An award-winning artist, MaryLou Correia’s inspiration arises from observing nature and man’s gentle intrusion into it. "Reflections" is a collection of oil paintings expressing her deep connection with nature. Influenced by the Impressionists’ use of brilliant, sensuous layers of color, she observes the grace and beauty of nature to capture a vignette in time. Painting loosely with exuberant brush strokes, her vibrant color combinations express the changing moods of the landscapes. The subtle use of figures stirs the viewer’s imagination. Challenged by painting pure landscape with only the hint of human presence, her paintings encourage the viewer to appreciate and preserve landscape for future generations.

“For me the adventure is the process of painting," says MaryLou, "the meditative, absorbing challenge of capturing the moment, a sense of the place. Painting is my way of cherishing nature and welcoming the surprises and the unexpected gentle creatures I meet along the way.”

“My favorite season painting in California is early Spring which begins with February’s dramatic clouded skies and sprinkles of snow on the local mountains" MaryLou continues. "This year the late rain produced spectacular flowering orchards. In March I painted along the flooded roadways, and above the blooming almond orchards with hovering clouds. I painted with freedom and delight until the clouds burst, then over to John Muir's historic home in Martinez as the treasured old orchards bloomed. Brentwood’s ancient cherry trees put on a spectacular show, and the Antelope Valley was so breathtaking, it was candy for the eye. It has been a Spring of abundance.”

"Reflections" also includes paintings from MaryLou's recent retreat to the Mexican fishing village of Boca, where she enjoyed the people, their delight in the simple slow pace of life, good food and music.

Learn more about MaryLou at www.mlcorreia.com.

Summer Group Show

Benicia Plein Air Gallery presents a year-round exhibit of plein air paintings by all 13 of the gallery's artists, showcasing a colorful variety of media and styles.

Drop by to see what's new!

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Benicia Plein Air Gallery is pleased to welcome our newest member artist Maria SantoStefano.  Maria is a colorist and paints in oil because of its brilliance and dimensional qualities. Her goal with every painting is to find the point where the beauty of the scene meets that of the medium.

Learn more about Maria at www.santostefano.weebly.com