There are few things I enjoy more than getting outside to paint the beauty of autumn, which is why I'm thrilled to be participating once again in the Sonoma County Plein Air Festival this week. I'll be joining about 35 noted plein-air artists from all over the country, and for five days we'll be painting the most beautiful views we can find. It's particularly rewarding for me since I get to paint this breathtaking region I've called home for more than 30 years. The event will culminate in a gala fundraiser on Friday, September 14, and finally end with an exhibition and sale open to the public on Sonoma Plaza, September 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But that's only the beginning--there are all kinds of other fun activities scattered throughout the week. Visit the festival's website for all the details and to purchase tickets for the gala.

This has been an incredibly rewarding month for me, or should I say awarding? I'm so honored to have received two awards for my work! From the Corner of Park and Jefferson won the First Place award at Benicia Plein Air Gallery's 3rd Annual Paintout, and Midwest Park took Best of Show at Graton Gallery's exhibition called Anything Goes. My thanks to the awards judges, artist Nancy Seamons Crookston and Catherine Devriese (Visual Arts Director, Sebastopol Center for the Arts), and to all of the other artists in these shows.

I'd love to see this year's Sonoma Plein Air Festival be more successful than ever, so please help me spread the word by forwarding this email on to all of your art-loving friends who live in the area. And to see more of my artwork, please visit my website. Thanks for your support!