Special (new version)

"Special", acrylic on canvas, 6" x 6"

This cute little trolley is on display at the National City Depot near San Diego.  I first created this painting last Fall, but this week I decided to give it a make-over with fresh new colors and a sturdy set of wheels.  (Several astute Facebook friends observed that the old version had no wheels.  We all decided it must be a hovercraft.)  I'm much happier with this new version -- it feels more like me!

(Here's the old version.)

Planting (Filoli)

"Planting (Filoli)", acrylic on canvas, 7" x 5"

Here's another painting from my recent day at Filoli.  The day we were there a small army of dedicated volunteers were busily tending the vast gardens. These two were planting new flowers in a lovely hedged terrace surrounding the reflecting pool.

Filoli Clocktower

"Filoli Clocktower", acrylic on canvas, 16" x 12"

Started this painting at the beautiful Filoli Estate during Artist Access day last week. It was pure joy to stand in the middle of a lovely, quiet, fragrant garden and paint this spectacular view! Sunshine gave way to rain in the late afternoon, though, so I packed it up and finished this painting in my studio, sipping tea and listening to Beethoven's Pastorale -- the perfect soundtrack!

Summer art classes at the Delta Gallery

I'm happy to be offering an exciting line-up of Summer classes at the newly re-opened Delta Gallery in Brentwood!  Classes for children, teens and adults start June 6.  For a complete schedule with descriptions and fees click here.  Here's what's on tap:

Classes for Kids
Creative Printmaking, ages 6 - 12, Friday June 12, 1 - 2:30pm (1 day)

Color Splash, ages 5 - 8, Friday, June 19, 1 - 2pm (1 day)
Fantasy World, ages 6 - 12, Friday, June 19, 2:30 - 4pm (1 day)
Art Fun, ages 5 - 8, Fridays, July 10 - July 24, 1 - 2pm (3 weeks)
Animal Safari, ages 6 - 12, Fridays, July 10 - 24, 2:30 - 4pm (3 weeks)

Workshops for Adults and Teens
How to Print Your Own Note Cards, adults and teens age 13 and up, Saturday, June 6, 1 - 2:30pm (1 day)
Color Skills Workshop for Acrylic Painters, adults and teens age 13 and up, Saturday, August 22, 1 - 5pm (1 day)

Delta Gallery is located in the Streets of Brentwood Shopping Center, 2485 Sand Creek Rd., Suite 128, and their phone is (925) 516-5935. To register for a class call the gallery to reserve your spot, then pay in person before the class begins.  If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.  Cheers!

Andrea in Sayra's Garden

"Andrea with Parasol", acrylic sketch on canvas, 16" x 12"



"Andrea Reading", acrylic sketch on canvas, 12" x 16"

A couple of weeks ago Brentwood poet Sayra Flores invited her artist friends to a picnic and paint-out in her beautiful garden. Her lovely friend Andrea posed for us, which was a real treat.  Click here to see a cool video Sayra made that day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o72K3O0HlAs&feature=youtu.be

My two acrylic sketches will be part of the group display at Miguel Flores' Art Studio, 524 First Street in Brentwood this coming weekend, May 16 and 17, open 11 am to 5 pm, during Contra Costa Open Studios. If they are sold (priced at $25 each, unframed) I will donate 100% of the sale to the fund to build a new Brentwood Library.  For more information about the Open Studios event visit www.contracostaopenstudios.com.  I'll be at Peterson Studios, 3637 Main Street in downtown Oakley.  Please stop by and visit if you have a chance!

Hotel del Rio, Isleton

"Hotel del Rio", acrylic on canvas, 16" x 12"

Started this painting with friends in Isleton last week and finished it today in my studio.  I love this classic old building with its marquee-style sign and martini glass.