This month, we are proud to feature William Ferre.

“Bolivia” (above) was inspired by the story and picture of a group of people who were building a road in exchange for food for their families. William was captivated by the sense of community and connection between the people. This watercolor was a study of fabric and texture. In some areas there are 60 layers of paint. (2009)

William Ferre was born in Southern California in 1949. He developed his love of drawing early in his childhood. As far back in his life as he can remember, he loved to draw and paint exactly what he saw. Realism was a natural part of his expression.

At 18 William and his mother moved to Santa Cruz, California. Aileen Angel, a local artist, encouraged him to pursue his talent for realism. He began taking art classes with her and under her guidance his love of oils blossomed.

He married in 1976 and soon after started a family. As he worked a full time job and raised his family, art became an on and off again hobby. Now his children are grown and raising a families of their own. He is retired from his job and free to pursue art as a full time endeavor.

William says his intention is to touch people through his art. As you will see, he works mostly in watercolor and oils. View his work through your heart as well as your eyes and enjoy the journey.

William lives in Santa Cruz County with his wife and three exotic pets. William can be reached at (831)475-5472 by phone or P.O. Box 712, Soquel, CA 95073.

The PEN Story from PENStory on Vimeo.

“Cheryl’s art classes are so inspiring!  I don’t have an art background yet I felt very successful.  My students have loved the projects I’ve shared with them.  Thank you Palace Arts and Cheryl for offering these wonderful art classes for teachers!”
~ Patti M., 3rd grade teacher, Boulder Creek Elementary

“Cheryl is amazing – very creative with endless ideas!  She is an inspiration.  I love her workshops – so much fun!!”
~ Dana S., Westlake Elementary

“You leave Cheryl’s workshops with 3 projects ready to do with your class, lots of helpful tips to make it all easier and the confidence to do it.  Sitting an doing art with other teachers is relaxing and delightful!”
~ Kaylene J., Del Mar Elementary

“I so love Cheryl’s classes!  She has such fabulous ideas! I’m amazed that we leave each class with three great lesson plans all ready to go.  I love the variety of projects and how they tie in with the art masters. The classes have been a great opportunity to network with other teachers and they are so much fun!”
~ Nancy C., Holy Cross School

 “I feel completely rejuvenated and inspired by these workshops. I’ve been raving about them to every teacher I know. Cheryl’s lessons are clear, creative, interesting and fun. Each class I’ve attended has given me three complete projects that I will teach every year for the rest of my career along with step by step instructions, recommendations and tips to make them successful every time. Like her lessons and projects, Cheryl’s instruction during the workshop was skillful and responsive. I can confidently recommend these classes to ANY teacher of any subject, grade or level of artistic experience and know that they would have a comfortable and inspiring experience and come away with practical, useful ideas. These workshops feel like the antidote to everything that is poisoning public education in California. Teachers are starved for professional development and teaching ideas that treat us as creative professionals rather than idiotic robots. And our students are hungry for art, fun, laughter and activities that challenge their whole brains and bring forth their full potential. As a teacher and a mom I needed this release and relaxation of uninterrupted creative time and good company. I came away feeling both ready for the rest of my summer and also excited about returning to school in the fall to try these projects with kids. It doesn’t get any better than staff development that feels like a mental and emotional massage. THANK YOU to Cheryl, Palace and everyone else who has helped make this opportunity possible.”
~ Arin H. - 1st & 2nd Grade teacher at Del Mar Elementary

Check out the Teacher Community to see a schedule of art classes planned for the summer, “Teaching Teachers to Teach Art”.

Enjoy your summer break — you deserve it!

And thank you to Mary Anne Carson of Santa Cruz County Bank for the favorable Palace mention!

Charcoal Drawing Lesson

Check out this article to get the scoop.

Klutz Kits

Lets make some BEADS!

Beading with Megan Dunn

Future Brave Finger Painting Demo by Julie Rice

Check out this link to get more info for upcoming events!

http://www.beachboardwalk.com    JUST HAVE FUN!