A Breath of Plein Air
An Exhibition of Santa Clara Valley Paintings by Local Artists
May 2 - September 21, 2008
David and Leonard McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House, History Park
12 noon to 5:00 pm
Friday - Sunday

California Oaks
A. D. Ballantyne
Oil on canvas

The exhibit illustrates scenes of San José, Santa Clara or Silicon Valley and includes work from twenty-five local artists, from Saratoga, Campbell and San Jose to Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto and Woodside.

The art of plein air painting, a French word meaning “in the open air,” became popular in the mid-1800’s, with the invention of paints in tubes. Prior to that paint was made by hand and easels were less portable. As the popularity of natural lighting in painting increased, the French impressionists, and later the Russian and American impressionists, have set the stage as the outdoor style continues to be attractive. This is particularly the case in Santa Clara Valley, where the fair weather is often favorable.

“The theme of capturing interesting images of local history before they disappear is central to my art,” said Carol Lois Haywood, of Sunnyvale. She has a piece entitled “Alviso Ranch” in the exhibit.

Join us for Plein Air Days at History Park:
Artists are invited to paint outdoors at History Park. Visitors are welcome to come watch plein air paintings as they are created:
-- May 4
-- June 15
-- July 20
-- August 17

A Breath of Plein Air is sponsored by
Robert J. Bettencourt
Anonymous
Casto
Heritage Bank of Commerce