Peper Projects

Kate's Updates: New painting!

2011-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hung Out to Dry, watercolor on paper, 22 x 15

I just finished this painting today, and as usual, I'm not sure what to think of it! But I am very happy that it's done as this subject has been on my mind for a while.

These boots were hanging on an old barn door in a West Marin farm (Gospel Flats). This place was a treasure trove of funky, funny and odd juxtapositions of objects and animals, that every niche seemed to be filled with a would-be painting! What I love was the added touch of weirdness of the small, rusty scythe and the goat bell strewn with spider webs. For that I used the Zoltan Szabo technique of scraping a razor blade over the dry paper to make that spider web pop. I also used lots of dry brushing and toothbrush scraping to get that weathered look in the wood and the boot rubber.
Just a note: these boots were all actually a deep, army green, but I changed the palette a bit just to make it more interesting.

Kate's Updates: New painting!

2011-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

"Majestic", watercolor on paper, 15 x 22

Another "Tree" painting, this time of a burned pine I saw in Yosemite last summer. Even with its branches bare and bark curled off revealing a charred "skin", I thought the tree beautiful.
The palette is obviously very limited, but I didn't want to interfere with the tree's starkness against the blue.

Sketch of myself by Helen Breger

2011-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Portrait in crayon on newsprint by Helen Breger

At 93, Helen Breger is still capturing likenesses wherever she goes, with as little as a child's crayon and newsprint.
We were both recently at her great-granddaughter's fourth birthday and I showed Helen the huge pad of newsprint I was going to give Naomi (the great-granddaughter) and the nifty crayons to go with it when she helped herself to the black and tore a piece from the pad and sketched me right then and there--took all of 15 minutes.
Helen was a noted fashion illustrator for the Chronicle "back in the day" and has never stopped drawing people's likenesses wherever she goes. She was recently in Austria where she had a Birthday party thrown for her, and instead of chatting, she drew every guest there. All of them liked their portraits so much, they kept them.
Helen still teaches, paints, does etchings, monoprints and collographs. She is so supportive and generous with her talents, definitely someone I admire and hope to emulate. She is also coming out with a new book she's illustrated to poems by noted author, Jack Foley. Go Girl!

Kate's Updates: New painting -In-Progress

2011-09-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

'Lucky Bobbers" 15 x 22, w/c on paper

Just finished last night! I'm not sure what to think; I think I like it, but it's a bit odd. I had a lot of fun painting it and it definitely gave me the confidence to try more complicated pieces in the very near future.

Kate's Updates: New painting -In-Progress

2011-09-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

"Lucky Bobbers" in its latest phase.

As a land-lubber, I wasn't aware that what I was painting and so attracted to, were fishing bobbers--not lures! So, in this phase, I changed the working title to what I think will be more appropriate, if not final. The difficult thing for me here is trying to get the values working in the bobbers as well as making the bramble convincing as I have it climbing into the light. Much of the photo I worked from was not clear in this area! So, I resorted to the tried and true method of "faking it".
The painting as a whole still seems abstract and unclear, but I hope the final product will be intriguing, rather than confusing.

Kate's Updates: New painting -In-Progress

2011-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Old Fishing Lures, Part Two

This is the latest piece I'm working on, inspired by the watercolor show at the Marin Art & Garden Club.
The California Watercolor Association put on the 42nd show and it's brilliant: the pieces are a far cry from the usual flowers and pastels one normally associates with watercolor. The winning piece, Let Your Fingers Do the Walking, is painted on Yupo, a synthetic paper, utilizing collage (see first page of the Association's web page).
Unfortunately, the mask I used was a bit too old and it rubbed off the top layer of paper, making lifting and glazing a wee bit more difficult! I still have some mask on the uppermost painted lure, so we'll see what happens when I lift that out. This piece is fun but challenging with all the pieces and planning I am doing.

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2011-06-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Half Dome, Late Afternoon, 15 x 17 3/4, watercolor on paper

This painting was "commissioned" by the Marin Poetry Center for their forthcoming poetry anthology. The theme for the anthology is "mountains" ....and being in a Yosemite frame of mind, I chose this famous icon to paint.

I was very nervous about painting this: What is my approach? Will the drama of the branches be too much or not enough? Would I get too fussy with the details? Will the color palette be too boring?

I actually prayed to God for help! I needed Divine intervention. I started the painting one afternoon and finished it a day later. (Good music in the background helped and yes, I believe God did take a hand in this)!

I also tried a technique I've never done before--using a razor blade! To add sparkle to some of the pine needles and the water darkening the face of Half Dome, I scraped a razor point very quickly across the dried paint. I have to thank the master, Zoltan Szabo for that advice.

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2011-06-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dogwood Blossoms, Yosemite, 19 x 15, watercolor on paper

I can't get enough of Yosemite...this painting was inspired by a particular Pacific Dogwood we saw while waiting in traffic (!) in the Park. I got out of my car and photographed these blossoms. I loved the irregularities and imperfections of the petals and yet how stunning they were against the deep purple of the woods.

Kate's Updates!: Yosemite Renaissance XXVI

2011-04-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

"Yosemite Moss", watercolor on paper, 15 x 22

So exciting! I came home from a dog walk today and found a letter from Yosemite Renaissance telling me my painting, Yosemite Moss was an award winner ! This was one of those things I forgot about as the show went up in February and is now on a traveling exhibition around the South Peninsula. I never even knew I "was a winner" until today. Love when life throws a little bone to you like that.

Kate's Updates: Art Collaboration

2011-04-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

"Come and Ask" A collaborative work with Dave Robinson

I've joined BayMarin Church recently, and one of the draws was a large percentage of the membership are artists and writers. For the past several weeks leading up to Easter, our head pastor asked certain individuals of the congregation to explore the topic of Jesus' many invitations through asking. The Series this year is called "Table Talks". The only criteria is that the artists use a table in some way as part of the exploration.

I was very blessed to have teamed up with David Robinson, a builder and sculptor (and all-around handy guy!). Our particular theme was "Come and Ask". David and I met once two days prior to the unveiling (!) but he quickly drew out on a napkin exactly what he had in mind to represent the concept of "wanting". I unveiled the newly white framed "Bounty" (see below for older post) and he thought it was a perfect polarity to his one-legged, burned table idea.

I supplied a black charger plate which we hoped epitomized the want felt with earthly desires and the bounty represented by the apples was the richness of Christ. All one had to do was ask.

Ironically, the apples here are not real, only a representation, which we thought strengthened the concept of what one can touch here (the table, plate) are really the unreal things.

This piece as well as all the other "Table Talks" pieces and all the artworks from the past 2 years (The Doors Series and the Windows Series) will be on display at the Throckmorton Theater in downtown Mill Valley Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23.

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2011-03-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Bounty", 22 x 15, watercolor on paper

My latest watercolor was inspired first by the old Biblical phrase repeated throughout the King James Bible, "The apple of my eye". The "apple" for the KJV translators of the Middle Ages meant not the fruit, but the reflection of oneself in another's pupil. My other inspiration was, of course, the apples themselves. In this case, a fruit-laden bough at the Regenerative Design Institute in West Marin.

It's not very clear, but there was a beautiful bite in one of the apples. Some squirrel, no doubt, who go close enough to see itself in these beauties!

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2011-02-22T17:01:00.000-08:00


"Branch Patterns II", watercolor, 15 x 22

"Branch Patterns II" is the latest installment in my tree series. I am definitely obsessed! This painting, however, is a bit unsettling to me as I'm not sure if it's done or, did I do too much? It was done very quickly (as you can probably tell), which is the approach I'm most aiming for, but I'm just not sure if this is the last I'll see of it in this state. Regardless, I'm moving on for now. There are so many more trees to paint!

Kate's Updates: New Show at Local Flora

2011-02-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Long Shot of Local Flora's interior

Looking out of the entry. Prints of Old St. Hilary and Plum Blossoms at the Tiburon Playhouse above

"View of Mt. Tam from Ring Mountain"

"Yosemite Spring", my newest painting

This is my second show at Local Flora, and it was a breeze to put up, thanks to my husband! Local Flora has a brand new owner who asked me to be the first show of the new year. I feel honored! I've always loved the feel of the store and I think my art, featuring more landscapes and smaller florals, fit in better than ever.

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2011-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

Yosemite Spring, 15 x 22, watercolor

Just finished another "tree painting". This time, a cedar with dogwood blossoms, right outside Yosemite Park. My husband and I were actually waiting for a logging train ride to start and I spotted this handsome tree in the sun, made more beautiful with the pristine dogwood petals against the bark.

Kate's Updates: Art on the Farm!

2011-01-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

Artists L to R: Sharon Skolnick-Bagnoli, Kathy Kingston, Lorrie Fink, Stephen Martin

Another great show for Art on the Farm!

Two floors of art reflecting all the wonderful farms in Marin County

with a reception this Thursday, January 20 from 5 to 7pm. Room 328

This is a free event, with refreshments!

15% of each sale goes back to Marin Organic

Kate's Updates!: Yosemite Renaissance XXVI

2010-12-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Yosemite Moss, watercolor on paper, 15 x 22

Lately, I've been spiritually compelled to paint trees, specifically the cedars, sequoias and pines I saw in Yosemite. "Yosemite Moss", a painting I posted on my blog earlier, is the first of what will be many paintings celebrating these "ecstatic beings" (as I like to think of them). And this painting was just chosen by the judges of the Yosemite Renaissance XXVI competition to be in the annual exhibition! Thirty-nine artists were selected out of 210 contestants, so needless to say, I feel pretty lucky.
Next step is to get it framed with Plexiglass for shipment by early February. On February 25, the doors open at the Yosemite Museum Gallery for this year's show. Awards will be announced at the opening reception, 5:30-7:30PM and come May, the exhibit will travel! I don't know where, but I love the thought of all this Yosemite beauty as a movable feast for the eyes.

Kate's Updates: Holiday Greeting Card Sale!

2010-11-28T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hand-Made Holiday Greeting Cards

I'm very excited and honored to have been chosen with five other artisans from the Bay Area for the Annual Holiday Trunk Show at Cavallo Point! The trunk show will be in the Resort's Mercantile store on Saturday, December 4, 11-3pm.

Each box set will contain 8 cards & envelopes of the 4 designs pictured above at $20.00. I will also be selling a 4-pack set for $10.00. This is a great deal, as my cards sell around the Bay Area at $4 or more per card!

As always, these cards are made with 100% recycled paper stock with the image itself on fade-proof photo paper. Both the white Kraft paper box and 100% biodegradable plastic pack is accented with a ribbon of recycled paper.

These make perfect teacher, hostess or stocking stuffer gifts!

I will also have available my mixed watercolor cards in packs and brown Kraft paper boxes at these same great prices.

If you haven't been to Cavallo Point, maybe this Saturday would be a great excuse to see this beautiful resort with its refinished military buildings, spa, restaurants and bars...and, the closest view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco from Marin!

Kate's Updates: Hidden Pond Watercolor & MPC Anthology Cover!

2010-11-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

"Hidden Pond", watercolor and book cover for Marin Poetry Center Anthology, 2010

This painting was done for my husband and I finally got it back today from the framers--much to his delight! I am equally happy to have this image selected to be the 2010 book cover for the Marin Poetry Center's Anthology, Volume 13. I've been very fortunate that they have selected my artwork for the last 6 anthology volumes!

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2010-11-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

Yosemite Moss, watercolor 15 x 22

This painting is the first in what I hope to be a series of tree-inspired pieces from Yosemite. What captivated me, and I hope this comes across here, was the moss and the delicate, etched branches against the dark background. I spent many days photographing only the branch-work and bark textures of all the wonderful sequoias, cedars and pine found in this park.

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2010-10-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

Echinacea, "Big Sky Sundown"

My newest 5 x 5 flower painting. This one inspired

by a new kind of Echinacea (to me) that I have in my own garden.

A Mexican feather grass is draping itself between the petals.

Kate's Updates: Art on the Farm!

2010-09-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Chard at the Gospel Flats Farm, Bolinas

Art on the Farm's Annual Show and Benefit Sale! October 24 at the Point Reyes Winery.

Over 100 bay Area artists participate in this yearly show with 50% of the proceeds going towards Marin Organic Interest-Free Loan Fund for Farmers.

Come out from 11-5pm for wine-tasting, barbecued oysters and jazz by Dianne Zellers amidst a backdrop of October skies and turning leaves.

Artists will feature original oil, pastel and watercolor paintings as well as prints and greeting cards. There will be a price point to fit everyone's budget! Kids and dogs on leash welcome.

Kate's Updates!.....Big Painting Sale

2010-09-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Folks, it's that time of year when a little house cleaning has to be done! I have many paintings, most of them framed, that would love a "forever home". They are languishing in the dark corners of my house and would just love to hang in a YOUR lit hallway, cozy living room or even the kitchen nook!

Prices reduced to the starving artist level! Think ahead for the Holidays or those darn autumn birthdays that suddenly spring up. I will gladly hand-deliver the piece if you are in Marin, Berkeley, San Francisco or Sonoma...and if you're really nice, maybe even farther.

Just a note: Paintings done on clayboard have no glass, are treated to resist fading and running and the wood "cradle" (the frame itself) is stained a dark brown.
Feel free to ask me more questions by email!


Zest III, 12 x 12, watercolor on clayboard

Zest III & Zest II below were $350 as listed on my website, but I'm selling it for $150!

Zest II, 12 x 12, watercolor on clayboard

The Bold One, 16 x 20, watercolor & gouache on clayboard

The Bold One, (not shown on my website) would normally sell for $450, but is now $200!

The Tiburon Railroad Ferry Depot, 14 x 11, watercolor on paper, framed

The Tiburon Railroad Ferry Depot is beautifully framed and retails at $400, but is now $250 (which is the price of the framing!)

Nicasio Pumpkins, 18 x 24, watercolor on paper

Nicasio Pumpkins desperately needs a home! The original price was $500, now going for $250!


Green Peppers, 19 1/2 x 15 1/2, watercolor on paper, framed

Green Peppers is beautifully framed with a white mat and frame--great in a kitchen! Now on sale for $275!

Winter Tree, 14 x 11, watercolor on paper, framed

Winter Tree would look great in a blue bathroom or bedroom--now, only $200!

Garden Tableau, 16 x 20, gouache on clayboard

Garden Tableau was done au plein air on an organic farm in Point Reyes. It retails for $450 and now is

$200!

Sunset in Bredeson Park, 11 x 14, watercolor on paper, framed

Bredeson Park Blue, 11 x 14, watercolor on paper, framed

These two Bredeson Park paintings have been in my life for a l-o-o-ooong time (Bredeson Park is in Edina, Minnesota, that's how long!) and would love a home other than the corner behind the stereo speaker. They originally hung as a pair in our bedroom and are now going for $250 for the pair, or $125 each.

...and I have more that I'll be listing on future posts coming in the next week, so I'll keep you appraised!

As always, thanks for looking. Feel free to pass this link on to anyone you know who might be interested.

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2010-09-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest 5x5 flower painting: Helleborus. SOLD!

These were "discovered" in the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. I just love how they are some of the earliest flowers to appear (in late winter, in fact) and their droopy, large-lobed petals are gorgeous. There's something antique about these flowers. Even if they are red or pink, there's a mystery and darkness about them.

Kate's Updates! Poetry!

2010-08-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a very long time since I posted anything, but here's a little exciting poetry nibble: A poem of mine was just published in Ouroboros Review
The poem, Gray's Anatomy, is on page 29. This is an "e-book", so there are pages and photographs, a table of contents---everything, in short, you'd find in a "real" book, except it's digital.
Although this is a very old poem of mine, it's subject matter is still very tantalizing to me: The stuff of old medical books, especially when there's pictures! Disease is fascinating, but the photos are especially intoxicating to a child.

2010-06-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

Lower Yosemite Falls!

My husband and I finally made it to Yosemite this past month,
and I was not disappointed. We got drenched here and at Bridal Veil Falls. Everything was lush and the sun was warm. We made it to Glacier Pt., the Mariposa Grove, the Wawonna Hotel, and even an outing on a steam-train just outside the Park. It's a do-again trip if ever there was one! I suspect I will be painting many cedars and Ponderosa pines in the near future (so look for those paintings here...!)

Kate's Updates! New Painting!

2010-06-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Newest Painting "In Progress"!

This is a watercolor I started yesterday, inspired by a sunflower that grew in San Anselmo, at the corner of Lansdale and Center. I haven't painted in a while, so I knew I needed to be as loose and free as possible.
I was inspired by the sheer height and majesty of the sunflower and all the criss-crossing power lines behind the flower and the flat, blue sky. All these components together were magical to me.
I still have a bit more to work on, but I think I'll try not to over-do this piece too much!

Kate's Photos: Delphinium

2010-04-26T23:47:00.001-07:00

Delphinium
Originally uploaded by peperprojects
Definitely, the bluest flower in my garden!

Flickr

2010-04-26T23:46:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Kate's Updates! New Watercolor

2010-04-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

My latest watercolor I'm working on!

This is from Fairfax Fresh, an organic lemon farm the next hill over from me.
It's a gorgeous piece of property, and the owner, Patti Elliot, is a wonderful
host. I went here two years ago as part of Art on the Farm. I didn't make the actual group date, so she let me come on my own a few weeks later.
I couldn't get over her four Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, her view, her pet lamb, vegetable garden, view of Mt Tam from her hilltop and, of course, her koi pond.
I may try this painting a second time, working it less and trying to see if I can leave more white space. I'll keep you posted!

Kate's Updates! Flower Arranging!

2010-03-27T20:30:00.001-07:00

Flower Arranging at Local Flora! I had a little down time one afternoon at work, so I took our store's favorite, old tea kettle and made an arrangement using pincushion flowers as the central interest and added yellow ranunculus, yellow roses (on the back, side), euphorbia, silver eucalyptus, hypericum berries and these deep blue berries that fall over the side wonderfully.
It felt like creating a sculpture! I only had my phone to take a photo, but you can get the idea!

Kate's Updates! Poetry!

2010-03-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Something a little different: I'm including my poem, Don't you miss the phone booth, that was published in Rattle last summer. It is featured this week on their website (and you can hear me read it, too!). And a special bonus: This poem was selected for a 2010 Pushcart prize !
It may be that only those of my generation will feel an affinity with the sentiment, but I'm sure most can think of something from our daily lives that has "gone extinct".

Don’t you miss the phone booth—

--a place where once you closed that hinged door
you could still look out, but now the outside world
was hushed and you were in a capsule of privacy?
The etchings of phone numbers, names and expletives
cheering you while you listened to the dial tone,
thinking, grandly, how connected you were
to those who came before you in this one booth.
And wasn’t it comforting, too, to feel the heft and solidity
of the phone book or rub the cigarette burns on that little corner table?
In old movies, people excused themselves in restaurants
to make a call and you, yourself, remember finding
the quiet corner near the restrooms, the pay phone
inside the cubicle just big enough for you to lean in.
How good you were at not speaking loudly. How nice it was
for folks to stand back, waiting for the caller to finish and step away
before walking up and putting in the dime.
Oh, sure, back then it meant people couldn’t reach you 24/7,
photos snapped from your cell at a dinner party couldn’t be sent
to your loved ones in Zurich, or your pre-teen’s thumbs
couldn’t get the workout from texting, but, hey—
wasn’t it swell to walk down a city street and the only
people you heard talking to themselves were crazy?
And driving away from the city, no pop song sound bites
rang in your pocket? And in the pouring rain, when you miss
your turn to So-and-So’s Cabins, the wipers going like mad,
you see a closed gas station and with relief—a sudden feeling of joy—
spot the shape of the booth with its panels lit,
the unmistakable sign of the phone on top, haloed in light,
offering you shelter and connection.

©Kate Peper 2009

Kate's Art: "Townsend's Warbler"

2010-02-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

Townsend's Warbler was done today for my husband as a Valentine's gift. This bird is truly vibrant and is one of the most looked-for birds in our backyard come Spring!

Townsend's Warbler, 12 x 12, watercolor on clayboard, NFS

Kate's Updates! New Show!

2010-01-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

Selected to be in the Ross Valley Winery Show!
Show runs from January 14 through April 14th, 2010 Opening reception, Thursday, January 14, 6-8pm

I am honored to have my painting, Abandoned II, selected to show at The Ross Valley Winery
in San Anselmo, and have it hanging among all these other fabulous artists' work!
Abandoned II depicts a funky, dilapidated house off of Center Blvd. in San Anselmo. My husband and I call it, The Scary House. I wish I could set up a camera to photograph its slow deterioration and the way nature is relentless in its eventual take-over of anything abandoned.

Abandoned II, watercolor on paper, 11 x 14, $400.00

Kate's Updates! First Flower Arrangements!

2009-12-01T16:26:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to tell the world I did my first "grand" floral arrangements
while working at Local Flora. The photos were taken with my phone camera, so they are a little shy of "professional".

This first piece was for a woman's Birthday. It was, as you can tell, very Japanese in style and very stately. I used a combination of tape, rocks and oasis ( the green floral block florists use to give stems stability). The flowers used were Birds of Paradise, a luscious butterscotch Cymbidium Orchid, Hypericum berries, Sumatra Lilies, Pincushion flower and Horsetail. Moss was used as a base.

This next one was for our weekly client, The Sleeping Lady, in Fairfax. I went kind of wild with he foliage! I used Magnolia branch, Hydrangea, green button Mums, Roses, Hypericum berries (I love these!), Asiatic lilies, Agonis and Curly Willow...and on the side, not in view here, is a darling Aeonium succulent.
I realize this isn't my usual fare for my blog, but it is an art form that I am loving and learning as I work in this fantastic store!

Kate's Updates! New Book Cover!

2009-11-06T21:32:00.001-08:00

Latest full-length book of poems from Marin poet, Vincent DeMaio

I was fortunate enough to once again do the cover art for 92-year old poet, Vince DeMaio. He's someone who came to poetry late in life (post retirement) and can't imagine how he survived without it! It was a real pleasure doing this cover. Vince was looking for "gravitas", and once he saw the photo of the moon eclipse, he knew that was it. The rest came very easily.
Once again, Larry Brauer of Wordsworth in San Geronimo did the typesetting and layout.

Kate's Updates! Art on the Farm News!

2009-11-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

Art on the Farm in Bolinas, at the Bolinas Gallery, November 7 through the 30th

Opening and Reception:
Saturday, November 7th at the Bolinas Gallery, 52 Wharf Road.
Folks, this is a show not to be missed! 26 artists will be showing their work for the entire month of November. We are even selling prints, photography and greeting cards and if you come to the reception, you'll be able to chat and imbibe with the artists, all in the groovy town of Bolinas. Hours are 12 noon to 5 weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday .

Kate's Art: More "Flowers of Marin"

2009-10-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

Another Flower of Marin! This time, the wild Lupine....

Lupine, 5 x 5, watercolor on clayboard, $80, framed

Yes, another little flower for my collection...this one was more difficult to do than I imagined, but I listened to Scottish music to help me along. I hope it grows on me! I wanted to do another, true wild flower of our fair county and I was bound and determined to do the lupine. If I do more of these, I'm sure another version will pop up of this wonderfully scented flower.

Kate's Art: More "Flowers of Marin"

2009-10-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

Wildflowers at Carbon Farm

Meadow Foam, 5 x 5, watercolor on clayboard, $80, framed

I just found out the name of these flowers! The Latin name is,"Limnanthes douglassi". (Thank you, Annie's Annuals!) They were a light, low flower that easily waved in the wind. They were so striking against the mud and long, dull grasses in the surrounding field. This is a California native and was growing here thanks to the effort made by Carbon Farm to create a native Californian landscape right in the heart of Marin County.

Sunflower! Too beautiful not to paint...this one came with a bee!

"Sunflower", 5"x5", watercolor on clayboard, $80.00 with frame

At this time of year, one is still trying to hold onto the summer with sunflowers. They are happiness itself. This particular flower lived on the Sonoma Ashram I visited a while back. I loved the stately elegance and the paler yellow petals of this particular variety. The bees were extremely happy as I recall--endlessly buzzing from one large yellow head to another...

Kate's Art: More "Flowers of Marin"

2009-09-21T16:12:00.001-07:00

Another painting from West Marin!

"Fennel", 5 x 5, watercolor on clayboard, $80.00

This little painting is another in the continuing series, Flowers of Marin.
This wild fennel was living near the Nicasio Reservoir in West Marin and had just opened up!
I love the late Summer/early Fall colors in this area: Lots of russets, ochers and burnt reds...and then this late-blooming fennel that adds a nice bit of chartreuse to the palette.
When these are spent, they turn into these dark silhouettes against the dried grasses. Lovely!

Kate's Art: More Chickens!

2009-09-16T22:48:00.001-07:00

"Gospel Chickens"...newest watercolor for Art on the Farm!

"Gospel Chickens", 9" x 12", watercolor on clayboard, $300.00

I loved these chickens! There were globs of them everywhere---under apple and pear trees, inside coops, on top of coops, on their own chicken-sized mountain. They were fairly relaxed and were quite amenable to having their picture taken. They actually cooed.
It was a beautiful late afternoon at Gospel Flat Farm in Bolinas, and full of animals, plants, machinery and lovely laundry that I will paint next. (I love laundry pinned with clothespins or just draped over a line. I guess it's my love of John Singer Sargent...)

Kate's Art: More "Flowers of Marin"

2009-09-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

This one, "Mallows", is from the little community garden in Point Reyes Station

"Mallows", 5" x 5", watercolor on clayboard, framed, $80.00.
Like most of my other "Flowers of Marin" paintings, a percentage of
the sale goes towards Marin Organic.

Kate's Art: More "Flowers of Marin"

2009-08-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

Two new little 5x5's...Both in watercolor on clayboard.
Both of these paintings are inspired from the flowers found at Gospel Flats Farm in Bolinas, one of the farms that is part of the Art on the Farm tour this year.

"Shasta Daisies", 5 x 5, watercolor on clayboard, framed, $80.00

"Columbine", 5 x 5, watercolor on clayboard, framed, $80.00

Kate's Updates!

2009-08-03T23:10:00.001-07:00

Lettering for an Ashram sign!:

I had never been to an Ashram before, but this past weekend I was able to remedy that. A few weeks ago, I had been asked to paint the lettering, the borders and the little elephant in the corner on the Sonoma Ashram's Welcome sign. No, I don't usually do lettering nor do I often paint in acrylic, but this was such a sweet little job, I had to give it a whirl. And this Saturday I drove up to the Ashram and hung the sign with Daphne White, the head of the Ashram's board. It was she, in fact, that contacted me to do the job. And it was through a mutual poet friend that connected Daphne with me (thank you, 'lyn!)

I stayed and met the Ashram's spiritual leader, Babaji, and petted goats, a kitty and photographed the lovely grounds. Loved it! So peaceful and calm, and only 40 minutes away from my house. I am definitely going back for a needed zen time-out. (They even have yoga classes)!
Sign as seen from the parking lot as you enter the Ashram.

The entry garden as you walk in...Ganesh with flowers.

The fountain with sunflower "sentries".

Artichokes!
These are just some of the veggies and other
edibles the Ashram grows on the grounds.
They are sold at the Sonoma Farmer's Market.

Very curious, darling goats. Soon, the Ashram will be making its own
milk and even ice cream from these gals!

Kate's Updates! Mill Valley Paint-Off!

2009-07-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

I participated in the 19th Annual Mill Valley Paint-Off with 34 other artists from the Bay Area.

The weather was a mix of hot, cool, then windy but my friend and fellow painter, Colleen Proppé was there, offering support and laughs as well as a swell group of enthusiastic passers-by. There were some fantastic interpretations of the little Depot Bookstore island and in a variety of mediums. I definitely will do it again next year!

Kate's Art: Spring Calves in Olema

2009-07-09T17:03:00.001-07:00

New Painting depicting some very happy calves along Hwy 1.

This is actually a very long piece--30" x 7". I had the urge to do something long and narrow and something with a lot of space. I always bring my camera along Hwy 1 because you never know what will be there.

Kate's Updates! New Book Cover!

2009-06-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

Book Cover for Philip K. Dick Memoir, Search for Philip K. Dick 1928-1982, by Anne R. Dick

I was very lucky to have worked on this latest book cover design for Anne Dick. I was only vaguely aware of her late ex-husband, Philip, until she told me a few of the films that had been made from his books. Among them, Blade Runner, Screamers, Impostor, Total Recall, Minority Report and others. Then she pointed to her bookshelf which contained ALL of his novels in reprint by Vintage. Wow! Was this guy a prolific writer. Needless to say, I felt a little intimidated! But Anne put me at ease with her warmth and quick wit.
Part of the pleasure of this project was the drive itself: Anne runs a B&B in Point Reyes Station, called Seven Grey Foxes.
Bucolic, quiet and within close proximity to Tomales Bay, it was a wonderful atmosphere to sit, have tea and talk about her vision of the book cover. We started with the old B&W photo of Anne and Philip and she suggested the "fireball" behind it. After reading some letters Philip had written and other quotes, I knew I had to include some of his words within the cover itself. It went through several permutations, but we finally got to right feeling and, hopefully, pizazz to attract the average reader's eye, not just the average fan.

As of this writing, the book is at the printers and should be out this summer. It will be available through Amazon.com and Anne's website among others. I'll keep you posted!

Kate's Updates! New Book Cover!

2009-05-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Local poet, Joe Zaccardi, has a new book out, Render...

...and I was fortunate to be asked to do his cover art! The full-length manuscript has JUST come out from PoeticMatrix Press and will be available through their website, poeticmatrix.com, Amazon.com and local bookstores.
I had a lot of fun creating the artwork, reading through Joseph Zaccardi's manuscript and gleaning all the rich images and sensual pleasure therein. Joe is a poet who "pays attention" to his surroundings, acknowledging how nature and human relations affect him, changing him. There was so much sweetness, tension and love in the way he writes of this world!
I worked closely with Joe, picking out familiar themes that could translate into images and then a color-scheme that would reflect the overall feel of the book. It was a fabulous journey, from the first roughs to the final draft.

Kate's Updates! Painting Sale & Open Studio May 2 & 3

2009-04-23T14:55:00.001-07:00

Hey, everyone! My first solo Open Studio Event May 2 & 3rd at Local Flora!!

On the first weekend in May, I will be celebrating my first ever Marin Open Studio event hosted by Local Flora, the wonderful flower shop where I work. I will be selling all my watercolors and gouache paintings, including prints, hand-made greeting cards and featuring a special SALE bin of original watercolors, already framed!
To see some of my work, please click on the "Marin Open Studio" hyperlink above. You'll see my name and number, 106.3, and a thumbnail of "Zest II". Click on the image and you'll get to a five-image Gallery.

**Here are some of my SALE paintings that can be yours for a song! You are more than welcome to purchase any of these before May 2--just email me! I can even hand-deliver if you live in Marin County.
"Sausalito Boathouse", 18 x 24, watercolor, framed: Was $800, now $350!

"Moon & Trees" 11 x 14, watercolor, framed: Was $450, now $150!

"Red ferns", watercolor, framed, was $500, now $150!

" The Vegetable Market", 18 x 24, watercolor, framed: was $600, now $200!

"The Game", watercolor, unframed, was $250, now $50!

"Lighthouse", 18 x 24, watercolor, unframed: was $600, now $150!

"The Purple Dress", 18 x 24, watercolor, framed: was $800, now $350!

"Sunset", 11 x 14 1/2, watercolor, framed: was $500, now $150!

"Early Dawn", 11 x 14 1/2, watercolor, framed: was $500, now $150!

"Purebred", 24 x 18, watercolor, unframed: was $600, now $150!"The Band Box", 24 x 18, watercolor, unframed: was $600, now $150! SOLD!

Kate's Updates! New Show!

2009-04-12T22:16:00.001-07:00

Marin Open Studios! My first solo showing...

Please save the dates, May 2 & 3, 11am to 6pm both days, to check out my work and me at my easel painting under the big, red umbrella at Local Flora, Marin's green flower store!
I will be selling original watercolor & gouache paintings, prints, and hand-made note cards. I will also be selling original, framed work that I don't have room for, so prices will be reduced BIG TIME!

Kate's Updates! New Watercolor

2009-03-29T17:53:00.001-07:00

"California Quail", watercolor, 9 3/4" x 4 1/2"

My newest painting depicts the wonderful California Quail that I love so much. This little
gathering was busy pecking at the dry grasses at Mt Barnabe Farm. This painting is for the Art on the Farm charity: 1/2 of the sales of this painting goes towards Marin Organic.

Kate's Updates! Art on the Farm News!

2009-03-10T23:11:00.001-07:00

Big party at Claudia Chapline's Gallery for Art on the Farm!
L to R: Alan Mart (founder of Art on the Farm), Claudia Chaplin, Chris Adessa, Christin Coy, and Richard Lindenberg.

Sunday, March 8th in downtown Stinson Beach was the date and the setting was the Claudia Chaplin Gallery. It was a lovely spring day and many of the participating artists from Art on the Farm were there to celebrate their auspicious 2009 Show!

Connie Smith Siegel & Chris Adessa, both contributing artists.

...artists, art and lots of wine and goodies...

A look at the first wall of the show.

My friend a fellow art-on-the- Farmer painter, Colleen Proppé. Her painting is directly above her.

My painting, "Peeking", and me in a Vanna White pose
(Yes, "Peeking" is for sale!)

Kate's Updates! Art on the Farm News!

2009-02-24T22:15:00.001-08:00

Claudia Chapline Gallery presents:

ARTISTS' RECEPTION: SUNDAY, MARCH 8 3-5pm

This show is in conjunction with "A Geography of Hope", a conference in Pt. Reyes celebrating writing on farming and rural life.
Over 40 artists from the Bay Area participate in Art on the Farm and one painting from each of these artists will be on display from March 8 through March 29, 2009.

Kate's Updates! New Show!

2009-01-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

New show at Local Flora, Marin's "green" full-service florist!

I feel very honored to have my work showing at Local Flora, 100 Red Hill Ave., San Anselmo. My paintings look that much better surrounded by flowers and recycled wood! The show will be up through March. Please stop in and browse this wonderful, certified Organic flower store and check out the artwork, including a few new pieces!

Kate's Updates!

2009-01-23T23:17:00.001-08:00

Reception for Art on the Farm hosted by Marin Arts Council
Sunday, April 19, 2009, 2-5pm at the Marin Veteran's Auditorium

(Tickled they used my lamb painting for the postcard)!

Kate's Updates!.....Newest Art on the Farm Painting

2009-01-23T11:46:00.001-08:00

"Wary Chickens", 9 x12, watercolor on clayboard

These two did not like me nosing around their coop! These guys lived at Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas, a very cool, shabby-chic eco-garden center.

Kate's Updates! "Pins of Marin" Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marin

2009-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of people in Marin County had the opportunity to paint a real bowling pin to be auctioned off at an Art Reception on January 21, 2009 at Piatti Ristorante & Bar! All proceeds will go to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
My pea-pod theme was painted with acrylic paint (thanks Sarah!). The color palette was inspired by a 50's piece of cloth.

Kate's Updates!

2009-01-07T23:00:00.001-08:00

Flowers of West Marin. These little paintings (each 5" x 5") are meant to capture the fleeting but lustrous beauty of Marin's flowers. I really enjoyed not laboring over detail in these watercolor sketches, using as big a brush as I could get away with!
From top left, going clockwise: Nasturtiums, Roses, Milk Maids and Scabiosa.

Kate's Updates!.....Newest Art on the Farm Painting

2009-01-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

"Zest II", 12 x 12, gouache and watercolor on clayboard. I actually painted this from a photo I took at Fairfax Fresh, our town's only organic lemon grower! This bright lemon was hanging in front of a ceramic pot, too gorgeous not to photograph.

Kate's Updates!.....Pet Portraits: 3 Shelties!

2008-12-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

I just did these portraits of Shelties for a woman's husband--a surprise for Christmas! I completely understood her when she showed everyone in her office the paintings exclaiming, "These are my children!"

Kate's Updates!.....Pet Portrait: "Ella"

2008-12-07T17:58:00.001-08:00

I just completed another pet portrait--this time of my yoga teacher's sweet, little Aussie, Ella. It will be a surprise for her husband for Christmas!

"Ella", 8" x 10", watercolor on paper

Kate's Updates!.....Pet Portrait: "Redbud"

2008-12-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

This is a painting of a friend's dog, Redbud, for a Christmas card. Red is sporting a holiday collar and hat for the card, but I will be giving my friend the "plain" portrait to enjoy all year 'round.

Kate's Updates!.....Newest Art on the Farm Painting

2008-11-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

This painting was started weeks ago on a hot, dry day at Stubb's Winery. I had lovely company but I failed to put on enough sunblock! I finsished the painting in my studio today--whew!

Latest Book Cover Art!

2008-11-07T13:06:00.001-08:00

Digital art for my 90-year old poet friend, Vince De Maio!

Kate's Updates!.....I'm on Etsy!

2008-11-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

Hand-Crafted Holiday Cards on sale at Etsy! www.katepeper.etsy.com

Original Watercolor Designs: "Holly", "Christmas Woods" and "Winter Woods".Original Chanukah Designs: "Chanukah 1", "Chanukah 2", "Chanukah 3" and "Dreidals".

Kate's Updates!...Christmas Cards Coming!

2008-11-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Christmas & Chanukah Cards, featuring some of my watercolors and original designs available now. You can order as little as 2 to any number you'd like. Prices range from $1.50 to $2.50 and you can request a personal greeting printed on the inside, or leave blank. Please email me your order. I can deliver for free in Marin County!

"Christmas Woods", $3.00

"Winter Woods", $3.00....more to come!!!

"Peeking"...Newest Art on the Farm painting

2008-10-17T23:09:00.001-07:00

Come see this painting and others at the Point Reyes Winery, featuring over 40 Plein Air painters of Art on the Farm! Wine, oysters and other goodies. 12:30 to 5pm

Kate's Updates!.....Big Painting Sale

2008-10-05T21:23:00.001-07:00

NEW PIECES ADDED! Big Painting Sale! All pieces $35 to $75. I have to make room for my new work, so these have to go! Shipping and Handling is extra unless you live in Marin county where I can hand deliver.

"Red Ferns", watercolor, framed, $75

"The Purple Dress", 18" x 24", watercolor, framed $75

"Lighthouse", 18 x 24, watercolor, unframed, $35

"The Game", watercolor, unframed, $35

"The Vegetable Market", 18 x 24, watercolor, framed, $75

"Sunset", 11 x 14 1/2, watercolor, framed $50

"Early Dawn", 11 x 14 1/2, watercolor, framed $50

"Winter Trees and Moon", 11 x 14, watercolor, $50

"Purebred", 24 x 18, watercolor, unframed, $35

"The Band Box", 24 x 18, watercolor, unframed, $35
"Poppies", 18 x 24, watercolor, framed, $75

"The Green Coat", 18 x 24, watercolor, framed, needs new glass: $50.SOLD!

"Rice House", 7 1/2 x 21 1/2, watercolor, framed, $50 SOLD!

Kate's Updates...Marin Anthology is Here!

2008-10-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

2008 Marin Poetry Center Anthology is here!

My painting, "Mt. Tam from Ring Mountain", was selected to be on the cover of this year's poetry anthology from the Marin Poetry Center. I have been very lucky to have had my artwork selected four year's running!

Kate's Updates...Joyful Dog Portraits!

2008-09-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Oscar & Maddy at the Berkeley Marina!

My friend Ellie Fidler and I went to Fabric Design School together. She now has a wonderful little business transforming dog photographs into paintings and portraits incorporating her fabric designs in the background. This photo was actually done by her husband, Gerry Traucht.
http://www.joyfuldogdesigns.com/
http://www.joyfuldogphotos.com/

Kate's Updates...Art on the Farm

2008-09-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

The Bold One
16" x 20", watercolor on clayboard, $450.00
This little Spring lamb was not scared of anyone's camera!
I just got around to painting him this week
and it will be featured at Art on the Farm's
painting gala at Pt. Reyes Winery
on October 19th

Sep 2, 2008
Kate's Updates... Mill Valley Art Walk

Here I am with baby Naomi, her grandmother Michelle and a quizzical Petra on the right.

Poetry

2008-05-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

Latest poetry news by award winning poet, Kate Peper.
Marin Poetry Center's Annual Anthology Reading!
Tuesday, September 30th
7pm at Falkirk Cultural Center
1408 Mission Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-3328
http://falkirkculturalcenter.org

Painting News

2008-05-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Now Showing:

Mill Valley Library
"Hidden Marin: The Odd, the Funky, the Overlooked Corners of Marin"
Now through October 30th, 2008
375 Throckmorton Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 389-4292

Upcoming:

Art on the Farm
Point Reyes Vineyards
12700 Highway #1
Point Reyes Station, CA
12:30-5pm

Contact

2008-05-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Kate Peper

Website:

www.peperprojects.com

Email me!