Montalvo Art Center - Saratoga

I apologize for the short notice, but Jaladhi and I are heading to Vila Montalvo for a painting session, and we would love for you to join us! If you’re interested in capturing the beauty of this stunning location, we’d be thrilled to have you along.

Let’s meet at the bottom of the stairs of the main building. Looking forward to an inspiring day of art together!

Welcome to Villa Montalvo, once the grand estate of Senator James Phelan, operated and managed by the Montalvo Association. Villa Montalvo estates manage the estate and parking lots, whereas County Parks operates and maintains a portion of the trails in this park. This 166-acre park offers a peaceful environment among formal gardens. Villa Montalvo was built in 1912 and was Senator Phelan's favorite home. It became a center for artistic, political, and social life in Northern California. The Montalvo Arts Center has continued to nurture this artistic oasis, providing opportunities for creating and presenting arts of all types. Visit the Montalvo Arts Center Website for more information.

What to bring:
• Art Supplies - Bring all of your own art supplies for whatever medium you are using e.g. paints, surfaces, brushes, pencils and cleaning supplies. For any beginners who don't know how to start or have questions feel free to post in the comments section or DM me through meetup.com's message service.
• Easels - If you're painting please bring your easel or whatever you use to paint outdoors.
• Outdoor wear - We will be outdoors for most of 3 hours so bring layers, hats, sunscreen.
• Snacks/food - Most of the locations we paint at don't have food/drinks so bring whatever food/drinks you require.
• Most of the places we paint at have picnic tables or benches, but if you need to sit when you art, be sure to bring something to sit on just in case.
• A good test to ensure you have everything you need is to set up to paint in your own yard for 2-3 hours. If you bring everything it takes to create art in your yard then you'll have everything you need to paint with us :)
• A portable chair if you like to sit. Not all of the locations we paint at have picnic tables or benches.

Extra info:
• We usually paint in public places. People outside of the group will generally come up and see what you're doing. Usually, they just compliment and walk by and sometimes they'll stop and chat a bit. For me, this took a little getting used to, but I really enjoy it now and it's become one of my favorite things about painting and sketching outdoors. Please don't scare anyone away :)
• Observe all signs. Especially the "keep off" ones.
• Stay on paths, but do not block them.
• Empty any painting fluids off-site including dirty watercolor water.
• Take your garbage with you.

Also, check out our social media below.

Our Facebook group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131295087508526
Our Instagram is: southbayart_events
Our Discord Server is: https://discord.gg/QbMkUNfWSn