Verano

August 2024

Richmond Open Studios

Visit me at our historic Richmond Open Studios on August 17-18. Come by my table to purchase sets of cards or gicleé prints or sit for a quick portrait. It will be fun! Why not make a day of it, since there will be many exciting artist studios to visit? Or come by on Sunday if you don’t like crowds.

Saturday, August 17

I will have a table at the Richmond Art Center with 8 other artists from 11:00 AM to 5:00 pm.

At the Richmond Art Center I will begin celebrating 40 years in California with a very special event: I will be drawing $50 portraits. It was this gig what enabled me to save enough money to make the trip from my native Puerto Rico to the city of San Francisco. For a year, I spent each Sunday at a park near Old San Juan drawing $5 portraits of people, children and pets. Once I had saved $1500, I flew here, excited because I had been accepted at the Art Institute. I didn’t end up going, but that’s a different story.

Sunday, August 18

I will open my studio again from 11-5 pm. As always, newsletter subscribers who have a need for a quieter environment can visit from 10 to 11 am. Email me if you’d like to do that.

Any prints or cards left over from the day before will be on sale on Sunday. To continue the celebration, newsletter subscribers will get 20% off original works (paintings, watercolors, gouaches and original cards). Mention this discount when it’s time to pay!

In My Studio

My newest completed activist portrait will be on display, as well as others I have finished and another I have begun. I will also show some of the watercolors I have been painting during my vacation trips and you’ll be able to look at my watercolor sketchbook.

Here’s a little about TJ Sykes, my most recent portrait subject:

TJ Sykes worked at RYSE Youth Center serving Richmond's system impacted youth for 6 years. He's an actor featured in a multitude of plays in the Bay Area, and as a comedian he has hosted at Tommy T's in Pleasanton CA. TJ is also a healer through guided meditation, and a community activist. His first book, "Section 8," was published in 2018. An entrepeneur, he has a candied-walnut business by the name of Divine Treats. 

Upcoming Classes

The Richmond Art Center staff is currently placing these classes in their catalogue, so please check again in a couple of days. Even if you don’t see them yet, I am definitely teaching them. August 14 is the date registration opens. Register early to minimize the risk the class might be cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

In-Person Fundamental Drawing

An eight-week Wednesday evening class from 6-8 pm. Starts Sept 11 and ends Oct 30. This is a class for absolute beginners where you will learn how to plan a drawing, how to figure out a composition, and how to measure the proportions of objects, which media to use, how to create a composition, how to measure and check size and proportions, creating volume though shading, and depicting various textures. All students will receive individual feedback and enjoy access to a treasure trove of online resources curated by your instructor. For questions about registration or parking, please call 510-620-6772 or email admin@richmondartcenter.org.

In-Person Intermediate Drawing

An eight-week Thursday evening class from 6-8 pm. Starts Sept 12 and ends Oct 31. Students with experience rendering 3D objects and measuring proportions can further refine their skills though the exploration of foreshortening, perspective, composition and the treatment of varied surfaces. Longer drawing time allows for reflection and additional instructor feedback as you work through individual challenges. Use the drawing media of your choice as you complete optional assignments at home, designed to reinforce what you learn in class. We'll draw still lives and the human body, and cover working from references. Leave with a portfolio of finished drawings and a set of solid drawing skills! For questions about registration or parking, please call 510-620-6772 or email admin@richmondartcenter.org.

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.