Happy Thanksgiving, Family Issues, Time Off, and Retirement

Dear artist friends,

Due to recent family matters, I will be taking time off from this website in regards to organizing and posting paint-outs until after the holidays.  My mother's health is declining rapidly and plans are being made to move her into assisted living.  My sister and I are overwhelmed with responsibilities.  This is in addition to other things I won't go into.

I will still be organizing our group exhibition that will hang in the Northwest Reno Library in March.  In January I will be sending out an email for sign-ups.  Northwest Reno Library Gallery is a wonderful venue and has more square feet of space than South Valleys Library, so I encourage you to enter.  This is a show where the participants all help so that I am not alone in this.  

Please keep painting!  If you have made friends with other painters - try to get together to paint on the location of your choice when it is convenient for you.

I also need to tell you I was planning on retiring this website and plein air group after the March exhibit.  I have done this for over three years now and it is time for me to move on and work on my own thing.

For those of you that have enjoyed participating in the paint-outs and want to continue, please start talking among yourselves of how you might keep it going for yourself.  It can be a different group, a different name, a different method on how to contact one another for paint-outs.  There are so many ways this can be done....it doesn't have to be as involved as I have done so far.

I would like to say that this group and painting every week for three years has made me a better and more confident painter!  The company and friendships and things I have learned from all of you have been invaluable.  Thank you everyone for coming to paint-outs, inspiring me and helping, and being a wonderful friend!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.  I will be in touch....

Carolyn

November 16, 2015 (Monday) Rain Date: River Fork Ranch/Genoa Paint-Out

Due to snow or rain expected on November 9, I have scheduled the same painting location for the following Monday - November 16.

Date:          November 9, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:30?
Place:          River Fork Ranch - or - Genoa Trees
Parking:      There is a large parking lot - free - open daily year-round
Restrictions:  No dogs
Amenities:  I think there is a porta pottie at River Fork Ranch.  If not, you can drop by the Country Store in Genoa just down the street.

River Fork Ranch is located at 381 Genoa Lane, Minden, NV 89423 near the historic town of Genoa in the Carson Valley.

Directions from Carson City:  Drive south on 395 for 8.7 miles
Turn Right onto SR 206/Genoa Lane and continue for 2.4 miles
The preserve and parking area will be on your left and is well marked with a sign.

More info: River Fork Ranch: 
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/nevada/placesweprotect/river-fork-ranch.xml
Visit nature.org/nevadaarthttp://nature.org/nevadaart

What is there:  hiking trails, wildlife viewing, interesting woven flood plain control, wetlands, Carson River

To get to the views of the river - walk around the deck of the Interpretive Center and you will see a trail head.  It follows the river going south and goes for 2 miles.  The pictures I took above and below were the closest distance from the Interpretive Center.  If it is not muddy from prior rain, these trails are good for pulling carts.

River Fork Ranch has 2 trails - one that goes along the Carson River with open vistas, and another one at the east side of the parking lot that goes through or near the cottonwood trees and another fork of river.

Genoa Trees:  on Genoa Lane (206)

Directions:  From Reno, take 395 south.  Either turn right at Jacks Valley Road and follow it out to Genoa (for a scenic route), or, continue on 395 and turn right on 206 (Genoa Lane).  The intersection of Jacks Valley Road and 206 is where the Genoa Country Store is.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/genoa-country-store-genoa

Your choice!  Both are in the same area about a mile or less apart.

big cottonwoods on the side of the road near the Country Store, Genoa on Genoa Lane

November 9, 2015 River Fork Ranch or Genoa Trees Paint-Out

Taken last winter - River Fork Ranch

This is a choice of two types of locations - open space or the old cottonwood trees around Genoa.

No host - I will not be able to attend.

Date:          November 9, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:30?
Place:          River Fork Ranch - or - Genoa Trees
Parking:      There is a large parking lot - free - open daily year-round
Restrictions:  No dogs
Amenities:  I think there is a porta pottie at River Fork Ranch.  If not, you can drop by the Country Store in Genoa just down the street.

River Fork Ranch is located at 381 Genoa Lane, Minden, NV 89423 near the historic town of Genoa in the Carson Valley.

Directions from Carson City:  Drive south on 395 for 8.7 miles
Turn Right onto SR 206/Genoa Lane and continue for 2.4 miles
The preserve and parking area will be on your left and is well marked with a sign.

More info: River Fork Ranch: 
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/nevada/placesweprotect/river-fork-ranch.xml
Visit nature.org/nevadaarthttp://nature.org/nevadaart

What is there:  hiking trails, wildlife viewing, interesting woven flood plain control, wetlands, Carson River

To get to the views of the river - walk around the deck of the Interpretive Center and you will see a trail head.  It follows the river going south and goes for 2 miles.  The pictures I took above and below were the closest distance from the Interpretive Center.  If it is not muddy from prior rain, these trails are good for pulling carts.

River Fork Ranch has 2 trails - one that goes along the Carson River with open vistas, and another one at the east side of the parking lot that goes through or near the cottonwood trees and another fork of river.

Genoa Trees:  on Genoa Lane (206)

Directions:  From Reno, take 395 south.  Either turn right at Jacks Valley Road and follow it out to Genoa (for a scenic route), or, continue on 395 and turn right on 206 (Genoa Lane).  The intersection of Jacks Valley Road and 206 is where the Genoa Country Store is.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/genoa-country-store-genoa

Your choice!  Both are in the same area about a mile or less apart.

big cottonwoods on the side of the road near the Country Store, Genoa on Genoa Lane

November 2, 2015 Sky Tavern Paint-Out

Date:          November 2, 2015
Time:         9:30?  With time change - get there when you can
Place:          Sky Tavern Ski Area
Parking:      Free - we usually are along the fence where the aspen trees and trails are
Amenities:    If we see workers there, we might be able to use the bathrooms if the building is open

Directions:  From Reno - take Mount Rose Hwy 431 about 12 miles up the hill from the intersection of I-580.  Just past the old Tanenbaum area you will see a snow removal shed on the left and then a blue sign for Sky Tavern with a gate that should be open.  If you go past it by accident you can turn around at the Mountain Top Sports Rentals.  

October 26, 2015 (Monday) "Dayton Toll Road" Paint-Out

picture taken 10-19-15

This is a rural area with cottonwood trees in a canyon, rocky areas and lots of wild Nevada landscape

Date:          October 26, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:30 am
Place:          Dirt road named Dayton Toll Road
                    Maybe this is in the Dayton outskirts of town
Amenities:   None.  See below directions for nearby amenities
Parking:      Large dirt turn-out

Directions:
These directions are from Carson City 580/395:

Take the Highway 50 turn-off east towards Dayton
Go 5 to 6 miles
(Pit Stop - Look for a Shell Gas Station on your left.  This is your pit stop if you need it.  There is also a Pizza King restaurant in the strip mall next door.)
Turn Left on Nevada Hwy 341.  There are no businesses at this intersection
Go 2.7 miles
Turn right at 341 where road changes to 342 (see the mining building on your left)
Take another right (immediately) on Dayton Toll Road
Go about .5 miles on this dirt road.
After you cross a narrow bridge over a dry creek, there is a big open area to park.

The mining building on your left where you turn right on 341

we zipped right past this street the first time.  It is really immediate!

the parking area

"In the Open" our first exhibition is on display!

Today we hung our first exhibition at South Valleys Library in Reno "In the Open".  The participating artists are:

Emma Auriemma
Pat Edwards
Ray Freeman
Carol Grigus
Diann Laing
Brent Logan
Sue Perry
Linda Rosenblum
Carolyn Jean Thompson
Jane Wells

The show is beautiful!  To see a preview, here is a YouTube video I prepared:

Please come to view our show!  And, better yet, please come to our Artists' Reception Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 3:00 to 4:00 at South Valleys Library Gallery, 15650A Wedge Parkway, Reno, NV.

October 19, 2015 (Monday) Silver Saddle Ranch Paint-Out

The cottonwoods will start turning gold now...so it might be more colorful that these summer photos.
Sometimes there are cattle on the ranch.  Otherwise they might be across the street.
Just down the street a little further is Carson River Park - on the right side, a parking lot, picnic tables, trails along the river (which might be dry?) and cottonwoods there too.


Date:          October 19, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 or 9:30 am
Place:          Silver Saddle Ranch, Carson City
Parking:       Parking area .6 miles down their gravel ranch road see above
Amenities:    bathroom, hiking trails, bird watching, picnic area, working cattle ranch, barns and caretaker house, hiking and horseriding trails
Meeting Place:   the parking area.  Painting areas in walking distance.

Place to eat lunch in the shade of the backyard of one of the ranch houses - picnic tables for the public

Directions:    
From Reno, take 580 south
Take exit 38 for Fairview Drive, keep in left lane
Turn Left at the light onto Fairview Drive
At the round-about, take 1st exit onto East 5th Street
Turn Right on Carson River Road
Follow Carson River Road for 1.4 miles to the entrance at a bend in the road.
Picture above shows their sign on Carson River Road
Follow their gravel ranch road .6 miles to the parking area near the hay barn and ranch buildings.

Links, pictures and trail maps:  
Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch  http://fossr.org/

Silver Saddle Ranch  http://www.silversaddleranch.info/ssr-carson-about.htm

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field/blm_programs/recreation/silver_saddle.html

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• carts will work here - level ground
• drinking water
• hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella
• lunch or snacks
• folding chair if you wish
• bug spray (where there are cattle....there are flies)

What you can paint:

• cattle (maybe - they do move around)
• ranch and pasture vistas
• view of Slide Mountain
• some sagebrush and cottonwood trees
• nearby Carson River if you choose to drive down the road
• Ranch buildings

October 12, 2015 (Monday) Twaddle Ranch Paint-Out

Date:          October 12, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 or 9:30 (depending on morning temps)
Place:          Twaddle Ranch, Washoe Valley
Amenities:   bathroom at little park next door, free parking

Directions:

From Incline:  

Take Mt Rose Hwy

Take 580 towards Carson City

Take Exit 50 for Bowers Mansion Road/Nev 429/Old US 395

Turn Right on Bowers Mansion Road/Alternate Old 395.  Go .4 of a mile

Turn Left on William Brendt.  Go .2mile

Left on to Susan Lee Circle Road.  The old ranch is next to Wilson Commons Park on your right.

Link to Map:

https://maps.google.com/maps?hq=http://maps.google.com/help/maps/directions/driving/mapleft.kml&f=d&dirflg=d

October 5, 2015 (Monday) Rock Park Paint-Out

Rock Park Paint-Out
Sorry No pictures
No host

Date:          October 5, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 or 9:30 (depending on morning temp)
Place:          Rock Park, Sparks
Address:     1515 S. Rock Blvd, Sparks
Amenities:   picnic, walking, rafting, bathrooms, Truckee River, free parking

Link:  :  http://www.cityofsparks.us/residents/parks-and-facilities/rock-park

September 28, 2015 (Monday) Hidden Valley Regional Park Paint-Out

Date:          September 28, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Hidden Valley Regional Park, Reno
Address:     4740 Parkway Drive (off of Pembrook)
Parking:      Go to the upper parking lot closest to the trailheads
Amenities:  Picnic, hike, equestrian, bathrooms, dog park, views of city, free parking

Sorry, no photos.  This is a desert landscape with sage and rabbit brush.  Can be very pretty morning light with shadows.  Mountain views.  View of Truckee Meadows and city.

Directions:

From McCarran Blvd., turn east onto Pembroke Drive, drive past the Rosewood Lakes Golf Course and into the housing development. Several blocks into the houses, take a right on Parkway Drive and follow it to the park. There are several places to park depending on what you would like to see and do.

Links:

https://www.washoecounty.us/parks/parks/park_directory/truckee_river_district/hidden_valley_regional_park.php

http://renotahoe.about.com/od/publicparks/a/hiddenvalleypark.htm

Video of Summer 2015 paint-outs

Greetings painters and visitors!

I created my first YouTube video of paint-outs we went on this summer of 2015!   (I am a total amateur, so don't get too critical!!!)

We have been to so many wonderful painting locations and this shows only a few....

Enjoy!

September 21, 2015 (Monday) Silver Lake (Kirkwood area) Paint-Out

photo is from the internet

Date:          September 21, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:30 am (I hope I get there then!)
Place:          Silver Lake, near Kirkwood
Meet:          Kit Carson Lodge (my first time there - seems like a logical place to meet)
Amenities:   said lodge - open until Oct. 1.  Meals, Kayak rentals, fishing, etc.
Painting spot:  My first time there - I want to paint the view above!  Wherever that is.
Info:          7,300 feet, 45 min. from South Lake Tahoe along hwy 88 just past Kirkwood Ski area
? Cell phone reception?  I don't know....

What to bring:

• drinking water since high elevation
• food or purchase
• camera
• art gear, tote
• layers clothing (we are getting into fall)
• good walking shoes or boots

Links:

http://www.kitcarsonlodge.com/

http://www.amadorgold.net/tours/lakes/silver/silver.html

http://www.carsonpass.com/places/silver_lake.html

Directions:  please refer to Google maps for directions from your location, mileage and time to allow.  

From Reno at 80/580:  Allow 1hr 47 min. - 87 miles total - Take 580/395 south to Minden, turn right on Hwy 88.  Stay on Hwy 88 for about 38 miles.  Turn on Kit Carson Road - lodge is .4 miles.

For Tahoe - take 89 from Myers up to hwy 88, go east on 88.

Address:  32161 Kit Carson Road, Kit Carson, CA  95644

September 14, 2015 (Monday) Tahoe Meadows Paint Out

north side of hwy

Tahoe Meadows is starting to change.  These photos were taken on 8-30-15.  There is a nice contrast of colors between the grass and willows...and the evergreens.

south side of hwy where the stair sign is

Date:          September 14, 2015
Time:          9:30 am (we are starting to meet a little later)
Meeting Place:     Near the stair sign above on the south side of Mt. Rose Hwy.  There are two sets of stairs but they are in view of each other.  I will be painting the meadow on this side.  Parking is on the side of the road, either side.

Painting locations:  You can paint either side of the hwy, or, if you prefer the parking area at the Tahoe Meadows trailhead - you can try that.  There is also a side of the road parking area just above the entrance to the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead parking lot.  You are higher up and can take in more view.

Amenities:         Bathrooms are at the parking lot for Tahoe Meadows Trailhead on the south side of the hwy a little more East than the above picture where the stairs are.  Bathrooms are also at the Mt. Rose Trail Head parking lot at the summit.

still some areas of green

creek runs through willows near one of the stairs

August 31, 2015 (Monday) Crystal Peak Park Verdi Paint-Out

Date:          August 31, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Crystal Peak Park, Verdi
Amenities:   bathrooms, picnic tables, fishing, hiking

Downloadable PDF map of the park:  http://www.washoecounty.us/repository/files/28/Crystal%2520Peak%2520Park%2520Trails%2520Map%252017%2520x%252022


Directions:  Drive about 10 miles west of Reno on I80 and take the Verdi exit past Boomtown and Cabela's. At the stop, turn left on S. Verdi Road (there is a sign pointing to Crystal Peak Park). This road twists around, passing under I80, over the railroad tracks, and under I80 again. It turns into Crystal Park Road. Look for the park's upper parking lot on your left. Just before this lot, there is a sharp left turn that takes you to the lower lot by the picnic area, restrooms, and trailhead. There is a Crystal Peak Park sign here, but it is hard to see before you need to turn. (DIRECTIONS FROM THE INTERNET)

Links:

http://www.newtoreno.com/crystal-peak-park-verdi-reno.htm

http://travelnevada.com/discover/verdi

 Fly fishing at Crystal Peak Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NuFeVnv_8Q

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crystal-Peak-Park/144863228867203

August 24, 2015 (Monday) Speedboat Beach Paint-Out

From the internet

Date:          August 24, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Speedboat Beach (close to Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe)
Meet:          At the beach - there is a short access trail
Park:          Neighborhood street parking
Amenities:   NONE - you must go to Kings Beach or Incline for bathrooms, etc.

Directions:
From South Reno:  take Mt Rose Hwy to Incline.  Right on 28.  Pass Crystal Bay and before you get into Kings Beach at the point - turn Left on EITHER Harbor Ave. OR Speedboat Avenue.  Go to the end and park in the neighborhood.  There is a beach access trail at the end of Speedboat Avenue.

From North Reno:  take 80 to Truckee, take 267 to Kings Beach.  Turn Left on 28 and then turn right on either Speedboat Avenue or Harbor Ave. at the point.

Links:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/speedboat-beach-lake-tahoe

http://www.tahoepublicbeaches.com/speedboat-beach/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPkaeaOp5o

http://northtahoeparks.com/beaches

http://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/swimming-holes-cliff-jumping/speedboat-beach

August 17, 2015 (Monday) Lily Ponds and Lower Blue Lake Paint-Out

First Lily Pond on the right side of Blue Lakes Road

Date:          August 17, 2015
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Choice of 3 locations in close proximity:
                    1st Lily Pond, 2nd Lily Pond or Lower Blue Lake
Meet:          First Lily Pond - parking on the side of the road
Amenities:   bathroom at Lower Blue Lake Campground and picnic area.  Also at the PCT Trail head parking at Tamarack Junction sign
Elevation:   above 8,000 feet
Closest gas:  Woodfords?  Markleville for sure.

General information:  This area is at the end of Blue Lakes Road (after you pass through Hope Valley on 88, you turn Left on Blue Lakes Road).

Directions from Reno etc:
Take 580 south to Minden, turn right on Hwy 88 to Woodfords, keep on 88 as you pass Sorensens and Hope Valley, turn Left on Blue Lakes Road, go to almost the end to meeting place.  Time and Mileage from Minden to Blue Lakes:  34.5 miles/55 min.

Directions from Lake Tahoe:
Go 50 to Myers, turn Left on 89, at Hope Valley turn Right on 88, then turn Left on Blue Lakes Road and go to the end.  Time and Mileage from Myers to Blue Lakes:  26 miles/43 min.

According to the map, the first thing you will see is a sign saying "Tamarack Junction" and PCT trailhead pointing to the left.  (there is a bathroom there)  Then the first lily pond is on your right.  The second lily pond is on your left.  Next the road ends at the Blue Lakes Campground where it turns to dirt road.  You cannot park in a campsite, but there are some dirt pull-offs - just beware of boulders and rocks.  The road gets real rough the farther you go - so it is not recommended unless you have high-clearance vehicles.

What to bring:

• Bug Spray for the lily pond areas!!!!
• Sunscreen, hat
• Plenty of water - we are above 8,000 feet.
• Lunch and drink
• of course your art gear
• light weight jacket - it is 10 degrees cooler than the lower elevations and it can be quite breezy at Blue Lakes
• cell phones do not work here

Map:

Pictures:

Another view of First Lily Pond

2nd Lily Pond  on the left side of 88 - this one is private property

Lower Blue Lake from the camping/picnic area

Another view of Lower Blue Lakes from camping/picnic area

Links:  

http://www.carsonpass.com/lodging/blue_lakes_camping.html

http://recreation.pge.com/Campgrounds-and-RV-Parks/All/Lower-Blue-Lake-Campground/Overview

August 10, 2015 (Monday) Bliss State Park Paint-Out

Date:          August 10, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe
Meet/Park/Paint:    Lester Beach Parking lot
Amenities:  Bathroom, beach, beautiful views, picnic areas, trails
Fee:          $10 entrance

Back by popular demand!  This time we will meet at Lester Beach Parking Lot.  It is a larger parking lot than Rubicon Point, and a little closer walk to the beach.

Map available by download:  go to this site:  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505 and then click on "Brochure" and then go to page 7 (the map) and print page 7 - it will download as a PDF.

Directions:  Please use Google Maps to decide which is the fastest from your location.  It could be going Mt. Rose Hwy and going north along the lake through Tahoe City and then down to Bliss, or it could be Hwy 50 to South Lake and going past Emerald Bay for others.  Still others may find I-80 to Truckee and going to Tahoe City via 89 and then on down to Bliss is the fastest route.

August 3, 2015 (Monday) Carson Pass Paint-Out

Carson Pass is high country and big views.  If the meeting location doesn't inspire you, there are other parking spots nearby I can direct you to.

Date:          August 3, 2015 (Monday)
Time:         9:00 to 9:30 am arrival
Place:          Carson Pass parking lot on the north side of Hwy 89
Altitude:     about 8,000 plus feet
Amenities:   a pit toilet, paved parking lot with views, trail with old growth cedar trees and views
Cell phones:  don't work on much of 89 through Hope Valley and up here

What to bring:

• food and drink
• possible light jacket
• good walking shoes
• folding chair (I don't remember any picnic tables there)
• art gear
• art umbrella
• bag for rocks to weight (possible breezes/wind)
• hat, sunscreen
• bug spray

Directions from Reno:

Take 580 to Carson City, then take 395 south to Minden

Turn right on Hwy 88 to Woodfords

At Woodfords, continue straight up the hill (it is now both 88 and 89) to Hope Valley

Stay straight at Picketts Junction and stay on 88 

Continue pass Red Lake

As you go up the pass there will be a parking area on the left that overlooks down onto Red Lake (one of the options), a little further up is a ranger station and parking and bathroom on the left (this is a second option) and just a little further up from that is the parking lot on the RIGHT (north) side --- and that will be our meeting place.  FYI, there is one more option - if you go further and down the pass on the other side there is Caples Lake camping and picnic area.