Here are a few interesting highlights from our July—Aug 2024 exhibit, Treasure.
H. Thomas Blanco
FLAMENCO: LAST DANCE IN HAVANA 1959, acrylic on canvas
How does your artwork relate to the theme of the show?
My paternal grandmother and her sister were born and grew up in Seville. Like most middle-class Spanish girls in Andalusia they took Flamenco dancing classes from the time they were small. As I was growing up they would dance for me. When my mother and I left Cuba my grandmother and her sister stayed behind and I never saw them again. This painting captures a treasured memory of my childhood.
What is the most important artist tool that you use in your practice?
Most of my paintings are of flowers, seascapes and landscapes. I rely on good quality photographs that I take as my source of inspiration for those paintings. The photos are my most important tool.
What is a little known fact about yourself that you would like to share?
I was born in Havana, Cuba and left in 1962 to escape communism. It was a difficult transition since I went from private schools, a trust fund and my life planned out for me to four of us living in a studio apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, NYC. Art and literature became a critical part of my life. I also think that the bright colors I grew up with in Cuba (the tropics have unusual lighting that enhance colors) indirectly influence some of the bright colors I use in my paintings.
Sibyl Felts
QUADRIPTYCH FIELD OF FLOWERS, alcohol ink on ceramic tile
How does your artwork relate to the theme of the show?
Treasures are valued. What each one of us values varies. I value art, the opportunity to create and share my art and flowers of course.
What is a little known fact about yourself that you would like to share?
Both of my parents are artists, my dad was my mom’s college Art teacher. I grew up surrounded by creativity. Throughout my childhood I colored and drew. It wasn’t until I was in my forties that I found my own artistic style. I started drawing using using Zentangle patterns. Then I discovered Alcohol Ink and I was hooked. Alcohol Inks are a vibrant, fluid medium that I yearn to contain to create my inner vision. Placing the ink on the porcelain tile always leads to new discoveries of what is possible. Oscillating between letting the ink and coastal humidity control the outcome of its path, or controlling the placement of each fine detail.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to share?
I am currently showing my art in two galleries. Ocean Blue, The Art Vault in Half Moon Bay and Miwok Gallery in Moss Beach. I participate in “Pop-Ups” regularly. This Fall I’ll be at Pescadero Art & Fun Festival and Montara Art and Music Festival.
John Haddad
PEONIES, Oil
How does your artwork relate to the theme of the show?
Flowers are nature’s treasures waiting to be discovered by anyone that takes the time to observe and appreciate God’s creations. These Peonies are treasures of the earth that provide us with one of life’s simple daily pleasures.
What is the most important artist tool that you use in your practice?
I carry a sketchbook and watercolor block wherever I go along with some graphite, ink, and watercolor paints. I carry these tools in a shoulder bag so I’m prepared at any time to capture values, colors, and thumbnail sketches, along with reference photos for future artwork.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to share?
I’m working on some landscape paintings from a recent trip to France and Switzerland. The current painting I’m working on is of the beautiful Gruyere countryside with the Swiss Alps in the distance.