubble Lounge as we raise funds to support art education for the youth of Sonoma Valley!

Tickets are available on our website.

Thank you, Transcendence Theatre Company! Discounted tickets for Sonoma Plein Air fans!

July 23, 2018

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A preview of 2018 Sonoma Plein Air

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On Friday of festival week (September 10-15, 2018), every artist selects what they believe is their finest painting of the week, frames it and bring it to the Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, site of the 2018 Sonoma Plein Air Gala. The Artists' Choice Award is selected by the jury of peers. Then, a bidding war ensues via silent auction among the gala patrons for all the paintings! Here are a few of the previous winners will be joining us in September.

Eric Bowman says, “painting (particularly in California where I grew up) is my greatest passion. Although the California I grew up in is mostly gone now, there are still areas where I can paint that take me back to a place partly real, partly imagined that satisfy my soul…Beautiful Sonoma County is such a place for me and I am extremely honored and happy to be back here for my 9th year at Sonoma Plein Air!” Find him on Facebook, and keep updated on his work via his website.

Sergio Lopez, born in 1983, is a native of Sonoma County. He finds the area ever-inspiring, and never ceases to find a new gorgeous area no matter how often he explores. He enjoys discovering new vistas, setting up his easel, and creating a piece on the spot. He believes there is no better way to discover the truth and essence of a scene than by standing before it and studying it carefully. A graduate of the Academy of Art in San Francisco, Sergio is an exemplary painter in a variety of mediums, as evidenced by the work shown on his website.

Robert Sandidge lives "above the store" in an 165 year-old historic building in downtown Diamond Springs, California. With his wife Jackie, their main intent is to live an artful lifestyle in Gold Rush country with their art galley business and residence in one convenient location. He has participated in the Sonoma Plein Air event since the inception. He says, "Sonoma Plein Air is my favorite plein air event. Keith Wicks has put together a fun-filled week of painting in Sonoma Valley with a great group of artists." See more on his website.

Keith Wicks, founder of Sonoma Plein Air, was the very first Artists' Choice Award winner. He's got a beautiful new website filled with art, and a link to a wonderful story about his paintings of Sonoma's Mike the Bread Baker, whose oven is pictures at left. You'll enjoy reading it!

Want to see more about Artists' Choice Award winners? Look here.
Want to receive an invitation to attend the Sonoma Plein Air Gala? Contact us!

Thank you, Transcendence Theatre Company! Discounted tickets for Sonoma Plein Air fans!

July 15, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #8

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When we asked Susie Hyer to tell us what she loved about being a plein air painter, she responded, "the lifestyle we have is basically traveling around to paint in awesome places, meeting amazing people, experiencing the outdoors and studying nature in all kinds of weather glorious and dramatic. What could be better than that?"

Susie has been drawing and painting since she was a child. “I remember drawing a pair of ceramic flamingos my mother used to keep on her dining room table when I was four years old," she says. “I knew from that moment I would be an artist when I grew up.”

She's come a long way, after attending art programs at Moravian College, The Baum School of Art, and the University of West Florida in the 1970s. Susie continues to study and expand her repertoire and abilities, attending the Art Students League of Denver and participating in workshops whenever she can.

Her work has appeared in numerous galleries and national exhibitions, hangs in many private and corporate collections. She has been published in the celebrated books "Art of the National Parks: Historic Connections, Contemporary Interpretations," and “Landscapes of Colorado.” She has been a featured artist in Southwest Art, Fine Art Connoisseur, Plein Air and Art of the West Magazines.

Susie continues to challenge herself artistically, traveling to paint en plein air, and working from sketches and field studies in the studio. She teaches workshops and is an invited juror for local and national exhibits. Her work is represented by galleries along Colorado's Front Range and the Southwest. Visit her website to see more of her work.

She maintains a home, studio, and multiple gardens in Evergreen, CO where she lives with her husband, sometimes one or two grown children, a dog, two cats and numerous elk, deer, and other wildlife.

We are looking forward to seeing her new work at Sonoma Plein Air in September!

July 9, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #7

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Carolyn Hesse-Low tells us "it would be difficult to imagine going through life without trying to paint the beauty of it. Everywhere I look, there are gorgeous shapes put together into compelling compositions. When the light is just right, and the story unfolds, I can’t help but want to paint the scene. Once, while driving over the Grapevine on the I-5, the light was so amazing on the mountains that I stuck my camera out the window and grabbed a few shots, which I painted later in my studio. It’s best to be a passenger when a gorgeous scene races by at 70 mph!"

Carolyn’s work has appeared on the cover of PleinAir Magazine and has been featured in Southwest Art, American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur and Art of the West magazines. She has been published in several books, including California Light: A Century of Landscapes, and Painting California: Seascapes and Beach Towns. Her work has received numerous awards, including Best of Show at San Luis Obispo Art Museum, the Medal of Honor at the National Arts Club, Best Studio Landscape from Plein Air Salon, Publisher’s Choice Award from PleinAir Magazine, and Award of Excellence at Plein Air Southwest Salon. Her work is represented in national and international collections.

We are delighted to welcome Carolyn back to Sonoma Plein Air. Her landscapes, figures and marine subjects capture the changing mood and rugged beauty of what she sees. Her paintings have been shown in over 80 museum exhibitions and in countless galleries and art institutions. Visit her website, and see her work in person on Sonoma Plaza, on Saturday, September 15.

It's time to mark your calendar:

Tuesday, September 11, 5-7 pm
QUICK DRAW on Sonoma Plaza
Watch the artists paint and acquire your favorites on the spot!

Saturday, September 15, 10 am-4 pm
ART SHOW & SALE on Sonoma Plaza
Artist demonstrations, live music and hands-on art activities for children.

PURCHASE A PAINTING AND SUPPORT ART EDUCATION!

July 2, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #6

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One of our most popular plein air artists dropped out of the Sonoma Plein Air Festival last year. While we missed her, she had a good reason - and we are thrilled to welcome her back.

Aimee Erickson, a previous Artists' Choice Award winner, was all set to participate in our 15th Anniversary Festival when she got the call that presented a once-in-a-lifetime painting opportunity. She was invited to participate in a cultural exchange to teach and paint in a small village is Russia, many hours from Moscow. And, the dates conflicted with Sonoma Plein Air.

All in all, 2017 was a very good year for Portland, Oregon-based Erickson. She won Best in Show at Laguna Plein Air Invitational, Best of Show and Museum Purchase Award at Pacific Northwest Plein Air and Best of Show and Clyde Aspevig Judge's Choice Awards at Olmsted Plein Air. See her work on her website and don't miss her work in September!

June 24, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #5

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Self taught with nature as her classroom and the great masters her teachers, Romona Youngquist knew at age four that painting would be her calling. Today you’ll find her paintings as far away as Germany, London and Manhattan. Her works have been published in the premier art magazines including Southwest Art and American Art Collector. We are pleased to welcome her to her first Sonoma Plein Air Festival.

Romona likes to trick the eye, using muted colors and blurred contours painted
as softly as a whisper. But in reality her canvasses are a war zone and her
weapons of choice-sand paper, ends of brushes, rags and anything
unconventional she can employ in battle. She knows the skirmish is over when
the painting has the power to speak directly to the viewer. When an onlooker can not resist stepping into her world full of atmosphere, mystery and a mood that takes you back to days gone by, she knows the battle has been won.

Her studio is tucked away in the lush Red Hills of Dundee, Oregon, overlooking vineyards. Much of her inspiration comes from her surroundings. We look forward to seeing her interpretations of the landscapes of the Bay Area! Have a look at Romona's website for more paintings, and be sure to come to the Sonoma Plein Air Festival September 15th in Sonoma Plaza.

Patron opportunities for the annual Sonoma Plein Air Gala are available on our website. Any remaining tickets will be available this summer.

June 17, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #4

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Alison Menke's journey into landscape painting began in 2011 when a three week solitary trip to Colorado turned into a five-month foray into plein air. She painted every day, camped in national parks, sold studies out of the trunk of her car, and created over 150 paintings. Here's how she tells it:

"In 2010 I graduated with a degree in Art and Art History and after walking off that University of Maryland stage with my diploma I had no real solid idea as to how an artist moves forward in the world. In reflecting upon my art education I remembered back to one of my first painting experiences. It was a plein air workshop I took in high school and one of favorite painting memories. After finishing my studies at Maryland I was determined to start painting outside! So, I asked my Dad if I could take his car out to Denver (mine wasn't going to make the trip) for just three weeks to paint! He hesitated a moment, but let me hit the road with my paints in-tow knowing that I'd be staying with my big brother. My three week stint turned into five months of travelling out west painting everyday. I camped with artists, made good friends, sold paintings out of the trunk of my car, made smart decisions, and learned so much about myself and my love for painting. Since then I've continued with my passion as nearly all my work is done outside. The spontaneity of plein air, the freshness of the loose paint and nature make it all worth it! Needless to say, my Dad was happy to get his car and his daughter back!"

Alison has spent the past three years attending plein air competitions and festivals. Between the plein air seasons of 2016 and 2017 she attended 26 competitions along the eastern seaboard and was honored with 26 awards. Her successes have garnered attention from local newspapers, Plein Air Magazine, and various publications. See her work on her website and welcome this first timer to Sonoma Plein Air!

Patron opportunities for the annual Sonoma Plein Air Gala are available on our website. Any remaining tickets will be available this summer.

June 10, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #3

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Tara Will burst on the Sonoma Plein Air scene last year with her vibrant pastel landscapes, and had us looking at the Sonoma landscape in fresh, new ways.

Tara grew up watching the creative hands of her grandmother, and had a love of creating from a young age. She attended Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland double majoring in Art and Philosophy. She started plein air painting about 5 years ago, going to quick draws and hoping one day to be on the “juried side” of these events she loved so much. She has since participated in several national plein air competitions painting from East Coast to West.

Tara enjoys painting quickly, trying to capture the essence of the space using bold colors and strong marks. She predominantly works in pastels, but occasionally ventures into oils. See more of her work on her website.

In 2017, Tara achieved her Master Circle Status with the International Association of Pastel Societies. She is a Signature Member of Maryland Pastel Society and an Associate Member of Pastel Society of America. Tara has been featured in the Pastel Journal’s Magazine Pastel 100 in both 2017 and 2018. Tara recently exhibited work at the Mall Galleries in London for the annual Pastel Society of the UK juried exhibition. She currently resides in Maryland with her husband and four small children.

June 3, 2018

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Focus on the Women Painters of Sonoma Plein Air, Part #2

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Kim VanDerHoek has been a popular participant at Sonoma Plein Air for several years. She began painting en Plein Air because it combined her love of being outside and creating art.

"I enjoy the challenges Plein Air painting poses. Dealing with the weather, changing light and other hurdles of outdoor painting has forced me to learn to make decisions quickly, to paint with commitment and above all, to have a plan for each painting."

Kim feels that her Plein Air work has, in turn, strengthened her studio paintings. "It is my hope that when you view my painting from across the room you can easily see what the subject is, then, upon closer inspection, you find yourself lost in the brushwork."

"In the last few years my style of painting has evolved from a traditional plein air approach to a more contemporary style. As a result, creating each piece takes twice as long. The first painting session is just about getting the information on canvas as accurately as possible, the second session is where I get myself into a lot of trouble and make an absolute mess of everything and in the final session I have to bring everything into focus and balance loose brushwork with having a certain amount of accuracy and detail. Good paintings don't just happen, they take a lot of thought and time."

See Kim's new work on her website and be sure to welcome her back to the Sonoma Plein Air Festival, on the plaza Saturday, September 15, 2018.

After graduating with a fine arts degree in illustration from the California College of the Arts, Kim worked as a graphic designer for 11 years. She left the design field to pursue a career as a full-time painter. Kim is an Artist member of the California Art Club (CAC), a member of the American Women Artists and was a signature member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA). She is a "Gamblin Workshop Instructor" and a highly sought after painting instructor who teaches weekly classes in Orange County, California.

Become a patron of our annual gala! Information on advance ticket opportunities can be found here.

The gala will be held under the stars at Buena Vista Winery on Friday, September 14th.