Framing West Marin - Marin County, California - Brief Article

Sunset, May, 2001 by Harriot Manley

A modern-day impressionists' salon celebrates open space

* In the bucolic hamlet of Nicasio, in Marin county, velvet green hillsides, marshlands, and mist-shrouded creeks are pretty enough to be pictures.

And in fact, they are--in pictures, that is: The rural splendors of the county take top billing in an exhibition and sale of paintings this month. The two-day event, sponsored by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), features 35 artists, most of whom use the technique called plein air--a minor misspelling of the French term for "open air."

"Plein air paintings are some of the toughest to do," notes Mill Valley artist Tom Soltesz, whose work is in the show. "Paintings are done on location, all in a couple of hours. Any longer, the light changes and it's a different scene."

The artwork (mostly done in oils, but some in acrylics, pastels, or watercolors) evokes the beauty of West Marin--a red-winged blackbird perched on a cattail, cows grazing by a cluster of live oak trees, evening fog creeping over the headlands. Much of the captured scenery lies within acreage safeguarded by MALT, which protects farmland from nonfarm development. Artists donate half their show proceeds to the nonprofit group.

"It's a way of giving back--to MALT and to the land," notes Martha Borge, another featured artist.

If the paintings tempt you to get outside, consider joining a MALT ranch tour. Trips this month include a visit to Gale Ranch and the North Coast Native Nursery, in Chileno Valley ($18; 415/663-1158 or www.malt.org).

Still not enough? Try plein air painting. Tom Soltesz offers five-day workshops (415/383-2222 or www.solteszart.com). Workshops are also offered through Chileno Valley Ranch Bed & Breakfast (707/765-6664 or www.chilenobnb.com).

MALT's Ranches and Rolling Hills: 2-5 May 19, 11-5 May 20; free. Druid's Hall, Nicasio; (415) 663-1158.