The Canvas Chronicles

May 2023

It’s been a long time since the last newsletter, hasn’t it? So sorry so much time has passed! I didn’t plan it that way, but I have been working a lot on all kinds of things, some of them because I have to make a living, and others are projects that have to do with my passions: education and social justice.

One of those projects is something I am organizing with other, local artists, and when we are ready to unveil it you will be the first ones to know!

But I have also been painting. I have to finish some larger (24 x 36”) oil paintings for a show about Point Molate this September, and have been working at spots where you can paint without being harassed by the Chevron guards. Turns out there aren’t that many.

To get up to where I was painting Taking The High Path, I took a backpack with an external frame that I use to carry: a folding chair, a wooden Mabef easel, an umbrella, a bottle of water, a plastic bag for trash, a paper palette, a bag with paint tubes and gloves, a bag with turps, linseed oil and rags, another bag with clips, bungees and stakes, and a case with brushes. All in all, about 35 lbs of gear and supplies. The canvas was too big to strap to the backpack, so I held it in one hand. In a fanny pack I carried my cell phone, a snack, my wallet and some business cards. I left the backpack midway up the hill to explore the crest, but the crest did not show the best composition, so I returned to the spot I had scouted next to a shrub. I will be back to complete it when there is good weather. I wouldn’t want to paint up there on a windy day!

The Pullman Mural is Now Part of a
Self-Guided Tour of Richmond

I was interviewed by Jonathan Haeber for Rooted in Richmond, an award-winning, virtual tour of the city in an app. The tour covers 16 locations over 6 miles and includes maps, photos, videos, and 3D renderings of historic objects. The self-guided tour will allow you to hear Richmond activists and residents talk about Richmond history and culture. My interview covered the Pullman Park mural’s creation, and you can also watch the video I made to celebrate its completion. This article includes a link to a podcast where they talk more in depth about the project and what it took to complete it. Download the app here.

Changes In the Drawing Class I Teach at the RAC

After a long time teaching the class in two parts, I have decided to go back to one, six-week long class. The Fundamental class will cover everything the four week version covered, plus more on rendering objects through light, shadow, value range, basic shapes and ink. The Intermediate class will also go for six weeks and cover shiny and transparent objects, value strategies, composition, perspective, and capturing gestures. I am hoping to teach these classes in the fall at the Richmond Art Center. Tell a friend!

Gel Prints Into Journals:
A Workshop at the
Richmond Art Center

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun and creative way to express yourself, here’s a perfect opportunity to explore your creative side and learn a new technique. Learn how to make gel prints and your own gorgeous sketchbooks and journals!
Our July 22-23, 10-1 pm weekend workshop has two parts: on the first morning, create multi-hued prints using block-printing ink and a long-lasting gel plate made with a special recipe. On the 2nd morning, you will take your beautiful prints and transform them into a hand-bound book that includes an accordion pocket and elastic to keep your things neat.

The fee for this six-hour workshop is $250 and an additional $25 includes all materials (textural objects, paper, inks, rollers, gel plates, needles, thread, boards, glue and all tools). Take home a treasure trove of resources so you can make these at home. Bring a friend, and register early for this popular workshop!

June Plein Air Painting

Spend four weeks painting au plein air at several East Bay outdoor locations. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced painting student, you'll enjoy discovering beginner-friendly painting spots, and improving your technique in the company of new friends.

This class covers a variety of topics: how to start a painting, choosing and mixing colors for landscape painting, brushwork, use of photos, and thinking in layers. You'll receive much or as little feedback as you desire. Use the media of your choice. We'll spend one session at each painting location, so that students can have sufficient time to complete a painting.

Please note that you are registering for a package of four classes. Missed classes are not reimbursable.

August Plein Air Class

Spend four weeks painting au plein air at four other East Bay locations. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced painting student, you'll enjoy discovering beginner-friendly painting spots, and improving your technique in the company of new friends.

This class covers a variety of topics: how to start a painting, choosing and mixing colors for landscape painting, brushwork, use of photos, and thinking in layers. You'll receive much or as little feedback as you desire. Use the media of your choice. We'll spend one session at each painting location, so that students can have sufficient time to complete a painting, and we will try to go to shaded, cooler spots.

Please note that you are registering for a package of four classes. Missed classes are not reimbursable.

Are you following me on social media? Here’s my artist page on FB
My IG handle is rebecathepainter, and I also post as rebecasartclasses. I do not post on TikTok.