Back in the Saddle! Make Art on the Farm 9/30/15

Artists Painting at Cow Track Ranc

For our Participating Artists:

Liz Daniels and Family have invited us to come make art outside, all day, any time on September 30th. They have a new parking lot on their ranch (due to all those weddings they are hosting!). So please come out and paint, photograph and enjoy the rolling hills, cattle and vistas at:

Where:
Cow Track Ranch
Nicasio, CA
(First dirt road on the Right after the Nicasio School... follow dirt road slowly (look out for cows) through the gates until you see arched farm sign and gate for Cow Track Ranch).
Previous Cow Track Visits/Posts:
2013 Cow Track (post)
2012 at Cow Track
2009 at Cow Track
2008 at Cow Track

When:
Wednesday
September 30th, 2015

How?
1.
Please RSVP here.
2.
We truly encourage all artists to become Members of Marin Organic who wish to participate in these outings. If and when you do become a member of Marin Organic, we will feature your art in a featured post on our blog here at Art on the Farm .com. A great way to share your work with the online world, promote a show or event you are having, and encourage others to do the same. (Please email your promotional materials with a copy of your Marin Organic Membership receipt to farmartpr@gmail.com to be included in a post on our blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts(we have over 1,000 followers on Twitter- Thanks, Twitter Friends!)

Why?
As a group, we get to experience the joy of visiting Marin Organic lands and making art outside. We give back at least 50% of any art we sell at our exhibits to Marin Organic. We support our local producers and love being a part of sharing their work and mission with all.

Thank you!

Marin Organic Auction a Success

Happy New Year!

We want to take this opportunity to thank Marin Organic and Liana Orlandi, who organized and ran the recent online auction through Bidding for Good.  As a first time effort, we feel it had a very good response as nine paintings from the Art on the Farm group were sold as well as additional local photography jewelery, lodging and dinner certificates for organic restaurants.  We were very pleased with the collaboration with Marin Organic, and I hope they will consider working with us to grow this option for the future.

Congratulations to the following artists sold work in the auction:

Liana Harris •  Frances Hiller Healey • Julia Ross •  Laura Williams  • Alan Mart  • Katie Horacek  • Colleen Proppé  •  Michael Lamotte

Many more artists had bids on their pieces, well up to $500., but since the reserve on the works was higher than this, he art was not sold.  Marin Organic has emailed the high bidders to connect directly with the artists in case they are still interested in purchasing the work.  Thanks again, and we look forward to hopefully trying this again in the future.

We hope to schedule new artist visits to the farms in the Spring. In the meantime, pray for rain and do your favorite rain dances so our local farms will have grasses for the cattle and the produce will be plentiful.

Marin Organic Holiday Art Auction is now Open!

Online Auction to Benefit Marin Organic: Dec 10 - 24 only

"Lazy Afternoon" 5" x 7" oil painting by Katie Horcek

Marin Organic and Art on the Farm Holiday Art Auction is now open! *Please note, several additional pieces of art by each of the artists listed have not yet been uploaded.  Please email us if you are looking for a specific image that is not listed.

Click HERE to go to the auction page at Bidding for Good.  Auction closes on Christmas Eve... Just 2 weeks to bid on art inspired by Marin Organic Farms.
 

Cow Track Ranch: July 29, 2012

We had a fantastic day at Liz Daniel's "Cow Track Ranch" in Nicasio.  It was the day after a gorgeous wedding had taken place, and many of the decorations and flowers were still in place.  Liz was so accommodating, and we were still able to visit all the nooks and crannies of her property.

I stopped at Nicasio Cheese Company on my way over, and purchased my lunch: a cooler of cheese, crackers, and drinks to enjoy through the early evening.  While I was there, an entire family of cyclists had stopped in for a break.  They were training for the Marin Century that took place the last weekend in August.  I hope they enjoyed it!

There were over 20 artists out at Cow Track throughout the day this year.  This is one of the best spots to visit because it is easy to get to and there are so many unique things to paint.  Holsteins, Long-horn cattle, rolling hills, old tractors and barns, a pond, lots of gardens and plants, rock outcroppings and more.

Photojournalist and blogger, Ann Brooks, has written a terrific post on her day there too!  Please click here to view Ann's photos of the day, including this one of West Marin's, Sharon Skolnik-Bagnoli, painting watercolor sketches.

Our next visit is August 19th, Creekside Gardens.  We have another visit in August at the Lunny Oyster Farm.  Please visit our Schedule to learn more about these outings for artists.

Highlights from Art on the Farm

Since 1998, artists from the Bay Area and beyond have joined to create art inspired by Marin Organic farms, and give a percentage of their sales back to the farmers.

Toluma Farm 2012

April 29, 2012
Our group had the pleasure of warm, sunny skies and a summer-like day at Toluma Farms, Tomales.

"Goat Love" by C.Proppé © 2012

Toluma Farms is a Marin County (Tomales) family owned Grade A dairy and organic farm, just twenty minutes west of Petaluma.  They are developing a line of fine artisan hand crafted goat cheeses.  In addition, Toluma supplies goat milk to Redwood Hill Farms of Sonoma County.   An interesting fact about goat milk is that worldwide, more people drink goat's milk than cow's milk. Toluma's goat’s milk, like any good goat’s milk, has a delicious slightly sweet taste. The goats are milked twice a day and produce a gallon of milk each day which translates into one pound of cheese.  They can identify every one of the 200 goats by name! They have Nubian, Saanen, Alpine, La Manchas and Oberhaslis goats at Toluma Farms.

I arrived mid-day to put up our sign and several artists had already arrived and began painting plein air.  Donna Solin, Catherine Moreno, and Daphne Gerlach were well on their way already.  See photos, below.

The start of a barn painting, by Donna Solin.

Mill Valley artist, Catherine Moreno, beginning a painting of the largest barn.

Goat tries to nibble Daphne Gerlach's supplies.

This goat had a LOT of character!

 

The goats were so friendly.  They paraded down a trail to meet me and my sons, and the other artists.  This is when I learned from Eric Butler, Herd Manager, that they all had very cool names.  This is a beautiful farm, not far from Dillon Beach.  My family ended up at the beach this day, but I am so glad we got to come out and photograph and see the other artists hard at work and enjoying the gorgeous views.  Hopefully, some of the paintings and photographs from today will end up at our year end exhibits that bring funds back to the farmers.

Beautiful, late afternoon light on the new barn, goats + sheep.  C.Proppé©

Blackberry Farm 2012

Blackberry Farmhouse, Bolinas, CA 2012

Aggie's Gate

This year's second visit of the season brought a handful of artists out to Bolinas on a cool and foggy day in April.

Artist, Maud Zimmer was there to meet the proprietor of Blackberry Farm, Aggie Murch.  Zimmer says that it was a lovely day, and Aggie brought out warm, cranberry-walnut cookies for all the artists at "just the right time".

Photos from the day have been contributed by Petaluma-based artist, Daphne Wallace Gerlach.

"Aggie was wonderful to visit with and the beautiful home has lots of history, including an old rose bush; I wish that I could remember the name of it!  Aggie was happy to see that someone painted the Buttercups all over the front lawn...(Maud).  I am working on a painting of them too.   Maud's painting featured the house.  I hope to have a painting up and ready soon", says Gerlach.

Cerini Ranch Visit 2012

Click here to visit Ann Brooks Photography Blog with some great photos from this first trip.

Our first visit of 2012 brought our group out to Cerini Ranch, just North of Hog Island Oysters.  It was a gorgeous day, with puffy clouds and sunshine.  I opened up in the morning and put our signs out for the group.  I also enjoyed bringing my 9 year old son, Blake, out to the farm to paint for the first time.  He did a decent job painting, but mostly preferred playing iPad in the warm car, watching mom paint.  It was nice to have him along for the visit.

Blake Costello on his very first "Art on the Farm" visit, age 9

When we arrived, we were greated by Vicki- Victoria, a real English gardener, who has lived and cared for the property for years.  She was a very nice hostess and came out to see what we were painting mid-day as she strolled the property for a walk.  There were about 10 artists on the property throughout the day.  We left by 4pm when Patti Elliot and Ann Brooks showed up for afternoon light.  Ann has written a terrific blog post about her first time visit with "Art on the Farm".  Enjoy!

Art on the Farm Weekly... "Historic L Ranch" Paint-out

Kate Merriman's Study along Tomale's Bay.  Click for more photos by Kate

Our group had the pleasure of visiting private shoreline on Tomales Bay for a paint-out this past Sunday.  We were invited there by the Doughty family, owners of Pt. Reyes Winery and Organic Dairy Farm.  It was a perfect day, with bright sunshine and low tides at the start of the day.  Several of the painters ventured out in the morning, having to cross waters with their easels later in the day.  The paint-out was well attended by at least 10 local artists, including Artist Organizer, Larry Bryson, Kate Merriman (painting, above), Chris Adessa, David Miller, Kathy Kingston, Marilyn Greenblat (below), Deborah Cushman, John Deckert, and Colleen Proppé.   Click here to view a small photo album of some of the views of the day. For a personal account of the day by one of the artists, who gave an impromptu oil painting lesson to two toddlers, click here.

Marilyn Greenblat painting with "Art on the Farm", originally uploaded by cproppe.

Art on the Farm Weekly... Reception at Marin Center

THIS SUNDAY! APRIL 19, 2009 This current show is now up in the Redwood Foyer of the "Marin Center" or Marin Veteran's Auditorium, just North of the Marin County Civic Center, by the lagoon. (Click above image to enlarge)

A reception for the artists will be hosted by

Friends of Marin Center and Marin Arts Council

Sunday, April 19, from 2-5pm

Please RSVP to Friendsmc@co.marin.ca.us

or phone 415.499.6014

Directions to Marin Center:

FROM 101 NORTH (From San Francisco):
Take the North San Pedro exit, and go east.
Turn left at the first light, Civic Center Drive.
The Center is 1/2 mile down on the right, just past the lagoon.

FROM 101 SOUTH (From Santa Rosa):
Take the North San Pedro exit
At end of off ramp turn left onto Merrydale
At traffic light turn left onto North San Pedro Road, and go east under the freeway.
At the first light, turn left onto Civic Center Dr.
Follow Civic Center Drive approximately 1/2 mile.
The Center is on the right, just past the lagoon

Art on the Farm Weekly... 2009 Exhibits

2009 EXHIBITS:

November 7th - November 30th
The Bolinas Gallery, 52 Wharf Road.
View and purchase Holiday gifts--- new paintings, prints, cards, photography by 26 artists from our group! This is a show not to be missed!




Art On The Farm "Annual Harvest Celebration"
Exhibit and Wine tasting
Point Reyes Vineyard
October 25, 2009
a benefit for Marin Organic
October 2009 at the Pt. Reyes Vineyard(Click here for Exhibit Photos)
This is a great day trip and a wonderful outdoor show that is partially displayed on haybales and is not to be missed, with local oysters and wine.
Older photos from our group show in 2008 can be viewed by clicking here.

Point Reyes Library
Sept 3-Oct 11
Reception: Tuesday, September 15, 6.30-8.30pm
22 beautiful pieces of artwork painted on Marin Organic Farms


"Art on the Farm" has two group shows this Fall, with an opening tomorrow, September 15th in downtown Pt. Reyes Station at the local Library. This show has been curated by Manon Sander, an award winning artist from Mill Valley, CA. (A cow painting, "L Ranch Traffic Jam" by Manon from the San Geronimo Valley show is pictured, above. Click above image to enlarge).

July 2009

SATURDAY July 11th, 4 - 7pm
Opening Reception - Free Admission

Painting by Chris Adessa

ART ON THE FARM
www.artonthefarm.org

Free Admission

Art Exhibition & Sale Benefiting MARIN ORGANIC's Farmers
Works by Bay Area Artists Inspired by West Marin Organic Farms and Ranches

SAN GERONIMO VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER

6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo, CA 94963
415-488-8888 x 252

EXHIBITION DATES
Thursday, July 2 to Thursday, July 30, 2009

GALLERY HOURS
Monday - Thursday 9:30 - 5:00 and by appointment.
Private week-end showings arranged upon request 415-898-7730

RECEPTION
Saturday, July 11 - 4 to 7pm

Presentations by Helge Hellberg of Marin Organic and Organic Farmer, Diane Matthew

Pot Luck Refreshments by about 25 artists...
Tamae Agnoli, Krystal Allen, Larry Bryson, Laura Culver, Kay Carlson, Janice Cline, Dena Cornett, Daphne Gerlach, Barbara Hunt, Gael Hunt, Linda Larsen, Terry LockmanAlan Mart, David Miller, Catherine Moreno, Carol Myer, Ruby Newman, Kate Peper, Joy Perrin, Colleen Proppe, Julia Ross, Connie Smith-Siegel, E. Loren Soderberg, Donna Solin, Sandy White.

June 2009

Marin Art Festival
at the Marin Civic Center
June 20-21 benefit for Marin Organic

January - June 2009
Redwood Foyer of the Marin Veteran's Auditorium, just North of the Marin County Civic Center, by the lagoon. (Click above image to enlarge)
Marin Center, San Rafael- Group Exhibit
January - June 2009
Friendsmc@co.marin.ca.us


March 2009

March 8th was a well attended opening at the Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Stinson Beach, California. What an exciting venue for "Art on the Farm"; a single piece from each artist who has painted on Marin Organic Farms with the group over the last year. Click here to view photos from the opening.
Click below to read poster, designed by member artist, Lorrie Fink.

You may find the information on the card above, or learn more about "Art on the Farm" at the website

Send to Twitter

Art on the Farm Weekly... 2008 SHOW!

Art on the Farm with Vineyards in Distance, originally uploaded by cproppe.

October 19th, 2008

Photos from our group show at the Point Reyes Vineyards today! It was a brisk, but exciting day, with excellent wine, art and a beautiful backdrop of autumn colors in the vineyards for our annual, group show of Art on the Farm. The oysters were delicious, and the Doughty's were terrific hosts. Thank you to all the volunteers, and we look forward to the results of the day from Alan Mart. To view more photos from the event, please click here.

Art on the Farm Weekly... Fresh Run Farm

At Fresh Run Farm, owned by Peter Martinelli, beets, kale, collards, and chard grow alongside flowers, strawberries and potatoes on two bowl-shaped plots ringed by wild blackberry bushes. These bushes are heavy with fruit by midsummer and become just another of the many products that Peter purveys. There are also chickens, goats, plenty of dogs and even a few alpacas on the farm. In addition to growing over 40 kinds of fruit, vegetables and flowers, Peter also collects nettles, mushrooms, watercress and other treats from the wild.

Tractor with Goats
Originally uploaded by cproppe

Sunday, September 14, 2008

I drove out to Bolinas Sunday morning just in time to catch Peter Martinelli, driving off to a family reunion. He welcomed the artists to his farm in a secluded spot off Horseshoe Hill Road. I was greeted first by the sheep on the way in, and over the hill was a large field, full of colors of the season.




The sunflowers were definitely the most photogenic , but the goats win for friendliest. It was a nice day, and I visited with Larry Bryson, this year's Art on the Farm organizer, before several other artists arrived in the afternoon, including Maude from Bolinas, with her well-loved artist chair. Sorry I don't have a photo of that rusty relic, but it was quite charming.

To view my photostream from Fresh Run Farm, click here


To contact Peter at the Farm:

Fresh Run Farm
Peter Martinelli
P.O. Box 237
Bolinas, CA 94924
email

Art on the Farm Weekly... Drake's Bay Oyster Farm

Oysters purchased on Sunday, August 31, 2008, directly from a smiling, blue-eyed, Kevin Lunny of Drake's Bay Oysters, Pt. Reyes, CA. Kevin gave a talk and tour to the "Art on the Farm" group of painters and photographers. I ran into the artists as I was purchasing oysters for a 40th Birthday party at the beach. Kevin is donating oysters to our group show next month. Thank you, Drake's Family Farms! Here are some additional photos of the oysters that were beautiful, and gone all too quickly.
and below...a painting, by David Miller, that graces our group poster for next month's art show.

Postcards for our Show!

Saturday, September 13, 2008
These are the postcards that will be available 9/16 for the "Art on the Farm" group show on October 19th, in Point Reyes Station. These cards were ordered before our poster was finalized, so a bit of the information is not updated, including the fact that we will have 46 artists on display, and locally grown grapes, not organic wine(my error on the type, not false advertising!). All other information on the card is correct. These cards are blank on the backside, and artists involved, if you wish to get some from me, please email me. If you are a patron or would like to visit our show, I am happy to email you a postcard to the event, so please email me also! Thank you! -Colleen

Art on the Farm Weekly... Clark Summit Farm

Sunday, August 24, 2008


The Art on the Farm group ventured out to Tomales for the day, and were greeted by the most friendly farm animals yet. Clark Summit Farms boasts "twin" dogs, and goats, coming right up to say hello, and some rolling over right away for a belly scratch.

There were baby pigs in all different colors.

A plethora of chickens were dancing around and jumping on top of a bright blue bathtub at the top of the hill, overlooking the valley.

There were many different old barns of all different shapes and sizes. The painters settled right in and the animals roamed around us, often coming over to check on our work. I met a new artist this week, Dianne Hull (pictured below), and she had a very nice painting in progress by the time the wind drove me down the hill. I am including some photos of the artists and farm residents at work, and many of the great animals at Clark Summit.



To view more of my favorite shots from this outing, click here.