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Artists present Patterson scenes in watercolor

Written by Maddy Houk / Patterson Irrigator

Saturday, 10 November 2007

At a glance

WHO: Charlotte Williams, Glenda Barreto, Lois Hansen and Eileen Butcher’s artwork
WHAT: Watercolor painting display
WHERE: Patterson Library, 46 N. Salado Ave.
INFO: 892-6473

Watercolor scenes of Patterson’s downtown Center Building, the former water district building and a Highway 33 pumphouse line the walls of the Patterson Library this month.

The art is courtesy of Del Puerto Art Group members Glenda Barreto, Eileen Butcher, Lois Hansen and Charlotte Williams, who created the display of local landmarks. The Del Puerto group consists of local artists who get together and support each other as they produce their works.

“These beautiful paintings bring unique and recognizable glimpses of the city of Patterson to the walls of the library,” librarian Kelly Thompson said.

Artist Glenda Barretto's classic image of Patterson's Carnegie building.

Hansen said the group has worked on various themes this year.

“We just thought it would be nice to do some scenes from Patterson and show them as a group,” Hansen said. “Everybody picked what they wanted to do. We’re trying to keep trends going, and next we’re each going to each do a painting using three colors.”

Meet the artists
Charlotte Williams, who has painted as long as she can remember, joined the art group two years ago after retired teacher Barreto and past librarian Heather Hajek saw her work in “Watercolor Magic” magazine.

Williams, a legal clerk for Stanislaus County since 1988, paints before work and is partially colorblind. As a result, she said, she must think hard about what color goes with another color.

Watercolor image of Blue's Cafe.

Glenda Barreto, who retired from teaching in 2003, paints street scenes, doorways and old buildings. She has done artwork and crafts since she was a small child.

Barreto said she becomes completely immersed in her work while enjoying the creative process. Watercolor is her medium of choice. Barreto said its unpredictable character challenges her. She took art classes in high school and later on in Mexico after she married.

Barreto, who works in her home art studio, said her favorite street scenes are of Mexico and Italy, because she likes the contrast of textures and colors in plaster, brick and stone.

Lois Hansen said she is passionate about her paintings, each of which is a journey through the past and present. Hansen took art classes at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock. She works in watercolor, charcoal, collage and acrylics. Her favorite subject is the human figure.

Watercolor image of old Patterson Irrigation District building.

Throughout the years, her paintings have been displayed in Patterson, Modesto and Turlock. Hansen also has written and illustrated books for her grandchildren.

Eileen Butcher, one of the newest Del Puerto Art Group members, said she has painted in watercolors for 13 years. She enjoys watercolor because the paints are easy to pack up and take with her on vacation. Butcher, a physical therapist, is an arts-and-crafts buff and has made soap, paper and hand-built picture frames.

To reach Maddy Houk at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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