Street Painting Festival

My friend Lucie was invited to participate in the San Rafael Italian Street Painting festival.  A few months ago she asked if i had any ideas - and i DID! 

I told Lucie about a sketch i saw in a restaurant years ago that i always thought would be fun to paint. It was a simple view through french doors to the san francisco bay and the golden gate bridge.  I did a quick drawing (from memory!) and sent it to her.  Oh the magic of cell phones and email...

Lucie turned that idea into a marvelous Matisse inspired masterpiece!  She is a true artist with a fantastic sense of style and colour.

This weekend was super hot - like 90-100 degrees so Lucie was determined to finish early this morning (after starting yesterday) before it got too hot.  Here she is adding the final colour to the slippers.  I should mention that she had some help on Saturday with her friend Marilyn and her son Alex.

Just love Lucie's whimsical style!

Bonus - Lucie's square was sponsored by the To Celebrate Life breast cancer charity here in Marin County.  The artists are not paid for their hard work and the pastel street paintings are washed away after the festival.  So we have to enjoy the beauty while we can.  Thank heaven for cell phone cameras!  Although sadly my battery died before i could take pictures of any of the other wonderful street paintings... :-(