About Artist Days

Eugene O’Neill used his Nobel Prize to build Tao House, now a National Historic Site, in the hills above Danville because the location so inspired him. This program, now in its eleventh year, offers artists a place to create works of art for extended periods of time twice a year. The former O’Neill estate borders the Las Trampas open space with spectacular views of the San Ramon Valley, Las Trampas Ridge and Mount Diablo. The program is sponsored by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service.

The Artists

Most of the work created here is plein air paintings; however all forms of art are encouraged, including sculpture, photography, music, and writing. The works have been displayed in many special venues over the years. This year there will be exhibits of the artworks in the Pioneer Art Gallery and at the O’Neill International Conference in Danville in June. Artists this year include Charles White, Diane Pruett, Stephen Sanfilippo, Don Eagling, Marilyn Mattson, Debbie Koonce, Bill Carmel, Robin Purcell, and Roswitha Kress.

The Exhibit

An exhibition at the Pioneer Art Gallery in downtown Danville will be open from May 23 until Sunday, June 2. An opening reception will take place on Saturday May 31 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The gallery is located at 524 Hartz Avenue between Amber and Faz Restaurants, across the street from Basil Leaf Café and China Paradise. Hours are Friday 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. The Pioneer Art Gallery is a project of theAlamo Danville Artists Society (www.adas4art.org).

In Appreciation

We are grateful to the staff of the National Park Service for their support and participation in this program.

Artists and Descriptions of Paintings

Artist: Don Eagling


Pond At Tao House. 16 X 12, acrylic on canvas, Standing on the Northwest corner of the property, the irrigation Pond next door provides an interesting composition. The Las Trampas Hills are in the background.	Tao House Vista 12 X 16, acrylic on canvas, From the Tao House porch on the back first floor level, is an incredible look West at Mt. Diablo and the San Ramon Valley. This is a similar view that O'Neill has from his second floor office.

Artist: Robin Purcell


California Barn. 12 X 16 Watercolor on Paper This watercolor depicts O'Neill's Barn looking South. It was a glorious day.	Eucalyptus Dance 21 X 14 Watercolor on Paper This is a view looking South, of the O'Neill Eucalyptus tees near the Old Barn. It was painted on the afternoon of Thursday, May 1 2008.	Mount Diablo Morning 21 X 14 Watercolor on Paper This view of Mt Diablo is painted from the northwest corner of the O'Neill property. Also painted Thursday, May 1 2008

Artist: Debbie Koonce


Eugene's House 20"x24"	Mt. Diablo with Orchard 24"x30" Acrylic

Tao Approach 18"x24" Acrylic	Tao House Barn 22"x28" Acrylic

Tao House-from the Back 18"x24" Acrylic

Artist: Stephen Sanfilippo

The view from the Tao House is so inspiring... I can see how Eugene O'Neill was drawn to create here. There are few places I can go to paint with this vantage point of Mt. Diablo AND enjoy the day with other talented artists. I especially appreciate the opportunity to share these works with the art enthusiasts of Danville.

Artist: Roswitha Kress

Painting in the fields around TAO House amidst the buzz of insects and the song of birds, at times shaken by gusts of wind or soaking up warm sunshine, has given me hours of refreshing solitude. I literally feel the quiet surrounding me and want to scoop it up and take it with me!"


Corner of Tao House, 28x23, Pastel on Paper	Mt. Diablo (from Tao House), 24x30, Pastel on Paper	In the Quiet of the Night, 23x27, Pastel over Monotype

The Barn at Tao House, 18x24, Oil on Canvas	Rhythm of the Mountain, 21x25, Pastel on Board