I am back...

June was a pretty busy month .
Spent a few days painting en plein aire in the goldrush town of Murphys, about a two hour drive from here.
Son John was here from Wisconsin last week. Two of our grandkids had birthdays. Carter 24! and Hannah turned 11.
Three paintings were sold including  "Fishing on the Li River".
Today I delivered my "Autumn Harvest" painting to the Harvest Cafe in Morgan Hill.
So honored to have my piece on the postcard.
Ending the month with extremely hot weather. It really wipes me out.
Here is the invitation for the show. Wish you could all come to see it.

Brommer Workshop

Spent 5 days at Gerald Brommer workshop in Pleasanton. Watercolor and collage.
Here are two of my  first day's small abstracts.
I need to do a little work on the rest before i post them.
One is cruciform design and other is a bridge.

Above is my favorite .

Trying a new technique

Watercolor on gesso over a reject painting. The gesso gives an unusual surface for watercolor. Easy to lift color. Also used kosher salt and stamping with bubble wrap. The reference photo was  of an abandoned house along the Dordogne River in S. France in 2008. Pic taken from gabarre' ride on river.

Impressions and Icons of Umbria

Working hard to put this event in motion, so pass the word along.
In July Kathleen Mattox and I will teach for 2 weeks in a delightful part of Italy..Umbria!!
Many of the towns we will visit are small(pop.) under 500. The people are charming and there is a new view around every corner.
This is a terrific value with all ground transportation, tuition, accommodation and most meals included.
Non painters will love it too and photo opportunities abound. Then there is the food, wine , markets and unique shops.
Go to laromita.org for more details.

La Romita Workshop

Coming up in July is my trip to Italy where Kathleen Mattox and I will teach at the wonderful old monastery turned art school of La Romita for two weeks. This is a great place to stay and visit the amazing hilltowns  of Umbria. We will sketch and paint on location as well as in the studio.
A great opportunity for all.
If you need a brochure please email me at
gracemrankinartist@gmail.com or visit the website
laromita.org and check out session 2

a New Year has arrived

I have removed my slideshow for some editing. It is just a temporary absence.
Meantime in the middle of entertaining and fighting a virus I have completed and framed "Paradise Found', an abstracted watercolor started almost a year ago at the Rosicrucians Garden in San Jose. This is a full sheet watercolor, 22"x30' and will be in the Hidden Treasures / Local Talent show at Olive Hyde Gallery with its companion  piece, "Eastern Influence".
Also now in a frame is "Blue Iris" . What a difference a mat and frame makes! Really pulls it together. It is a very pleasing collage piece and will also be in the show at Olive Hyde Gallery. The award winning collage "Ancient Arches" and another collage "Rough Waters" will be there too.
Come enjoy the artwork and refreshments.
Reception coming up on January 8th 7pm-9pm.