Hello Art Patrons,
I worked on experimental art projects in spring and finally just stopped working altogether this summer, unless you count insurance/roof nightmare work and deciphering 40-year-old Army claim form work. However, one very cool subject I painted makes me happy, but is under wraps because it’s a surprise gift. Show you next time. Another watercolor of freesia in my garden was roughly sketched and colored in a rice paper journal. It’s a start. Then properly watercolored as part of an accordion journal on challenging mystery paper. Better. Next, I tried painting it on black watercolor paper with gouache (thicker opaque watercolor) and, as you can see, I’m in need of help. Mr. Rogers said, When bad things happen, look for the helpers. They’re everywhere.
My helpers are fellow artisans, deserving acknowledgment. I attended Val Corvin’s art reception six weeks ago at Orinda Books and realized that bookshop owner Pat Rudebusch, who offers wall space to local artists, was a former watercolor student of my teacher, Catherine Watters. As a consequence, I have just returned from hanging my own solo exhibit there, and I’m proud to be the Artist of the Month at Orinda Books. Ms. August! My reception is next Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-5 pm. http://www.orindabooks.com
My Art Patrons will not be surprised to learn there will be white cake and bubbly. On exhibit, my tall Aspen diptych is front and center, brilliantly aligned, matched and printed as one piece on canvas by my fine art printer, Tony Molatore, and framed by my multi-talented carpenter friend, Chris Fleming. Chris’ niece, budding artist Sol Blanco, helped hang the exhibit. On my birthday, my real-deal artist friend, DD van Loben Sels, photoshopped the big Aspen on tall black notecards, perfectly illustrating how it takes a supportive network to be a working artist. I want to name and thank these helpers along the way. Come to the reception and let us all eat cake!
Artist of the Month, Orinda Books
Aug 1 – 31 2024
Artist’s Reception
Saturday, August 17, 2-5 pm
Orinda Books
276 Village Square
Orinda CA 94563
The Piedmont Harvest Festival is scheduled earlier in September this year, and I plan to hang art and a Bug Hotel for pollinators in the beautiful airy Japanese Tea House. This is a fun hometown event for families with games, food, art, Scarecrow Alley, a Jazz Fest and a local Garden Edibles Contest. One year I won the prize for Best Compost. Hah! My boys laughed at that one—Mom’s full of it—, but the compost was simply garden clippings and Pete’s French Roast coffee grounds. My freesia loved it—they stayed awake for months.
Piedmont Harvest Festival and Art Show
September 18, 2024, 11 – 3 pm
Japanese Tea House, Piedmont Park
711 Highland Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611
Did you know that if you pick dandelions before they open and place them in a dark cabinet, they’ll open in a week and hold up indefinitely. These were oversized bulging tight green buds growing at Lake Tahoe last month. Now look.
That’s all I’ve got. Thanks Patrons.
Yours,
Bonnie Bonner
aka Joanne Palamountain
http://www.bonniesbotanicalart.com
http://www.BonnieBonner.blogspot.com