Blake Garden Did Not Disappoint

June 4, 2017

Photo of photographer near a reflecting pool

Photo of a woman with a viewfinder

Finding the best composition in a field of flowers.

Photo of a man painting

A sunlit path makes very dark shadows.

Photo of a mom and daughter

These students are clearly having too much fun!

Yesterday was our first Plein Air Fridays session at the Blake Garden. The day was beautiful and the temperature, perfect. This Berkeley garden did not disappoint those of us who were hoping for an afternoon free of cold wind and overcast skies. Everybody was on time and we met near the reflecting pool, where dappled light dotted the grassy area around it.
After a demo on how to use a viewfinder and how start an acrylic painting, the students dispersed and I began making rounds. I forgot how much walking is involved when students are spread out. The Blake Garden spans ten acres!
There are two spaces left in this class. Registration ends June 30.

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Rebeca

Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez is the author of these posts and the instructor at Rebeca's Art Classes. She completed her BFA at the University of Puerto Rico and moved to SF seeking to complete an MFA. She did her graduate studies in education instead but continued painting. Later she served as program administrator in a couple of non-profits, After a position as Deputy Director of the Richmond Art Center, she is now painting and teaching full-time and loving it!

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About Me
My name is Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez and I am a practicing visual artist, art instructor and coach based in Richmond, CA. You can see my portfolio site here. I have several years of experience teaching art to adults and hold degrees in Fine Arts as well as education. My mission is to help my students gain confidence in the painting they choose to do, whether it is by improving their technical skills or by figuring out what they have to say as painters.

What Students Are Saying

Have never done plein aire oil painting and really learned a lot. Thought the critiques were very helpful as well as the demos and discussions. Never been to any of the places we went. I plan to continue with her classes and painting outdoors due to this experience. JS

Rebeca’s plein-air class was outstanding. My work has already improved thanks to the techniques she shared with us and her thoughtful comments on my painting. AS

I have watched Rebeca’s work for several years. She has a wonderful artists touch. I love her local landscapes; they capture the colors, lights and mood of the site. Very hard to do. Super! MP

Rebeca is an amazing artist, plein air painter and teacher. She is knowledgable in all media of drawing, watercolors, acrylics, oil and printmaking. She knows perspective, color theory and the mixing of paint pigments. She is devoted to the local art scene. Extremely dedicated to her art and her students, she is an inspiration to us all! SHS